Sports Massage Therapy 

At Massage Hope, we use the same modalities to treat you as we would with therapeutic massage (Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Nerve Mobilization, Stretching); what makes sports massage different is an understanding of your sport, including how specific movements and forces affect you. Your massage therapist will take the time to understand the body mechanics of your sport and how massage can best affect your performance.

30 MINUTE SPORTS MASSAGE SESSION, $80

For athletes who want to focus on one specific body part (eg. hip, rotator cuff, foot...) Short and to the Point.

60 MINUTE SPORTS MASSAGE SESSION, $130

For more than one small issue or no specific issue and want a general full body to knock out any soreness and stiffness.

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Sports Massage Therapy Benefits

Professional athletes have known about the benefits of regular massage for some time, but amateur athletes and even weekend warriors find that massage is important for them, too. Most trainers and coaches advise their clients to get regular massage to enhance workouts, recover from competition, and rehabilitate injuries.

Muscles and Massage - Our muscles are designed to adapt to the demand of strenuous exercise. Athletic training and competition, or even exertion from heavy physical work, tears down the muscles involved. When muscles are allowed to recover following a workout, they increase their number of fibers to respond to the demand. This adaptation process builds strength in muscles and in the structural support of the surrounding soft tissues. It also affects their ability to relax. 

Regular massage reduces the risk of injury by maintaining flexibility and range of motion. By helping the body eliminate the metabolic by-products of a workout, massage shortens recovery time and reduces soreness. In addition, massage improves circulation, which enhances athletic performance by increasing the oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles.

Triathletes and runners aren't the only athletes who benefit. Cyclists and winter sports fanatics are taking to massage as well. A massage therapist can help assess each athlete's problem areas and target these specifically.


When to Get Massage - Depending on the athlete's specific sport and physical demands, massage can be targeted to different aspects of the athlete's needs. Massage is most effective when integrated throughout an individual's training program.

Training - By getting regular massages during the training period prior to an event, an athlete can avoid injury, maintain flexibility and range of motion, recover more quickly from workouts, and reduce fatigue. Depending on how strenuous the training, it may be important to see your massage therapist weekly or even more often, especially during the heaviest part of your training. Your massage therapist can work with you to establish a schedule for your needs. 

Pre-Event Massage - Many formal athletic events, including running races, triathlons, and tennis tournaments, provide onsite massage. Pre-event massages are usually short (10-15 minutes), and are designed to increase circulation, relax muscle tension, and calm pre-event jitters. A short massage can enhance performance so the athlete stays relaxed and on his/her game plan. For pre-event massage, talk to the therapist about your massage history. Bodies used to massage will react differently than those unaccustomed to bodywork.

Post-Event Massage - Recovery is the primary purpose of post-event massage. Athletes push themselves harder during an event than while training. For example, during a marathon most athletes run a greater distance during the event than they've ever run during their training. A massage afterwards is key. Massage therapist will be able to relax your muscle tone, improve your circulation, and restore your flexibility. This will allow for a quicker recovery and return to training without the stiffness and soreness you would have had otherwise. Post-event massage can be that first assessment for potential injuries, and more serious medical conditions (heat exhaustion or hypothermia) may be identified early and treated promptly.

Rehabilitation - Muscle strains, bruises from contact sports, and chronic soreness need special attention. Whether encountered during training or during an event, massage is a key component in assisting an athlete to return to their sport sooner. Massage therapists can work closely with doctors and athletic trainers to establish a schedule for therapy. Specific manual techniques reduce scar tissue and muscle spasm, and the enhanced circulation achieved from massage is crucial to healing.

Whether its professional marathon training or weekend warrior sports, getting a massage can ease muscle soreness, help your body recover more quickly, and get you ready to go again. And, of course, massage helps you deeply relax--an important key to overall wellness.

*info provided by Cathy Ulrich and abmp.com