SJS Sports Massage: What to Know

Ordinary muscle soreness after exercise may respond differently from a muscle strain, which involves injured muscle fibres and needs sensible loading. A muscle contusion follows a blow and may include bruising or swelling. Deep pressure over a fresh injury can aggravate symptoms. Calf pain needs particular care because its cause can range from muscle overload to problems that require prompt medical assessment.

Tell the therapist where the discomfort is, when it began, what training preceded it, and whether there is bruising, swelling, weakness, tingling, or altered walking. Agree on pressure and speak up if the sensation becomes sharp, electric, or distinctly worse. Gentle mobility, hydration, rest from aggravating activity, and a gradual return plan may complement treatment. Myofascial release is another hands-on approach that may be discussed.

Pause massage and arrange assessment for severe pain, marked swelling, substantial bruising, loss of strength, inability to bear weight, or symptoms that keep worsening. Seek urgent care for sudden calf swelling with warmth or redness, chest pain, or breathlessness. A suspected significant strain or contusion should be assessed before forceful treatment.

Ask whether the symptoms fit soreness, a strain, or a contusion; when hands-on treatment is suitable; what movements to avoid; and how to return to sport without repeatedly loading the injured area.