How it differs from a relaxation massage
A relaxation massage uses light, flowing strokes to help you unwind. Sports massage is more targeted and often firmer. Your therapist uses techniques such as deep tissue work, trigger point pressure, stretching and soft-tissue release, aimed at specific muscles that are tight, overworked or limiting your movement.
It should never be a competition in pain. Strong pressure can feel intense, but you should always be able to breathe and relax into it. Tell your therapist if it is too much.
What it can help with
- Muscle tightness and tension, including knots in the shoulders and calves.
- Soreness after hard training or a long walk in the hills.
- Reduced range of movement in a tight area, at least in the short term.
- Feeling looser and more comfortable before or after an event.
Research suggests sports massage can reduce perceived soreness and make recovery feel better. The evidence for big changes in performance is modest, and no single treatment replaces good sleep, food and sensible training. We treat massage as one useful tool, usually alongside exercise advice.
What happens in a session
- Consultation and screening. We ask about your symptoms, training, work and any medical history, and check how you move.
- Treatment. You wear comfortable underwear or shorts, with towels used for modesty and warmth. We work on the areas that matter for you, not a standard routine.
- Advice. You leave knowing what to do between sessions: stretches, strengthening or changes to training.
Sessions at Castle Therapies last 1 hour 15 minutes, which leaves proper time to talk, assess and treat.
How you might feel afterwards
Many people feel looser and lighter. It is also normal to feel a little tender or heavy for 24 to 48 hours, a bit like after a workout. Gentle movement, a warm shower and normal drinking are all you need. You may have heard that massage flushes toxins out of your muscles. That is a myth, so ignore it.
How often should you book?
It depends on your goal. If you are recovering from a specific problem, a short run of sessions close together, with exercises in between, usually works better than one-offs. If you are maintaining a heavy training load, many people book every few weeks. We will give you a plan rather than an open-ended recommendation.