What should you know about full sports massage?

A session may include assessment, warming strokes, deeper pressure, stretching, and work around muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. The therapist may focus on areas loaded by your sport, such as the calves, thighs, hips, back, shoulders, or forearms. Pressure should be adjustable and communicated throughout the appointment. Temporary tenderness can occur, but sharp pain, burning, or a worsening symptom is a reason to ask for less pressure or stop.

Sports massage can support recovery from ordinary exercise soreness and may be included in a broader rehabilitation plan. It is not a substitute for assessment of a significant injury, swelling, bruising, weakness, or loss of function.

Tell the therapist about recent injuries, skin problems, medicines, blood-clotting concerns, and areas that are painful or numb. Hydrate normally, wear clothing that allows access to the treatment area, and avoid a large meal immediately beforehand. During the session, describe pressure clearly and mention any tingling or unexpected pain. Afterward, resume activity gradually and follow the rehabilitation plan if massage is being used alongside physiotherapy.

Do not use massage over a suspected fracture, open wound, spreading skin infection, or a freshly injured area with marked swelling or bruising unless a clinician has advised it. Seek medical assessment for sudden calf swelling and pain, chest pain, breathlessness, new weakness, or pain that rapidly worsens after treatment.

Ask whether massage fits your diagnosis, which areas should be avoided, how soon it is appropriate after an injury, and whether another approach such as myofascial release would better match your goals. Clarify what activity is safe after the session.