Sports Massage in London - Book Yours Today
Sports massage therapy is geared towards athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the sports massage technique are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice. Focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements. One of the key benefits of Sports massage therapy compared to other modalities is its ability to target muscle-tendon junctions. Sports massage helps revitalise muscles and ligaments and release stored tension, helping the treated area to feel less stiff. On top of aiding recovery on a physical level, its calming effect reduces anxiety levels and improves quality of sleep.
Some of the benefits of sports massage include:
- Increased joint range of motion (ROM)
- Increased flexibility
- Increased sense of well-being
- Decreased muscle tension
- Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)
- Decreased muscle spasms
- Better sleep
- Increased blood flow
- Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid)
- Decreased chance of injury
- Decreased recovery time between workouts
£20 Massage Voucher
Straight to Your Inbox
If you lead an active lifestyle or suffer from muscle aches, sports massage could be the key to feeling and performing better. Spa & Massage offers professional sports massage therapy right here in London. Whether you’re a marathon runner, a gym enthusiast, or an office worker with a stiff neck, our tailored treatments can help relieve pain, improve flexibility, and speed up your recovery. And with six clinics across London, it’s easy to find a sports massage near you to fit your schedule.
Pictured: One of our skilled therapists performing a sports massage on a client’s calf. Deep pressure techniques like this help break down knots and improve blood flow in tired muscles. Many of our London clients – from runners to office workers – experience tight leg muscles, and targeted massage provides much-needed relief and recovery.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a specialised form of deep tissue massage focused on helping active individuals and athletes prevent injuries and recover faster. Unlike a gentle spa massage meant purely for relaxation, a sports massage targets specific muscle groups and connective tissues with firm pressure, stretching, and therapeutic techniques. Our trained therapists manipulate muscles, tendons, and ligaments to reduce tension and improve muscle function. This type of massage isn’t just for athletes – it’s beneficial for anyone who wants to address muscle tightness or pain at its source, using evidence-based techniques drawn from sports medicine and physiotherapy.
During a sports massage session at Spa & Massage, your therapist will often ask about your lifestyle, exercise routine, or any injuries. This helps us pinpoint trouble areas and tailor the treatment to your needs. Techniques may include deep gliding strokes, trigger point therapy, and assisted stretching to relieve knotted fibres and improve your range of motion. You might be asked to perform certain movements or adjust your position so the therapist can isolate a muscle – sports massage is typically more interactive than a standard relaxation massage. The result is a targeted therapy that addresses underlying issues, not just surface tension.
How is sports massage different from a regular massage? While sports massage uses many of the same techniques as a Deep Tissue Massage, it is typically more focused on functional outcomes and often incorporates assisted stretches or movement by the client. A classic deep tissue massage tends to address chronic muscle tension in a broader sense, whereas sports massage zeroes in on muscles relevant to specific sports or physical activities. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, our team can advise you on whether a sports massage or another approach would benefit you most.
Key Benefits of Sports Massage
A sports massage isn’t just a luxury; it’s an investment in your body’s performance and health. Here are some of the key benefits of sports massage that our clients experience:
Injury Prevention and Recovery
Regular sports massage can loosen tight muscles and tendons, helping to prevent common injuries and loss of mobility. By improving tissue flexibility and breaking down scar tissue from past injuries, it aids your body’s natural healing process so you can bounce back faster.
Pain Relief
Deep pressure and targeted techniques help reduce muscle soreness and chronic aches. Massage stimulates the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and decreases inflammation, providing relief from pain in overworked areas. Conditions like back or shoulder pain often improve as tension and waste products in the muscles are cleared.
Improved Circulation and Flexibility
The firm strokes and pumping movements of sports massage enhance blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles to repair damage. Over time, sports massage also stretches muscle fibres and fascia (connective tissue), increasing your flexibility and range of motion.
Reduced Post-Exercise Soreness (DOMS)
If you’ve ever felt achy a day or two after a tough workout, that’s Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Research suggests sports massage can help reduce the severity of DOMS and muscle stiffness so you feel less sore and recover quicker. By flushing out metabolic waste like lactic acid and reducing muscle knots, a post-exercise massage leaves you less stiff.
