Sports massage is sometimes included in an athlete’s wider training routine. Some people find it helps them feel more comfortable or relaxed, but it is not a shortcut to improved fitness, a way to prevent every injury, or a substitute for training.

Decide what you want from a session

Be clear whether your goal is relaxation, temporary relief from soreness, or help managing a specific movement concern. Tell the therapist about recent training and your next event. Pressure and technique should be adjusted to your preferences; you can decline or stop treatment.

Keep training decisions separate

Feeling temporarily better after massage does not prove that an injury is ready for full training. Return-to-sport decisions should take account of function, symptoms and the demands of the activity. If pain is worsening or limiting normal use, modify training and consider assessment.

Build performance through the basics

Consistent practice, appropriate progression and recovery support training. Massage may be a preferred comfort measure for some people, but results vary and it should not be marketed as a guaranteed performance enhancer.

Read our guide to sports massage and recovery, training load and injury risk, or learn about mobile sports and remedial massage.