Character
Massage adapted to training, competition and recovery, with sessions shaped by the sport, timing and individual needs. [1]
History & heritage
This is an area of application drawing on several existing methods, rather than one country's ancient tradition. Contemporary practice distinguishes preparation, post-event and training-period needs. [1]
Techniques
Sessions may combine gliding strokes, kneading and suitable stretching. Planning depends on the activity phase and health assessment; improved performance or prevention of every injury cannot be guaranteed. [2]
These descriptions introduce massage culture, rather than teach procedures. Discuss health concerns with an appropriate healthcare professional. [3]
Evidence and limitations
A 2020 systematic review of 29 randomized studies involving 1,012 participants found no evidence of direct improvement in strength, jumping, sprinting, endurance or fatigue measures. Flexibility and delayed-onset muscle soreness may improve slightly, but methods varied, many studies were small and soreness relied on subjective ratings. This does not justify promises of better sporting performance or injury prevention. A 2021 correction replaced figure 3; that record is linked alongside the review. [4] [5]
Sources
- AMTA · Sports Massage ↗
- AMTA · Post-Event Sports Massage ↗
- NCCIH · Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know ↗
- Davis, Alabed & Chico (2020) — Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery ↗
- BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine (2021) — Correction to sports massage review ↗
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