Psychological Boost
Beyond the physical perks, sports massage provides a mental edge. It can be deeply relaxing and stress-relieving, which reduces anxiety and boosts your mood. Athletes often report feeling more confident and focused after a good massage. Whether you’re gearing up for a competition or just coping with daily stress, the massage can rejuvenate your mind as well as your body.
Improved Posture and Body Awareness
Sports massage helps identify and correct muscle imbalances and postural misalignments that develop from repetitive movements or poor training habits. By increasing body awareness and relieving tension in overused muscles, it supports better alignment and reduces the risk of long-term strain or discomfort.
These benefits are backed by sports medicine experts. For example, sports massage promotes blood flow, flexibility, and reduces fatigue in muscles. It’s an integrated approach to wellness that helps you perform at your best while minimising downtime from injuries.
Who Can Benefit from Sports Massage?
Anyone with muscles! You don’t need to be a pro athlete to gain from sports massage. At Spa & Massage in London, we see a diverse range of clients, including:
Athletes and Runners
From professionals to weekend warriors, athletes use sports massage to enhance performance and prevent injuries. If you’re training for an event like the London Marathon or a local 10k, regular massage can keep your muscles supple and less prone to strains. It can also help you mentally prepare for competitions by easing tension.
Gym Enthusiasts and Active Individuals
Maybe you’re into CrossFit, cycling, yoga, or just staying fit. A sports massage helps relax overused muscles and speed up recovery after intense workouts. By scheduling massages between training sessions, you allow your body to fully recover and get the most out of your fitness routine.
Office Workers and Busy Professionals
You might not consider yourself “sporty,” but hours at a desk or on your feet can create muscle imbalances and knots – especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Sports massage targets those problem areas (like tight hip flexors from sitting or a tense neck from computer work) to improve posture and relieve chronic stiffness. It’s a fantastic remedy for work-related aches and stress.
Injury Rehabilitation
If you’re recovering from a muscle or joint injury, sports massage can be a valuable part of your rehab (with your doctor or physio’s approval). Our therapists use techniques to reduce scar tissue, improve tissue elasticity, and increase circulation in injured areas. This can ease pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility as you heal. For both acute injuries and long-term issues, targeted massage therapy speeds up healing and helps prevent future re-injury.
Anyone Seeking Natural Pain Relief
Perhaps you have chronic back pain, tension headaches, or general muscle soreness even if you’re not extremely active. Sports massage is a natural, drug-free way to manage pain and improve your wellbeing. It’s part of our holistic approach – many clients find that regular sessions reduce their reliance on pain medications and improve their quality of life. We treat individuals managing conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia (in such cases, we tailor pressure and techniques to be gentle yet effective).
As you can see, sports massage is not just for athletes – it’s for anyone who wants to move better and feel healthier. Our team even works with older adults looking to stay mobile, and with individuals managing chronic conditions. If you have specific health concerns, our on-site physiotherapists will work with you to create a safe, effective plan that complements any medical care you’re receiving.
Why Choose Spa & Massage for Your Sports Massage?
Spa & Massage is London’s #1 massage therapy provider, and our Sports Massage service is designed with your results in mind. Here’s why booking with us is a great choice:
Expert Therapists
All our sports massage therapists are highly experienced, certified professionals. They understand the anatomy of movement and have specific training in sports and remedial massage techniques. Many of our team members have backgrounds in personal training or physiotherapy, so you’re in knowledgeable hands. They will listen to your concerns and adjust the pressure or focus areas to ensure you get the most benefit from each session.
Evidence-Based Approach
At Spa & Massage, we blend the luxury of a spa experience with a clinical, results-driven approach. Our treatments are grounded in evidence – we know what works from scientific research and professional experience. For example, if you’re dealing with runner’s knee or tennis elbow, we’ll apply targeted techniques and stretches known to help those issues. We even have HCPC-registered physiotherapists on-site to provide guidance for clients who need rehabilitative care or exercise advice alongside their massage therapy. This integration means you get a safe, effective treatment plan tailored to you.
