Sports massage in London: things to know before you go

You don’t have to be one of London’s many sports stars to benefit from a sports massage. This treatment can help relieve anyone’s aches and pains – learn more in our answers to these common questions.

What are the benefits of a sports massage?

Sports massage is an effective treatment for relieving muscle tension and reducing fatigue – boosting blood flow and physical mobility. Sports massage much more than a treatment for injuries – in fact, it can proactively prevent them.

You are likely to feel the benefits of sports massage between 24 and 48 hours after the treatment. If you’re thinking about booking a sports massage in London, this is what it will involve:

• Myofascial release – stretching the fascia, a network of connective tissue surrounding organs, bones, muscles and tendons.
• Trigger point work – applying pressure and release to these muscle trigger points help to relieve your body from them.
• Muscle energy - stretching and relaxing tight muscles.
• Soft tissue release – extending localised parts of the tendons and muscles that are tight.

The pace of life in the capital can take its toll on your body, with long commutes and desk work commonplace. Sports massage in London is a particularly effective treatment for dealing with the physical constraints of city life – as well as the challenges athletes face.

Read more about the benefits of sports massage in this expert guide.

What is the difference between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage?

Sports massage and deep tissue massage are commonly confused, because they can provide the same benefits of pain relief. These are the main differences between the two:

• Sports massage – often targets a specific area of the body, focuses on the soft tissue and works to relieve tension and restore blood flow.
• Deep tissue massage – is a full body massage, focusing on kneading the deep tissue to relieve chronic pain.

Where are the best places to get a sports massage in London?

With a thriving fitness, health and wellbeing culture, central London has no shortage of sports centres offering massages in house, as well as massage centres specialising in various treatments. There are many places to get a sports massage in London – but these two locations north and south of the Thames which are rated particularly highly by Groupon users:

• Fit Body London – located in The Gym right by Hampstead’s Fortune Green, here you’ll find a range of sports massage specialists ready to work their magic.
• Aligned Health Clinic – based in Sutton, Aligned Health Clinic will suit people living south of the river. However, it’s right by Sutton Station, so it’s very accessible for all Londoners.

When should I get a sports massage?

With massage clinics located across the city, it’s easy to book a sports massage that works around your busy schedule, but timing is important. These are the times are when a sports massage is most beneficial:

• Just before exercise. A session for 15 to 45 minutes can boost endorphin production prior to an event or training.
• Right after exercise. Having a sports massage within two hours of a workout will reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery time.
• Ongoing and regular. If you’re looking to boost your physical performance on the treadmill or in the weight room, regular massages can proactively rejuvenate muscles and tissue and prevent injuries long-term.
• As part of injury rehabilitation.Visiting a massage therapist after injury provides the opportunity for faster recovery, improving blood flow which restores muscles and tissue.

To help maintain a boost in performance, regular visits to a London sauna can help increase circulation and expand your airways.