If you’re looking for sports massage in Canberra, you don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit from it. Sports massage can be useful for anyone who regularly exercises, plays weekend sport, goes to the gym, runs, cycles, plays football or simply has an active lifestyle.
At ACT Remedial Therapy Massage, our sports massage treatments are tailored to your activity level, training routine and individual needs.
Whether you’re preparing for a competition, recovering after training or dealing with tight and tired muscles, sports massage can be incorporated into your recovery routine.
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is a form of massage therapy designed for physically active people. The treatment can be adapted depending on your sport, training schedule, physical demands and any current or previous injuries.
Unlike a general relaxation massage, sports massage is usually more focused on the areas that are working hardest.
Your therapist may use a combination of massage techniques, targeted pressure, stretching and other hands-on techniques depending on your goals.
Sports massage may be appropriate before or after exercise, as well as between training sessions.
Who can benefit from sports massage?
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to have a sports massage.
It may be suitable for:
- Runners and marathon runners
- Football and soccer players
- AFL and rugby players
- Cyclists
- Swimmers
- Tennis players
- Golfers
- Gym and fitness enthusiasts
- CrossFit and strength-training participants
- People who participate in recreational sport
- Weekend athletes
- People with physically demanding jobs
If your body is regularly exposed to exercise, training or physical activity, sports massage may be a useful part of your recovery routine.
What are the benefits of sports massage?
Everyone responds differently to massage, but sports massage may help with:
Muscle soreness and recovery
Intense or unfamiliar exercise can leave your muscles feeling sore and tight. Sports massage may help reduce the discomfort associated with post-exercise muscle soreness and support recovery.
Muscle tension and tightness
Training can place repeated demands on certain muscle groups. A targeted massage can focus on areas that feel particularly tight, fatigued or overworked.
Flexibility and mobility
Massage may help improve flexibility and joint movement, particularly when muscle tension is contributing to restricted movement.
Recovery between training sessions
Regular massage may be useful for people who train frequently and want to support their recovery between sessions.
Preparing for physical activity
Sports massage can also be used before exercise or competition. Pre-event treatment is generally adapted to the activity and may use lighter, more stimulating techniques rather than an intensive deep-tissue treatment.
When should you have a sports massage?
The best timing depends on your activity and what you’re trying to achieve.
Sports massage before exercise
If you’re preparing for a sporting event or training session, your therapist can adjust the treatment according to your activity.
A pre-event massage is generally shorter and less intensive, with the aim of helping you feel prepared to move.
Sports massage after exercise
After a hard training session, game or competition, a sports massage may help manage muscle soreness and support recovery.
Sports massage between training sessions
If you train regularly, massage can be incorporated into your overall recovery routine to help manage muscle tension and maintain comfortable movement.
Sports massage after the gym
If you regularly go to the gym, strength train or lift weights, sports massage can be useful for areas that receive repeated loading.
Depending on your training, your therapist may focus on areas such as:
- Back and shoulders
- Chest and arms
- Glutes and hips
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings
- Calves
- Forearms
Your treatment can be adjusted depending on whether you’re training for strength, fitness, bodybuilding or general health.
Sports massage for runners
Running places repetitive demands on the lower body.
Runners commonly seek sports massage for areas such as the:
- Calves
- Hamstrings
- Quadriceps
- Glutes
- Hips
- Feet
If you’re preparing for a long-distance event or increasing your running volume, massage can be incorporated alongside appropriate training, recovery and exercise.
Sports massage for soccer and football players
Soccer and football involve running, acceleration, changes of direction and repeated high-intensity efforts.
Sports massage may be used to support recovery after training and games and to manage areas that feel tight or fatigued.
At ACT Remedial Therapy Massage, we can tailor your treatment according to your sport and training schedule.
Sports massage vs remedial massage
People often ask about the difference between sports massage and remedial massage.
There can be considerable overlap between the two.
Sports massage is generally focused on the needs of physically active people, including training, recovery and preparation for sport.
Remedial massage is generally more focused on specific musculoskeletal concerns, pain, movement restrictions and areas of muscular tension.
Your therapist can discuss your goals and determine which approach is most appropriate for your session.
In some cases, a treatment may combine techniques commonly associated with both sports and remedial massage.
Does sports massage hurt?
Sports massage doesn’t have to be painful to be effective.
Some techniques may feel firm or uncomfortable, particularly when working on areas of significant tension, but you should always communicate with your therapist if the pressure is too much.
Your treatment can be adjusted according to your comfort level, training schedule and goals.
Sports massage can sometimes result in temporary soreness, bruising or tiredness afterwards.
How often should you have a sports massage?
There isn’t one schedule that works for everyone.
The ideal frequency depends on:
- How often you train
- The type of sport you participate in
- Training intensity
- Your recovery routine
- Your individual needs
- Whether you’re preparing for a competition
Some people choose an occasional treatment when they feel particularly tight or sore, while others incorporate massage regularly into their training and recovery routine.
Your therapist can help you decide what makes sense for you.
Can sports massage help with an injury?
Sports massage may be used as part of recovery from some sports-related problems, but massage isn’t appropriate for every injury or condition.
If you’ve recently suffered an injury, have significant pain, swelling or an undiagnosed problem, it’s important to seek appropriate medical or physiotherapy assessment first. Healthdirect recommends speaking with a doctor if you’re considering sports massage for an injury or health condition.
At ACT Remedial Therapy Massage, we’ll always discuss your history and current symptoms before treatment and modify or postpone treatment when appropriate.
What to expect during a sports massage in Canberra
When you arrive at ACT Remedial Therapy Massage, your therapist will discuss your activity, training, areas of concern and what you’d like to achieve from the session.
Your treatment may include targeted massage techniques and may focus on specific muscle groups rather than the entire body.
The treatment is personalised rather than following exactly the same routine for every client.
Sports Massage in Canberra
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend soccer player, a regular gym-goer or simply someone who enjoys staying active, sports massage can be tailored to your individual needs.
At ACT Remedial Therapy Massage, we provide sports and remedial massage in Canberra with treatments tailored to your body, activity and goals.
Forrest, Canberra
Lyneham, Canberra
If you’re looking for sports massage near you in Canberra, our team can help you choose the right treatment for your needs.
Ready to book your sports massage?
Book your sports massage appointment with ACT Remedial Therapy Massage today.