Personalised Treatment Plans
No two bodies are the same. Your therapist will customise your sports massage to target your specific tight spots, injuries, or performance goals. We might combine different techniques – deep tissue massage for one muscle group, gentle mobilisation for a stiff joint, or even some guided stretching for your legs if you’re a runner. If you come in regularly, we’ll track your progress and adjust the focus each time. This personalized attention delivers faster and better results than any one-size-fits-all massage.
Six Convenient London Locations
When you’re searching for a sports massage near you, Spa & Massage likely has a clinic around the corner! We serve London through six clinics located in Crouch End, Bayswater, Chiswick, Earl’s Court, Belsize Park, and Richmond. Each clinic offers the same top-quality sports massage and adheres to our strict standards. You can visit us where it’s most convenient for you – near your home, workplace, or gym. (See below for more details on each location.)
Open 7 Days a Week
(9am–10pm)
We know that life in London is busy. That’s why our clinics are open from morning until late evening every day, even weekends. You can easily fit a massage into your schedule, whether it’s an early morning session before work or a late-night recovery massage after a tough training day. Our flexible hours make it simple to put your health and recovery first, whenever you need it.
Affordable Packages and Offers
We strive to make regular massage therapy accessible. If you plan to come frequently or want to make sports massage part of your routine, we offer cost-saving massage packages. These allow you to prepay for multiple sessions at a discounted rate – perfect for athletes in training or anyone committed to ongoing wellness. We also run promotions for first-time clients and loyalty rewards, so you can take care of your body without breaking the bank.
Comfort and Cleanliness
Enjoy a relaxing yet professional environment. Our treatment rooms are calm, clean, and equipped with comfortable massage tables and fresh linens. We use high-quality massage oils (and can offer hypoallergenic or unscented options if you prefer). Your dignity and comfort are paramount – our therapists use proper draping techniques to keep you covered where you’re not being worked on, and they’ll check in about pressure to ensure you’re comfortable (even when working out those stubborn knots!).
Proven Track Record
Spa & Massage has been trusted by thousands of clients across London. We’re proud to be an award-winning massage clinic – in fact, we were recognised as the Best Massage Therapy Clinic 2023 in London. Professional athletes, dancers, and even celebrities have chosen us to maintain their bodies (our past clients include an Olympic gold medallist boxer and other high-profile individuals). You can read testimonials and reviews that highlight our ability to deliver real results. When you come to us for a sports massage, you’re choosing a clinic with a reputation for excellence and results.
Seamless Booking Experience
We make it easy to prioritise your recovery. Whether you prefer booking online, over the phone, or in person, our system is fast, intuitive, and reliable. You can view real-time availability, choose your preferred therapist, and manage your appointments with ease – perfect for busy Londoners who don’t want any fuss when scheduling self-care.
When you book a sports massage with Spa & Massage, you’re not just getting a quick rub-down – you’re getting a comprehensive therapy session aimed at helping you feel better, move better, and perform better. We genuinely care about your progress. If our therapists notice something that might need medical attention or a different treatment, they can refer you to our physiotherapy team or advise on next steps. Your wellbeing is our priority.
our clinics
Our London Sports Massage Clinics
We have six London locations, so you’re never far from a Spa & Massage clinic. Each location is staffed with our expert therapists and offers the full range of treatments, including sports massage. Find us in:
CrouchEnd
(North London)
38 The Broadway, Crouchend, N8 – Ideal for clients in North London neighbourhoods. Our Crouch End clinic provides a peaceful retreat for your post-workout recovery or after a long day at the office.
Bayswater
(West London)
123 Queensway, W2 – Conveniently located near Bayswater and Queensway tube stations. Pop in for a rejuvenating sports massage after a run in Hyde Park or a session at the gym.
Chiswick
(West London)
46 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 – Serving the Chiswick and Hammersmith areas, this clinic is perfect for West London locals. Many local runners and cyclists love to stop by for a leg flush and stretch.
