Sports Massage

Regular exercise not only strengthens the bones and muscles but also increases endurance levels. However, when more extreme levels of physical activity are taken on, like that of an athlete or fitness enthusiast, the joints, muscles, and soft tissues may become more vulnerable to chronic injuries due to the increased strain put upon them.

For those with a more intense workout regime, one way to mitigate the risk of injuries is with sports massages.

sports massage therapy on an athlete's legs

What is a Sports Massage?

Unlike general full-body massage that emphasises relaxation, sports massage is a form of massage therapy that is designed to help athletes and active individuals recover from injuries, improve their performance, and prevent future issues. It is a targeted treatment that focuses on specific areas of the body that are overused or strained during physical activity.

Who Needs Sports Massages?

Anyone who leads an active lifestyle, including athletes, frequent gym-goers, and people with physically demanding jobs in Singapore, can benefit from sports massage and therapy. Whether you are looking to increase training performance or just need some relief for muscle soreness experienced after exercise, a sports massage can help.

What are the Benefits of Sports Massages?

Here are some reasons why you might consider visiting a clinic for sports massage:

1. Improved Performance

By massaging specific muscle groups with deep tissue techniques, tension, pain points, or tightness that are limiting an athlete’s performance may be addressed.

2. Increased Circulation

Sports massages may help increase circulation throughout the body aiding in muscle recovery as well as flushing out toxins caused by inactivity.

3. Reduced Recovery Time

A sports massage could come in handy to cut down recovery time by stimulating the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to promote healing.

How Sports Massages Address Different Muscle Groups

Here’s how sports massage therapy interacts with different muscle groups with the goal of offering relief and enhancing muscular performance:

1. Quadriceps and Hamstrings

A sports massage therapist may use techniques like effleurage (long, sweeping strokes) and petrissage (kneading and squeezing) to encourage circulation, relax strained muscles, and manage inflammation in the quadriceps and hamstrings.

2. Calf Muscles

The gastrocnemius and soleus, the main constituents of the calf muscle group, frequently bear the brunt of conditions like plantar fasciitis. The application of deep tissue massage and stretching techniques in sports massage specifically target these muscles. Combining the application of pressure with stretching, sports massage will reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and alleviate the strain exerted on the plantar fascia. As a result, movement becomes less painful, making everyday tasks more manageable.

3. Back and Neck Muscles

The pitfalls of our modern lifestyles often include prolonged periods of sitting and adopting poor postures, which invariably leads to muscular tension and imbalances. These, in turn, manifest as postural-related back and neck pain. To combat this, sports massage incorporates techniques like deep tissue work, myofascial release, and stretching. By targeting the back and neck muscles, these techniques alleviate tight muscles, reduce the occurrence of muscle spasms, and improve flexibility. The result is a noticeable correction in postural imbalances and significant pain relief.

4. Glutes and Hip Muscles

Crucial for maintaining stability, balance, and proper body mechanics during physical activities, the gluteal muscles and hip flexors often demand special attention. Sports massage and therapy uses a mix of deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching to focus on these muscles. This combination works to alleviate tension, resolve trigger points, improve hip flexibility, and lessen discomfort.

Conditions That May Be Managed at a Sports Massage Clinic

A sports massage clinic may help in addressing the symptoms of various conditions, including:

1. Runner’s Knee 

Runner’s knee is an overuse injury caused by repetitive motion, such as running or jumping. It is characterised by pain in the kneecap area and difficulty performing activities that involve bending or extending the knee.

Sports massage therapy may aid in addressing this condition by:

  • Managing inflammation and pain/discomfort
  • Promoting circulation and healing
  • Releasing tight muscles and the fascia
runner's leg pain
plantar facilitis

2. Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar Fasciitis is another overuse injury frequently addressed at the sports massage clinic. This condition, which affects the plantar fascia—the connective tissue extending from the heel bone to the toes, might cause pain along the bottom of your foot near your heel when walking or standing for long periods of time. 

To address this condition, a sports massage therapist may employ deep tissue work and specific stretches to relax the calf muscle and support patients in resuming sports and daily activities.

3. Postural Related Back Pain/ Neck Pain

Poor posture may lead to postural-related back pain and neck pain, which are common conditions among office workers who spend long hours sitting at a desk.

At a sports massage centre, a variety of techniques, including deep tissue work and stretching, may be employed to manage the muscular tension associated with these postural conditions. These techniques also aim to improve the patient’s range of motion and overall function.

Why choose a sports massage and therapy clinic in Singapore?

At Benchmark Physio in Singapore, we understand the importance of quality care when it comes to reaching your health and fitness objectives. Here at our clinic, our team of experienced physiotherapists and exercise physiologists will first assess your condition before deciding on the areas to be targeted for the sports massage. Our approach is oriented around understanding your individual requirements and providing tailored solutions that are effective in getting you back out on the field or simply feeling more comfortable each day. 

Put your trust in us – besides sports massage and therapy, we provide a range of treatments at our centre, including frozen shoulder treatment, elbow pain treatment and hip physiotherapy.

How Much Does a Sports Massage Therapy Session Cost?

A 60-minute sports massage therapy session at our clinic starts from $160. You can check out our FAQ page or get in touch with our centre for more information. You may also refer to our latest promotions below: 

Standard (50 mins)
was $160
$98 / 50 mins
  • 50 mins
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Myofascial release
  • Trigger Point Therapy
  • Stretch Therapy
Remedial (90 mins)
was $220
$168 / 90 mins
  • 90 mins
  • 60 min options PLUS
  • Clinical Dry Cupping
  • Heated IASTM Scraping
  • Scar Tissue Therapy
  • Hot Stone Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Massages

Sports massage techniques are designed to address sports injuries and support training performance. They focus on enhancing muscle recovery and increasing mobility by addressing muscle-tendon junctions, which is more intense than the general relaxation focus of regular massages.

Yes. Sports massages may potentially benefit anyone. Even if you are not an athlete, sports massages may aid in managing chronic pain or muscular stiffness caused by daily activities or sedentary lifestyles.

Generally, sports massages are not recommended if you have certain medical conditions such as acute injuries, skin infections, or fever. They should also be avoided immediately after surgery or if you have conditions like osteoporosis or serious vascular conditions, as the intense manipulation could lead to complications.

If you have any of these conditions or are unsure if a sports massage is suitable for you, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider.

Check Out What our Clients Say About Our Sports Massage Clinic

Still unsure whether you can receive the best Sports Massage Treatment from Benchmark Physio? Check out some of the testimonials from our past clients!

The Sports Massage Therapist

Darren Choo

Principal Sports Massage Therapist​

  • Diploma in Pearson BTEC Level 3 Sports Massage
  • Workforce International Skills Certification (WISC) Certified Sports Massage Therapist
  • Trigger Point Therapy 
  • Myofascial Release Therapy 
  • Movement & Performance Therapy Specialist
  • Stretch Therapy 

Being an active practitioner for numerous years, Darren is trained and has experience in addressing various musculoskeletal conditions using a variety of techniques, including trigger point therapy, clinical dry cupping, myofascial scraping (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation) and PNF stretching.

Darren has experience addressing a variety of conditions, including shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, leg pain and neck pain. Darren can also perform a relaxing deep-tissue massage to relieve general stress and fatigue or focus on problematic areas.

Learn More About Sports Massages in Singapore

Get in touch via the contact form below or through WhatsApp!