What is Sports Therapy & Sports Massage?

If you have ever found yourself dealing with pain or injury, you may have wondered whether to see a physio, sports therapist, or osteopath, and whether to book an Injury Assessment or Sports Massage Treatment. There is often uncertainty about the differences between these labels, as there are crossovers and similarities and often collaboration between these practitioners. It can be confusing- but this series of articles aim to break it down more simply, so you know who to see and when.

Sports Therapy is a branch of healthcare focused on preventing injuries and helping individuals rehabilitate back to their best possible level of function — whether that’s day-to-day movement, returning to work, or peak sports performance. It’s suitable for people of all ages and abilities, not just athletes.

In line with The Society of Sports Therapists, sports therapists are trained in five key areas:

Lifestyle related Aches, Pains & Stiffness- Neck/back pain from desk jobs, Repetitive strain from manual labour, Returning to work from injury, Older adults wanting to stay active and mobile

Joint & Soft Tissue injuries– Sprains, Strains, Tendon Injuries, Muscle tears or pulls

Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries- Runners knee, Jumpers knee, tendinopathy’s, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, shin splints, ITB syndrome, plantar fasciitis.

Back & Postural Conditions– Lower back pain, Sciatic pain (MSK related), Postural imbalances, muscle tension

Post-surgery & Post-Injury Rehab- Ligament repair surgery rehab, Muscle repair rehab, Joint replacements (in collaboration with wider medical team), Fracture rehab (after medical clearance.

Performance Related Support– Injury prevention programs, Prehabilitation, Movement screening, Recovery strategies

At your Initial Injury Assessment, the goal is to understand the nature of your injury and set a clear plan for recovery. The session begins with a detailed examination and assessment to identify the underlying cause and contributing factors. If appropriate, hands-on treatment may be provided, such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisations, or taping techniques to support healing and relieve discomfort. You’ll then receive a personalised rehabilitation plan, including specific exercises tailored to your needs, activity level, and goals. Throughout the appointment, you’ll also be given clear advice and education about your injury – including what to expect during recovery, how to manage symptoms, and which movements or activities to avoid in the short term.

In addition to injury assessments and rehab, you can also book sports massage sessions to help with muscle tension, recovery, and general maintenance, whether you’re managing an injury or simply staying proactive with your physical health.

Sports Therapists may offer both appointments in a practice, but it’s important to know the difference before booking so that you make the right choice based on your needs. Both can help you recover but they serve different purposes and follow different approaches.

Sports Massage is a hands-on treatment aimed at reducing muscle tension, improving blood-flow, aiding flexibility and promoting healing. It is suitable for anyone-whether you are training regularly or feeling tight from sitting at your desk. It also acts as a gateway by easing discomfort and helping you move more freely before progressing to exercises when in rehabilitation from injury.

Sports Injury Assessment and Rehab is a clinical session specific to pinpointing the root of pain or dysfunction using a comprehensive assessment using questioning and movements. This is usually followed by some hands-on treatment (if appropriate) and a tailored rehabilitation plan to help you recover safely and effectively. These sessions are ideal if you’re struggling with a new or on-going injury.

In summary, a sports massage is a brilliant tool for short-term relief, aiding recovery and for on-going maintenance of muscle function, while sports injury assessment and rehab focus on identifying and treating the root cause of the issue for a long-term fix.