Earl’s Court
(Central London)
125 Earl’s Court Road, SW5 – Our Earl’s Court spa is right in the heart of London, great for commuters and residents in Kensington, Chelsea, and Fulham. Drop in to relieve that built-up tension from work or training.
Belsize Park
(North West London)
173 Haverstock Hill, NW3 – Easily accessible for Hampstead, Camden, and Belsize Park communities. This clinic’s calm ambience makes it a favorite for clients seeking stress relief along with their massage therapy.
Richmond
(South West London)
1A Brewers Lane, TW9 – Serving Richmond and the Surrey borders. If you’re cycling in Richmond Park or playing sports by the Thames, our Richmond branch is nearby for a recovery session.
Each Spa & Massage location maintains the same high standards of professionalism and cleanliness. You’ll get a warm welcome and a superb sports massage at any clinic you choose. Looking for a sports massage near you in London? With our multiple locations, you’re likely just minutes away from one of our clinics.
What to Expect During Your Sports Massage
If it’s your first time booking a sports massage, you might be wondering what the session will be like. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect at Spa & Massage London:
Before the Massage
We recommend you arrive a few minutes early to relax and fill out a brief consultation form. Your therapist will chat with you about any areas of pain, your activity levels, and what you want to achieve (e.g. loosen tight hamstrings, recover from a race, relieve lower back pain). This consultation ensures the treatment is safe and effective for you. We’ll also ask if you have any medical conditions or injuries we should be aware of.
During the Massage
You’ll typically undress to your comfort level (most clients keep underwear on) and lie on a professional massage table. The therapist will cover you with towels, only exposing the area being worked on. They will warm up your muscles with lighter pressure then gradually apply deeper techniques. Don’t be afraid to speak up – if something hurts too much or you want more pressure, just let us know. Sports massage can sometimes be intense (that “good pain” feeling of a knot releasing), but it should never be unbearable. Our therapists check in frequently to ensure you’re handling the pressure. They may stretch your limbs or ask you to move a joint to target a muscle from different angles. You might experience some discomfort on very tight spots, but many clients describe it as a satisfying release of tension.
Sports massage often includes assisted stretching. In the image above, a therapist stretches a client’s leg to improve flexibility and muscle function. Techniques like this help target tight muscle groups through both pressure and range-of-motion movements. By combining deep massage with stretching, the therapist can achieve results that purely static techniques might not reach. Expect the therapist to focus on your problem areas. For example, if you’re a runner, we’ll likely spend extra time on your legs (calves, quads, IT band) and hips. If you’re an office worker with neck pain, we may concentrate on your neck, shoulders, and upper back. We use a moderate amount of oil or lotion to allow smooth movement but not so much that we can’t get a good grip on the muscle. At times, the therapist might use forearms or elbows for deeper pressure on large muscle groups. Breathing deeply and relaxing will help you get the most from the massage.
After the Massage
We’ll give you a moment to re-dress and then discuss the session with you. Your therapist will highlight any particularly tight areas they found and advise you on aftercare. This could include stretching suggestions, hydration (drinking water is important after massage to aid recovery), or icing a sore area if needed. You might feel a bit sore later that day – this is normal, especially if it was a deep massage – but you should also feel looser and more mobile. Any minor soreness usually subsides within a day, leaving you feeling better than before. We often hear clients say they feel taller or can move more freely after a sports massage!
We encourage you to pay attention to how you feel in the days following your massage. Many notice improvements in their workout performance, reduced pain, or better sleep. If you have any concerns after your session, you can always contact us for guidance. Our goal is to support your ongoing wellness even outside the treatment room.
Ready to Book Your Sports Massage?
Your body works hard for you – give it the care it deserves with a professional sports massage. Whether you want to prevent injuries, ease chronic pain, or improve your athletic performance, our team at Spa & Massage is here to help you achieve your goals.
Don’t wait until minor aches turn into major issues. Take action now: book your sports massage in London today and feel the difference for yourself. You can book online in just minutes or call your nearest Spa & Massage clinic to schedule an appointment. We also welcome walk-ins when availability permits, so if you’re in the neighbourhood, feel free to drop by.
