The Different Types of Sports Massage (Even If You’re Not an Athlete)

If you think sports massage is just for marathon runners or gym junkies? It’s not. If you’ve ever typed “sports massage near me” into Google with a stiff neck and zero plans to run anywhere, you’re in the right place. Most of the people I see aren’t athletes. They’re just regular humans with tired legs, sore backs, and bodies that need a bit of looking after.

That said, there are different types of massage that fall under the sports or remedial umbrella. Some are better before activity, some after, some for in-between or recovery. If you’re wondering what might be right for you, here’s a quick breakdown in plain English.

Which Type of Sports Massage Is Right for You?

Pre-event massage

Image by Alexandra Ricart

Think of this like a warm-up for your muscles.

It’s shorter, more stimulating, and designed to get you ready for something physical. That might be a workout, a race, or even a long day in the garden. It’s not about deep release or going into tender spots. It’s about improving blood flow, waking things up, and helping you feel ready.

Most people wait until it hurts. Massage can help before it gets to that point.

You might benefit from this if…

You’ve got a big walk, cycle, or active day ahead and want to avoid that stiff, sluggish feeling.

Post-event massage

This one’s about recovery.

It happens after you’ve done the thing. Normally a couple of days later. It’s slower, more focused on calming things down, easing tension, and helping your muscles shift into recovery mode. Done right, it can reduce soreness and help you feel more human again.

You might benefit from this if…

You’re feeling sore, tight, or just finished after something physical, whether that’s a run or a full day on your feet.

Maintenance massage

This is the regular one. The “keep things ticking over” kind of massage.

You don’t need to be training for anything. You don’t even need to be in pain. This is the kind of session that helps you stay flexible, address patterns before they become problems, and feel like your body is working with you rather than against you.

You might benefit from this if…

You’ve got a desk job, a manual job, a stressful life, or just a body you live in. Most of my clients fall into this category.

Rehabilitative massage

This one’s a bit more targeted.

It’s for when you’re working through an injury or something that’s been hanging around for a while. Maybe a dodgy shoulder, a tight hip, or a recurring issue that just won’t shift. The work tends to be slower, more specific, and sometimes includes deep tissue massage - not in the “brutal pain” way, but in the “let’s get into this properly” way.

It’s often part of a bigger plan. That might include simple exercises, a look at how you’re sitting or moving, or just giving your body the attention it’s been asking for.

You might benefit from this if…

You’ve been carrying something for a while and are ready to do something about it.

You don’t need to be broken to benefit from massage. You just need to be in a body that’s doing its best.

So… what kind do you need?

That’s something we figure out together.

Most people don’t walk in asking for a pre-event massage. They say things like “my neck’s been awful,” or “I’ve just started running again and everything hurts,” or “I don’t even know where to begin.”

We talk, I assess what’s going on, and we work out what your body needs. No jargon. No pressure. Just a session that fits where you’re at.

I work from my home clinic in Sissinghurst, Kent, seeing people from Cranbrook, Goudhurst, Tenterden and the surrounding villages. Whether you’re training for something, dealing with something, or just feeling the wear and tear of being alive, you’re welcome.

If you’re not sure what kind of session to book, send me a message or book in here and we’ll go from there.