A sports massage is more targeted than a regular one, aiming for overall relaxation and stress relief. It focuses on the areas of the body that are most used and stressed during physical activities, making it a valuable tool for those who push their bodies for performance.

Loose-fitting, breathable clothing that provides easy access to the areas being massaged is ideal. Understanding that it's about your comfort and the therapist's access can help alleviate any nervousness about what to wear.

Sports massage often involves kneading and grasping of muscles and other soft tissues. Your sports massage therapist or physiotherapist may use techniques such as: effleurage — strokes with the palm of the hand. petrissage — lifts soft tissues.

Sports massage is proven to release and reduce tension in muscles, improve circulation and encourage the removal of waste products such as lactic acid during high intensity activity and can help to relax the body.