Sports massage was developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. However, contrary to what the name suggests, you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from sports massage. It is of benefit to anyone that exercises, even if it is only mild exercise such as regular walking.

Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons and can be beneficial for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. It can be quite
strenuous and is meant to relieve and reduce the stress and tension that can build up within the body’s soft tissues while exercising. It can be carried out before, during, or after playing sport or
exercising.

Sports massage will often utilise a variety of modalities such as remedial massage, trigger point therapy, cross fibre techniques, deep tissue work, stretching and strengthening to improve range of
motion/flexibility. Primarily, the difference lies with function. That is, returning you to your chosen activity in optimal functional