Expert Sports Massage At The Osteopathy Clinic
Sports massage is a specialised form of soft-tissue treatment designed to help your muscles relax, move and perform at their best. It isn’t just for athletes — it’s helpful for anyone who feels tight, sore, or restricted from everyday activities, work posture, or exercise.
During a sports massage, we use a combination of techniques such as deeper pressure and targeted soft-tissue work. These techniques help to:
- Reduce muscle tension and knots
- Improve flexibility and joint movement
- Increase blood flow to support healing
- Enhance recovery after activity or injury
- Prevent future issues by addressing early signs of strain
People often describe the treatment as a “good soreness” — firm enough to be effective, but always within your comfort levels. We’ll tailor the pressure and techniques to your needs, whether you’re dealing with a specific injury, preparing for an event, or simply wanting your body to feel looser and more balanced.
It’s completely normal — and very common — to feel some temporary soreness or discomfort after a sports massage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Massage
Can you feel pain after a sports massage?
Yes, you can. Sports massage works quite deeply into the muscles, so it’s normal to feel:
- Mild soreness in the areas that were worked on
- A heavy or tired feeling in the muscles
- Slight stiffness similar to the day after a workout
This usually settles within 24–48 hours.
Why does this happen?
During a sports massage, tight or overworked muscles are stretched, ‘stripped’, and released. This can create tiny amounts of inflammation — not harmful, but enough to cause that “post-treatment ache.” It’s a sign that the tissues are responding and beginning to repair and reset.
What’s normal vs. not normal?
Normal:
- Achy, tender muscles
- Light stiffness
- Mild fatigue or heaviness
Not normal:
- Sharp pain
- Pain that gets worse instead of improving
- Swelling, numbness, or tingling
If anything feels unusual or concerning, please let us know.
How to ease post-massage soreness
- Drink plenty of water
- Use gentle movement and stretching
- Apply a warm shower or heat pack, or try an ice compress for 10 mins
- Avoid heavy training for the rest of the day
Overall, a little soreness is simply part of the body adapting — most people feel significantly looser, easier to move, and more comfortable once it settles. The goal is to help you move more comfortably, recover more quickly, and keep your body functioning at its best.