Sports massage?

[StillWantingADog]

Hi
rather embarrassing question
I’m 45 and run (not very well but currently regularly running around 20-30k a week) - people tell me I should go get a “sports massage”. Never had one. Never specifically thought how it might benefit me.
anyway through work I have this cash back scheme which I can use for various therapies, opticians, physios etc and have £200 a year I can claim towards “sports massage”. Now the year runs july-June so my boss helpfully reminded me to book one for this month so that I can start my allowance again next month.
I have booked one for Monday.

I have no idea what to expect. It’s with a guy. Is that bad? Do I have to take my clothes off? What should I ask for or is it a standard thing.
I do have a minor neck injury that I suppose I should mention (he might be able to help- it’s basically a torn muscle). Sorry to sound so clueless. The guy seems
to have good reviews on Google.
maybe thinking I should cancel but hoping someone can come along and tell me not to be silly.

I’ve had plenty of massages before but always the relaxing type you get in a spa. Is it very different?

sports massage are more like deep tissue, and if you have any sore areas they REALLY dig in deep. it can be quite unpleasant at times if you do have any issues, but after it's done you feel so much better. do mention your neck but don't expect to enjoy it!
If you're going for full body you will probably be in underwear or just knickers. could be a man or woman - I actually prefer them with a man for the bigger hands and the amount of pressure they can do.

It would be similar to a spa massage but probably fewer scented oils and tinkly yoga music and a bit more deep tissue, particularly if they find any knots in your muscles. This can be a bit painful but they won’t torture you! The masseuse should ask if you have any injuries or niggles.

Even if you don’t have any particular issues it should be nice and relaxing.

They're bloody amazing. Same process as a regular full body massage. Pants on, under towel. Doesn't matter that he's male, they're all professionals. You can ask him to focus on specific areas, but chances are he will be able to feel areas of tension. They can be slightly less relaxing, depending on your sensitivity. I can sometimes ache afterwards and occasionally use ice to help. I wouldn't go back to a spa massage, they feel absolutely pointless in comparison. I'm jealous. Enjoy!

oh and check they have the right qualification for your claim back to be valid.

Ooh I love a sports massage, this year I've been having them monthly as a payday treat. I get various niggles, rotator cuff, or sometimes a tight back, tight calves, and the sports massage has helped enormously. Like a PP, I wouldn't bother with a tinkly massage ever again. I see a man, he's a trained physiotherapist, and excellent!

This - I now can't bear the type of weedy spa massage when they smear oil over you and don't really do anything else

I have a sports massage every 6-8 weeks (also a runner). She always does my calves (I have v tight calves), and usually 2 other specific areas - sometimes my lumbar spine, sometimes traps, sometimes quads - just depends what niggles I have at the time, or what she finds.

I much prefer it to a 'normal' massage. It hurts, but in a satisfying way. I feel like I'm running on air afterwards. You can expect to feel a bit bruised and battered though - if I have my lower back done, I can feel it when I lie in bed that night.

As to what you'll wear, that depends what you're having done. If he's only going to do your legs, then no need to remove top half, but if he's doing your back etc, then you will.

Be prepared for him to find tight bits that you had no idea were tight. And be prepared for some moments of pain. I have to breathe through some bits, but 'no pain, no gain' as the saying goes.

They will ask you about problem areas at the start of the session, and the kind of sports/activities you do. So if you say you run they will know to look at your legs and so on.

I don't find the process of having a sports massage especially relaxing because they will find the areas of tension and work on those quite firmly so I do a lot of grimacing. One memorable time I had bruises afterwards. But the next day I feel great.

They will probably tell you not to exercise until the next day, your muscles need time to recover and you'll get the best results that way

I've had sports physio following a car accident and always worn a vest top and shorts, it really was fantastic.

The guy put a heat pack on my neck/shoulders for about 15 minutes first to loosen everything up, then some very firm massaging and twisting of my head which resulted in lots of big clicks, then 10 minutes with an ice pack.

Muscles felt sore but much much looser afterwards.

You can have a general sports massage /run down or you can have a specific massage to target eg. Tight calves or hamstrings. They hurt! Sometimes you’ll be asked to flex and move so they can really work the muscle. A good therapist will be able to tell you lots about your running technique and what you’re doing wrong and where you are compensating which is why you’re getting injured (if you are). Mine uses a hot cup thing sometimes and other gadgets. It’s a good experience but not like a spa massage with plinky music and candle light unless that’s what you specifically want. when they do the very back of your calf, genuinely, it can bring tears to your eyes, but it’s a good pain I guess. You feel very free after it.

I LOVE sports massage. It is the only sort of massage I would pay for. I teach fitness classes and I try to have a sport massage every couple of months to iron out knots and help to prevent injury. It can be quite intense and sometimes uncomfortable but you will feel amazing afterwards. Tension and tightness eased!

The practitioner I see is male and it doesn’t bother me. His wife owns the salon he works in and they are both lovely people. He uses a really firm pressure and I usually get him to work on my neck as it gets ridiculously tight, but he also does shoulders and often lower back. Hams, quads and calves if needed. He has done the top of my glutes before as well (because I asked him to help resolve my lower back pain which was caused by tight glutes). I thought that might be a bit weird but it wasn’t at all. He’s really professional. I hope you love it!

These comments are so helpful thanks a lot
I think I’m sufficiently reassured to go ahead.
i’m about to start seriously training for a HM and possibly a M so if it’s good I can put next year’s allowance to good use!

Just wanted to come back and update! Thanks again for the encouragement.

really positive, guy was half my age but quite hot 😀and very professional.
I found it painful but tolerable. Legs feel good currently and I’m looking forward to feeling how they feel when I next run. As it stands I’m a convert and definitely going back!

Glad to hear it.

I really get a lot out of my sessions, I think it's definitely helped with preventing injuries.

Oh yay! So glad it was a positive experience @StillWantingADog!

I do massages and highly recommend regular massage. Deep tissue,sports better than just a relaxing one though the later has its place when one needs exactly this, relaxation.
I decided to train as a masseuse after I started to have weekly massages and felt such a difference to my wellbeing.

If anyone is local, mates rates for forumites 👍

Don't worry, you're not silly at all! It's completely normal to have some questions about your first sports massage.

• What to Expect: Sports massages are generally more focused on addressing specific muscle issues and improving athletic performance. They often involve deeper pressure and techniques like trigger point therapy.
• Clothing: You'll usually undress to your comfort level, but you'll be draped appropriately with sheets throughout the massage.
• Your Neck Injury: Mention your neck injury to your therapist. They can tailor the treatment to address your specific concerns.
• Is it different from a spa massage? Yes, it can be. Spa massages are more about relaxation and general well-being, while sports massages are more targeted and therapeutic.

I LOVE sports massage- it's the only type I'd pay for- I'm not a fan of feathery stroking and scented oils and all that. Sports massage is not necessarily relaxing and can in fact be uncomfortable but it is amazing if the therapist is good.

Yes, you will probably have to be in your underwear or just pants. I see a man for my sports massage and he is very respectful so he knocks and comes into the room once I'm undressed and under the sheet. When he asks me to turn over, he holds the sheet up and looks away while I move. He will massage any muscle group I ask him to and he has done my glutes before but it didn't feel sleazy or sexy at all.

Usually I get him to do my neck and shoulders as they tend to be the areas that need the work but I've also had him do my quads and calves- extraordinarily uncomfortable- I almost levitated off the couch 😂

I hope yours is a good experience!

Oh God, just seen that this is an old thread and I'd already commented on it 😂