Sports Massage Therapy

Unlike a general massage that focuses mainly on alleviating chronic tension, sports massage therapy targets the muscles you use most for your favorite physical activity or sport. We use several massage techniques to help your body move, feel and perform better, including:

• Deep tissue massage: Reaches deeper muscle layers to release chronic tension and tightness.
• Swedish massage: Uses gentle, flowing strokes to boost circulation and relax muscles.
• Active release technique (ART): Combines pressure and movement to treat soft tissue injuries.
• Trigger point therapy: Targets tight bands of muscle tissue, also known as knots, to reduce pain and restore function.
• General stretching: Helps increase flexibility, relieve tension and improve joint mobility.

We offer three variations of athletic massage to help boost your performance. Choosing the right one is based on your current level of discomfort and upcoming athletic events:

• Pre-event sports massage: This stimulating Swedish massage targets muscles that will be used during an upcoming event and increases energy levels with brisk massage techniques that invigorate.
• Post-event sports massage: Designed to help you wind down after intense physical exertion, this type of sports massage targets muscle soreness and helps to normalize body tissues. It also helps prevent muscle stiffness the next day.
• Restorative sports massage: Provided during training to keep you at peak performance level, this massage ensures muscles are kept warm and supple, enabling more intense exertion during training time while helping to minimize the risk of injury.

Our rehabilitative sports massage is aimed at treating sports injuries and speeding recovery time. Targeted at a specific trouble spot, rehabilitative sports massage therapy helps increase circulation and protect range of motion.

Your therapist will talk with you first about your sports massage therapy goals, such as whether you’re preparing for an event, recovering from one or working through an injury.

During your session:

• Techniques and pressure levels will be customized to your comfort and needs.
• You may feel some discomfort, especially if tight muscles or trigger points are being treated.
• Communication is key, so tell your therapist if something hurts or doesn’t feel right.

Some soreness after a sports massage therapy session is normal. This happens because deep tissue work causes small changes at the muscle fiber level, including:

• Mild inflammation
• Increased blood flow
• Temporary tenderness as your muscles adjust

The goal is to relieve tension and promote healing, not to create pain. Our skilled sports massage therapists know how to balance effectiveness with your comfort.

Your therapist may also recommend complementary integrative medicine therapies, such as sports acupuncture or sports chiropractic care.