What Is a Sports Massage? Benefits, Techniques, and Why It’s More Than Just Relaxation

Whether you're an athlete, a gym regular, or someone dealing with day-to-day muscle tension, a sports massage can be a powerful tool for recovery and performance. But what exactly is it - and how does it differ from a traditional spa massage?

In this post, we’ll explore what a sports massage is, how it works, the key differences from other massage types, and how to choose the right appointment length to suit your body’s needs.

What Is a Sports Massage?

A sports massage is a form of deep tissue massage that targets the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues used during physical activity. Unlike a general relaxation massage, sports massage is goal-oriented - aiming to reduce pain, improve flexibility, enhance circulation, and accelerate recovery. It’s commonly used both before and after exercise, and is highly effective for treating chronic tension, overuse injuries, and postural imbalances.

Techniques used may include deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, stretching & mobilisation, and friction & compression techniques.

What Does a Sports Massage Do?

The primary benefits of sports massage include:

✅ Reduced muscle tension and soreness

✅ Improved range of motion and flexibility

✅ Faster recovery from exercise or injury

✅ Better posture and body alignment

✅ Prevention of injury through regular maintenance

It’s not just for professional athletes - sports massage is equally effective for anyone experiencing physical discomfort from work, training, or everyday stress.

How Is It Different from a Spa Massage?

While both types of massage offer relaxation and stress relief, the intent and technique are very different.

Sports Massage	Spa Massage
Targets specific muscle groups	Full-body relaxation
Deeper pressure & focused techniques	Light to moderate pressure
Designed for recovery & performance	Designed for stress relief
Often used for injury rehab or prevention	Used for general wellness and pampering
Focused on function & mobility	Focused on relaxation & mood

At LMH Optimal Therapy, our sports massage therapists are trained to assess your body and tailor each session to your needs: whether you're recovering from a race or managing long-term tightness.

Sports Massage Pricing & Appointment Options

Here at LMH Optimal Therapy we offer flexible session lengths depending on your goals and how much of the body needs attention:

💆 30 minutes – £40 | Ideal for one specific area, such as neck & shoulders or calves.

💆 45 minutes – £45 | Perfect for two key areas, or for regular maintenance when you’re short on time.

💆 60 minutes – £55 | Best for full-body treatment or in-depth focus on multiple problem areas.

Different lengths allow us to vary the intensity and coverage of your treatment. A shorter session may be best for post-workout relief, while longer sessions offer time to really work into deeper issues and achieve lasting results.

Book Your Sports Massage Today

At LMH Optimal Therapy, our experienced therapists are here to help you feel your best - whether you’re training hard, working long hours, or just want to move better.

Ready to feel the difference? Book your sports massage today!