Sports massage is designed to help atheletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training.
But you don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage.
Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. This is the type of sports massage that you see in the spa. A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem -- a tender knee from running, for instance. It is also be a good idea to see a movement therapist, who can help you identify and correct the movement pattern that might be causing your injury in the first place.
The therapist generally focuses in on the problem area -- a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, for instance -- rather than giving you a thorough full body massage. Sometimes men who are new to the spa are more comfortable getting a sports massage because it sounds more masculine.
That's fine, even if they don't have an injury. No matter what type of massage you choose, the therapist should check in with you about what your needs and expectations are for the massage.
