If you've ever experienced muscle tightness, discomfort during training or an injury that's affected your usual activities, you may have considered booking a sports massage or visiting a Sports Therapist.
But what's the difference between the two?
Although sports massage and sports therapy are closely related, they aren't exactly the same thing.
Understanding how they differ can help you decide what type of support might be suitable for you.
What Is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a hands-on treatment that focuses on muscles and other soft tissues.
It's commonly used by athletes, gym-goers and people experiencing muscle tension or stiffness.
A sports massage session may help with:
Short-term relief from muscle tightness
Managing muscular soreness
Improving comfort during movement
Relaxation and stress relief
Supporting general recovery routines
Despite the name, sports massage isn't only for people who play sport.
People with physically demanding jobs or everyday muscular tension may also find it beneficial.
What Is Sports Therapy?
Sports therapy takes a broader approach to musculoskeletal health, movement and rehabilitation.
Depending on the practitioner's qualifications and scope of practice, it can involve assessing injuries, identifying movement limitations, developing rehabilitation plans and supporting a return to exercise or sport.
Sports therapy may combine hands-on treatments with exercise-based rehabilitation.
Rather than focusing only on the area causing discomfort, a Sports Therapist may also consider how you move, your training history and the demands of your daily activities.
What Happens During a Sports Therapy Appointment?
An appointment may include a discussion about your symptoms, activity levels and goals.
Depending on your needs and the therapist's qualifications, it may also involve:
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Assessment
An assessment of movement, strength and symptoms to help guide an appropriate treatment or rehabilitation approach.
Hands-On Treatment
Techniques such as sports massage, soft tissue mobilisation or joint mobilisation may be considered when appropriate.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Individual exercises designed to improve strength, movement, coordination and confidence.
Return-to-Activity Planning
A gradual approach to returning to training, work or sport following an injury.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on your individual circumstances.
Is Sports Therapy Just for Athletes?
Not at all.
While sports therapy is commonly associated with competitive athletes, many people can benefit from appropriate musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation.
For example:
Someone returning to the gym following an injury
A runner experiencing recurring discomfort
A strength athlete managing training-related aches
Someone with movement restrictions affecting everyday activities
A person looking to rebuild strength and confidence after time away from exercise
You don't need to compete in sport to seek professional support.
Meet Kerry Emms — Victory Sports Therapy
At Victory Bespoke Fitness, we're delighted to support Kerry Emms of Victory Sports Therapy as she takes the next step in her career.
Kerry is currently qualified to Level 4 in Sports Massage and is working towards her Level 5 Sports Therapy qualification.
She's developing a dedicated Sports Therapy and Functional Training facility right next door to Victory in Bathgate.
The new facility is planned to offer an expanding range of services, including:
60-minute and 90-minute Sports Therapy appointments
Musculoskeletal assessments
Face-to-face and online rehabilitation programmes
Sports massage
Dry cupping and dry needling
Sports taping
Joint mobilisation techniques
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM)
Services will be introduced in line with Kerry's qualifications, professional scope and availability.
Combining Rehabilitation With Strength Training
One of the exciting aspects of Kerry's new facility is the addition of a functional training space.
Exercise-based rehabilitation can play an important role in rebuilding strength, improving movement and supporting a gradual return to physical activity.
The new space is designed to bring treatment and functional training together, helping clients work towards their individual goals.
Find Out More About Victory Sports Therapy
Whether you're interested in sports massage, looking for guidance following an injury or want to learn more about the new facility, Kerry would be happy to discuss your enquiry.
Victory Sports Therapy — Bathgate, West Lothian
WhatsApp Kerry: 07912 556833
Instagram: @victorysportstherapy_
If you have a new, severe or worsening injury, seek an appropriate medical assessment. Sports therapy and massage do not replace necessary medical care.