Different Types of Sports Massage Explained

Sports massage is one of the most sought-after treatments at The Bodywise Clinic — and for good reason. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend runner or someone who is simply active, sports massage can make a significant difference to your performance, recovery and overall physical wellbeing.

But did you know that “sports massage” isn’t a single fixed technique? Depending on your goals and timing, different approaches are used. Here’s a breakdown of the main types.

Pre-Event Sports Massage

When: Within 24–48 hours before a race or competition.

Goal: To stimulate and prepare the muscles for intense activity.

Pre-event massage uses faster, more vigorous techniques — brisk effleurage, tapotement (percussion) and compression — to warm the muscles, increase circulation and mentally prepare the athlete. Sessions are typically shorter (15–30 minutes) and focus on the muscle groups that will be working hardest during the event.

Pre-event massage is not the time for deep, slow work — that would leave muscles too relaxed for optimal performance.

Post-Event Sports Massage

When: Within 24–72 hours after competition or intense training.

Goal: To speed recovery and reduce muscle soreness.

Post-event massage uses slower, more soothing techniques to help the body transition from intense effort to recovery. It promotes the removal of metabolic waste products (like lactic acid), reduces muscle spasm and helps prevent the worst of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Maintenance Sports Massage

When: Regularly throughout a training cycle — typically weekly or fortnightly.

Goal: To keep muscles in peak condition, identify and address developing problem areas before they become injuries.

This is the most common type of sports massage for active clients. Regular maintenance massage helps maintain muscle flexibility and health, prevents the build-up of chronic tension, and allows the therapist to monitor and address areas of concern before they develop into full injuries.

Rehabilitation Sports Massage

When: During recovery from a soft tissue injury.

Goal: To promote tissue healing, restore range of motion and prevent scar tissue build-up.

Rehabilitation massage is more focused and therapeutic. It targets the specific injury site and surrounding tissues, using techniques appropriate to the stage of healing. Deep tissue work, myofascial release and stretching may all be incorporated depending on what the injury requires.

If you’re recovering from a specific injury, always inform your therapist of the nature and history of the injury before your session.

Which Type Do You Need?

If you’re not sure which approach is right for you, just tell us your situation when you book. Our therapists will assess your needs and design a session accordingly. Whether you’re preparing for the Dublin Marathon, recovering from a pulled hamstring or simply trying to keep on top of training demands, we can help.

Make an enquiry to book your sports massage at The Bodywise Clinic, Dublin 2.