Experience the Spa & Massage difference – a perfect blend of relaxation and results. Our friendly staff will ensure you’re comfortable from the moment you step in, and you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and one step closer to your peak condition.
Invest in your body’s wellness and performance. Book now and let us help you stay pain-free, flexible, and ready to conquer your next challenge!
Our Clients
See what our clients have to say about how sports massage at Spa & Massage has helped them recover faster, move better, and perform at their best – both in training and everyday life:
our clients
Stephen Joseph Graham
English actor
Clare Balding
BAFTA Winner, Broadcaster & Presenter
Peter Reed
Two-times Olympic Gold Medal Winner
Hannah Walters
English actress and producer
Melvin O'Doom
Tv Presenter, Radio DJ & XtraFactor Presenter
Sophie Ellis Bextor
Singer
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Channel 4 News' Lead Presenter & Journalist
Shani Raja
Wall Street Editor & Journalist
Kevin Mathurin
Emmerdale's Star - Actor
Tony Yoka
French professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist
Jemima Rooper
British actress
Jason Maza
English actor, producer, director and screenwriter
Dev Joshi
BritishMusician , Composer and Singer
Sisco Gomez
British Afro-Latino dancer of multiple styles, famous for having hosted the British Movement Awards 2023 and choreographing the pop-up performance “Fray”
Carole Ashby
English actress and pinup girl
Sami Nathan
The Voice UK Singer
Kyndall Harris
Professional Dancer • Beyonce Tour
Angela Hewitt
Canadian Classical Pianist
Shabaka Hutchings
British jazz musician, composer and bandleader.
Emily Piggford
Canadian Screen Award nominated actress
Abshir Aden Ferro
Candidate for the 2026 presidential race in Somalia
Gia Rigoli
Film Producer
Minouche Kaftel
Actress, Singer and Voiceover artist
Troy E. Armstrong
US Army Colonel
Michael John Attenborough
English theatre director
Aaron Gatward
Model
Jessica Swale
British playwright, theatre director and screenwriter.
Jojo Moyes
English journalist and award-winning romance novelist, #1 New York Times best selling author and screenwriter
Tina Baker
Broadcaster, Journalist and a leading British soap opera and TV critic.
Kingslee James McLean Daley
British Rapper, Journalist, Author, Activist and Poet from Kentish Town.
Jean Claude Ades
Dj
Chessie King
Presenter & Content Creator
Danny Jones & Georgia Jones
Danny Jones, Singer, Producer & The Voice Kids Coach and Georgia Jones, Model & Presenter
Marc Jacques Burton
Luxury Designer
Charlotte O'Connor
Irish Actress
Sophie Grace Holmes
Tri/Run Coach & Podcast Host
Jennifer Steil
Award-winning American Writer & Journalist Jennifer Steil
Emmanuelle Seigner
French Singer & Actress
Aliona Vilani
BBC1 Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer
Katherine Hooker
British Designer
Derek Aidoo
Actor & Meditation Coach
Sophie Morg
Tv Host & Writer
Gorka Marquez
BBC1 Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer
Aj Agazarm
Fighter
Emma Walsh
Presenter & Content Creator
Oliver Proudlock
Made In Chelsea
Tess O'Reilly
Dj
Sarah Canning
Canadian Actress
Maria Valverde
Spanish Actress
Mark Heap
British Actor
Camilo Menjura
Award winning guitarist and singer.
Esther Jun
Actress
FAQ: Sports Massage in London
What is a sports massage and how is it different from other massages?
A sports massage is a targeted, deep pressure massage aimed at aiding recovery and improving performance. It focuses on specific muscle groups used in physical activity, using techniques like deep tissue pressure, stretching, and trigger-point release. In contrast, a Swedish or relaxation massage is generally gentler and meant mainly for stress relief. Sports massage tends to be more intensive and interactive – the therapist might stretch your limbs or ask you to try certain movements during the session. The goal is to address muscle dysfunction and injuries, not just provide relaxation. At Spa & Massage, we tailor sports massages to target the areas you need most, which makes it ideal for treating and preventing sports-related muscle issues.
Is sports massage only for athletes or can office workers benefit too?
