Sports Massage to the Rescue: 5 Injuries It Can Help Treat
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, the risk of injury is always a possibility. From quick sprints to intense weightlifting, our muscles and joints endure a lot of stress during physical activity. Fortunately, sports massage can be a game changer when it comes to recovery and injury prevention.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Runner’s knee is a common injury in runners, cyclists and athletes. It presents with pain around or behind the kneecap and is often aggravated by running, squatting or going up and down stairs. It is typically caused by overuse, muscle imbalances or misalignment.

Sports massage helps alleviate the pain by targeting tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings and hip flexors. These muscles often become tight and pull the knee cap out of alignment. Massage helps to break adhesion and improve blood flow, allowing the muscles to relax and the knee to function more efficiently. Focusing on strengthening the hip and glute muscles can help improve muscle imbalances which can also reduce strain on the knee.
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Shin splints are common among runners, especially those who suddenly increase their mileage or intensity. The pain occurs along the shin bone and tends to appear during or after running. It can be caused by overuse, improper footwear or running on hard surfaces.
Sports massage helps to target the calf muscles and tibialis anterior – which are often tight in those suffering with shin splints. By loosening these muscles, it helps to alleviate strain on the shin area, reduce swelling and promote good muscle function. It also helps to break up knots that may be contributing to the discomfort helping to speed up recovery.

IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome)
This is a common injury in runners, cyclists and hikers. It is caused by inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band – a thick band of connective tissue that extends from the hip to the shin along the outer side of the leg. This condition typically presents as pain on the outside of the knee or thigh, which is often exacerbated by repetitive activities such as running.

Sports massage helps to release tension in the IT band. It also helps the surrounding muscles groups – the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes. Various techniques can be used to stretch and release the tension in connective tissues, relieving tightness. We apply a range of massage techniques to stretch and release tight connective tissues, alleviating discomfort and promoting greater flexibility around the hip. Improved mobility in this region helps to reduce the strain placed on the IT band, thereby lowering the risk of recurrence.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons in the outer part of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive motion, in activities like gripping or swinging. The pain typically radiates from the outside of the elbow down to the forearm.
Massage can help significantly reduce the symptoms of tennis elbow by targeting the forearm muscle and relieving tension in the elbow tendons. Working on the upper arm and shoulder is also essential as tightness in these areas can contribute to overloading the forearm. By releasing tension and improving circulation, sports massage helps to speed up recovery.

Hamstring Strains
Hamstring strains occur when the muscles at the back of the thigh are over stretch or torn. This type of injury is particularly common in sports that involve sprinting or explosive movements, such as football or running. It typically presents as a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh. Sometimes it is also often accompanied by difficulty in fully extending the leg.
Sports massage is an effective and supportive treatment for managing hamstring strains. Initially we will focus on gentle techniques to reduce inflammation and promote healing. As the acute pain subsides, we will then introduce deeper tissue methods. This is to address muscle tightness, break down scar tissue, and restore flexibility. Following a hamstring injury, it is essential to strengthen the affected muscles to minimise the risk of recurrence. We can support your recovery by developing a tailored rehabilitation programme to suit your individual needs.
Sports injuries are an unfortunate – but often unavoidable – aspect of an active lifestyle. Whether you’re in the process of recovering or aiming to prevent injury altogether, sports massage can be an invaluable component of your recovery and performance strategy. By relieving muscular tightness, enhancing circulation, and reducing inflammation, sports massage supports the body’s natural healing processes and contributes to improved physical performance.
Consider incorporating regular sports massage into your routine. Consistency is essential. When combined with appropriate strengthening and stretching exercises, sports massage can play a significant role in promoting long-term musculoskeletal health and resilience. Book online here or get in touch.