From Weekend Warriors to Elite Athletes: The power of Sports Massage

I get a lot of questions about sports massage. What is it exactly and how can it help? Contrary to the name, you don’t exactly have to be a professional athlete — or even an avid gym-goer — to benefit from a sports massage. Sports massage is appropriate for anyone who is active, especially if you want extra support in keeping your body moving well. Whether you’re training for a personal best, trying out a new activity, or simply looking to keep your body feeling good for everyday movement, a sports massage can be a game-changer.

Unlike traditional massage therapies that primarily focus on relaxation, stress relief, or general pain management, sports massage is specifically designed to support movement, performance, and recovery. It targets the muscle groups most engaged in your particular activity, helping to address tightness, soreness, or imbalances that might arise from repetitive movements. In other words, sports massage is a great tool to ensuring your body is in optimal condition and can also act as a preventative measure for injury.

I graduated from massage school in 2005. And growing up a football fan, my dream job was to someday work for the New England Patriots. I knew that an organization like that wouldn’t just hire a massage therapist off the street. They would want someone with football team experience. How would one get football team experience you ask? College teams. So back in 2012 I reached out to the Head Trainer for Boston College football. He responded and the rest is history. I worked with BC Athletics for 10 years as the massage therapist for all 31 varsity sports. Working with D1 athletes has taught me a thing or two about sports massage and how it helps people. Now that I own my practice and work on professional and everyday athletes, I see firsthand the benefits for both. Sports massage is my speciality and I have been working in a sports setting for most of my 20+ year career.

Professional athletes understand the importance of taking care of their bodies. Body conditioning, stretching, and eating well are just a few things that athletes need to consider to achieve the best performance. My client, Harold Landry III, a linebacker for the New England Patriots, gets 2 sometimes 3 massages a week from me because his job is to stay healthy and get recovery in between games to perform at his best. I have known Harold since his BC days and when he got signed by New England this past offseason, I was his first phone call. I love seeing the kids that I worked on at the college level make it to and have success in the pros. I love even more when they land in New England and need a massage therapist that they know and can trust with their health and their career longevity.

That being said, one massage isn’t going to fix a lifetime of pain. Think of it more like a reset button. Consistent sessions “retain” your muscle memory for longer-term relief. Motion is lotion and movement is medicine. If you want less pain in your body, you have to not only move it but maintain it. Massage is not about treating pain after it starts. It is about preventing pain, burnout, and dysfunction. Your body doesn't need a spa day. It needs maintenance. Like your car. 🚙

Sports massage has three key goals: preventing injury, supporting injury recovery, and supporting recovery from movement in general — all of which contribute to better performance. While it can help with general muscle soreness or stiffness from physical activity, it’s also beneficial for addressing discomfort stemming from an injury. It is  important to note that sports massage isn’t a standalone solution — it works best as part of a broader strategy that includes movement. Strength training, mobility exercises, nutrition, and hydration all play critical roles in keeping your body resilient and prepared for activity. Sports massage can be used alongside these elements to support recovery and performance. Whether you're an elite athlete or just someone who enjoys a good workout, sports massage can be a fun and beneficial addition to your routine. It’s all about taking care of your body and enhancing your physical experience.

💙 Mich

Business Spotlight

Every month I will highlight a trusted business from my website

CrossFit Claddagh - Auburn MA

Since this months blog post is about sports massage I wanted to highlight an athletic type business that I have a great relationship with. CrossFit Claddagh offers a wide variety of programs and services to help you achieve your health, fitness and athletic goals. The owner, Bryan and his wife Laura, are both members at TMT. Bryan once said to me that he wants his members relatively pain free and able to keep training at his gym. That is why he sends so many of his members to TMT. They need to not only recover from the workouts but be physically able to continue to train with him.

Monthly Stretch

Hamstrings (semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris) Stretch

To stretch left hamstring:

Sit in a doorway. Right leg extended on the floor. Left leg on the the wall. Make sure your butt is up against and touching the wall. Left foot is parallel to your torso and left leg is not bent. If you do not feel that stretch then tilt your pelvis down. If you cannot keep left leg straight because hamstrings are too tight scootch your butt an inch or so away from the wall. Hold stretch for 30 seconds then relax. Repeat 2 more times. Then do opposite leg. Stretching your hamstrings can improve flexibility, increase your range of motion, and potentially alleviate lower back pain by improving posture.

Positive Quote

To stick with the theme of Sports Massage my positive quote this month is from Vince Lombardi. 🏈 Football is hands down my favorite sport and the first Patriots game is this weeked!!!

"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up."

So whenever you are feeling knocked down from training for your sport, or even just the stressors of life, head on over to my booking website (https://tmtmillbury.as.me/schedule/54aff986) and book yourself a session. It only takes one massage to realize, you need to be kneaded at TMT.