A sports massage is a targeted, deep pressure massage aimed at aiding recovery and improving performance. It focuses on specific muscle groups used in physical activity, using techniques like deep tissue pressure, stretching, and trigger-point release. In contrast, a Swedish or relaxation massage is generally gentler and meant mainly for stress relief. Sports massage tends to be more intensive and interactive – the therapist might stretch your limbs or ask you to try certain movements during the session. The goal is to address muscle dysfunction and injuries, not just provide relaxation. At Spa & Massage, we tailor sports massages to target the areas you need most, which makes it ideal for treating and preventing sports-related muscle issues.
Does a sports massage hurt?
It’s normal to feel some discomfort during a sports massage, especially when the therapist works on a very tight knot or scar tissue. Clients often describe it as a “good pain” – a bit intense but also relieving. Our therapists communicate with you throughout the session to ensure the pressure is within your tolerance. You should never be in extreme pain; if something hurts too much, we will adjust the technique. After the massage, it’s also common to feel a little sore (similar to how you might feel after a vigorous workout), particularly if it was your first sports massage or your muscles were very tight. This soreness usually fades within 24–48 hours. Overall, the aim is to relieve pain, not cause it – so while parts of a sports massage can be intense, it should ultimately leave you feeling better. Remember to breathe deeply and relax during the treatment, and always let your therapist know if you need them to ease up or focus more on an area.
How often should I get a sports massage?
The ideal frequency depends on your activity level and goals. If you’re an athlete in intensive training, weekly or bi-weekly sports massages can help maintain muscle condition and prevent injury. Many marathon runners or competitive sports players get massages regularly leading up to an event and afterward for recovery. For moderately active people, a monthly sports massage might be enough to keep muscles supple and address any niggles before they become problems. If you have a specific issue or injury, you might start with a few sessions close together (for example, one per week for 3–4 weeks) and then scale back once you improve. Even if you’re not very active, getting a sports massage every 4–6 weeks can help counteract the muscle tension from daily life (like sitting at a desk). Our therapists at Spa & Massage can advise you on a plan – many clients find that regular maintenance massages, rather than one-off fixes, make a big difference in how they feel day to day.
How can I find the best sports massage near me in London?
Finding the best sports massage near you comes down to choosing a reputable clinic with qualified therapists and convenient locations. In London, Spa & Massage makes this easy – we have six clinics across the city, so top-quality sports massage is never far away. All our therapists are fully trained and experienced, and our clinics are known for professionalism and excellent results. To find a good sports massage, look for reviews and credentials: Spa & Massage, for example, has a loyal client base and was voted Best Massage Clinic in London. We specialise in massage therapy (it’s not an add-on service, it’s our core expertise), which means you’ll get a therapist who really understands what your body needs. Plus, with our online booking and extended hours, you can conveniently schedule a session at the location nearest you – whether it’s in Crouchend, Bayswater, Chiswick, Earl’s Court, Belsize Park, or Richmond. In short, do a bit of research and choose a trusted provider. Spa & Massage’s multiple London locations and highly rated services are designed to be exactly what you’re looking for when you search for “sports massage near me.”
What should I do before and after a sports massage?
Before your sports massage, try to be hydrated – drink water in the hours leading up to your session. It’s best not to have a heavy meal right beforehand; a light snack is fine. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that’s easy to change out of (you’ll be draped with towels during the massage). Arriving a few minutes early can help you start relaxed rather than rushed. After your sports massage, drink plenty of water as well. Massage work can release metabolic waste from your muscles, and staying hydrated helps flush out those toxins and reduce any next-day soreness. We also recommend some gentle stretching of the areas worked on, later in the day or the next day, to maintain the flexibility gains. Avoid intense workouts immediately after a deep sports massage – give your muscles a day to recover. A warm bath or a hot shower can be soothing post-massage, and if any areas feel a bit sore, a cold pack for 10 minutes can help. Finally, pay attention to how you feel – many people notice improved range of motion and reduced pain. If you felt great, consider scheduling your next session as part of a regular routine to keep those benefits going. Enjoy the relief and improved mobility.
