Sports massage is a firm, targeted massage that works on the muscles and soft tissues you use most in training, work and daily life. It eases tightness, improves how muscles move and helps you recover between sessions.
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is a deep, targeted form of massage that focuses on the muscles, tendons and fascia that take the most strain during exercise and everyday life. It is firmer and more specific than a relaxation massage.
At Gogodoc Physio, sports massage is carried out by a qualified graduate sports therapist and is available at both our Slough and Ealing clinics.
Benefits of sports massage
Regular sports massage can ease muscle tightness, improve flexibility and range of movement, reduce post-exercise soreness and help you recover faster between training sessions.
Many people also find it helps with stress and with the neck, shoulder and back tension that comes from long hours at a desk or driving.
What happens in a session
We start by asking about your training, work and any areas of tightness or discomfort. Your therapist then checks your posture and movement before working on the areas that need it most, using deep tissue techniques, soft tissue release and assisted stretching.
You will leave with simple advice on stretching, foam rolling and recovery to keep the benefit going.
Before and after events
Planning a 10k, half marathon, football tournament or other event? A pre-event massage 2–5 days beforehand keeps your muscles loose without leaving them sore on the day.
After the event, a lighter recovery massage 2–3 days later helps reduce soreness and gets you back to training sooner.
Sports massage or physiotherapy?
If your main problem is tightness, stiffness or recovery, sports massage is a great choice. If you have pain from a specific injury, pain that is not settling, or pins and needles, book a physiotherapy assessment first so the cause can be diagnosed.
Our physiotherapists and sports therapist work together, so you can easily combine both.
Sports massage in Slough and Ealing
We offer sports massage at our Slough clinic in the town centre and our Ealing clinic in Hanwell, with weekday evening appointments until 9pm and Saturday mornings, so it is easy to fit around training and work.
Sports Massage conditions we treat in Slough & Ealing
- Tight hamstrings and calves
- Common in runners, footballers and anyone who sits a lot.
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Desk work, stress and poor posture.
- Lower back tightness
- Muscle tension around the spine and hips.
- Pre-event preparation
- Lighter, faster work to get you ready to perform.
- Post-event recovery
- Gentle flushing massage after a race or match.
- Training recovery
- Regular maintenance during heavy training blocks.
More conditions we help with
- Runners and race preparation
- Pre- and post-race massage for 10k, half marathon and marathon runners.
- Footballers and cricketers
- Maintenance massage through the season.
- Gym and strength training
- Recovery after heavy lifting sessions.
- Desk-related tension
- Neck, shoulder and upper back tightness from computer work.
- Cyclists
- Quads, hip flexors and lower back.
Not sure if we can help? See our A–Z of conditions we treat or call 020 3371 0995.
Sports Massage treatments and techniques
- Deep tissue massage
- Firm pressure to release tight, overworked muscles.
- Soft tissue release
- Targeted techniques to free restricted areas.
- Trigger point therapy
- Easing tender knots that refer pain elsewhere.
- Assisted stretching
- Improving flexibility with guided stretches.
- Pre- and post-event massage
- Timed to your race, match or competition.
- Self-care advice
- Foam rolling, stretching and recovery tips.
Your sports massage recovery timeline
- During the sessionTight areas loosen and movement feels freer.
- 24–48 hoursSome mild soreness is normal after deep work.
- 2–3 daysMuscles feel lighter and recovery improves.
- OngoingRegular sessions every 2–4 weeks during heavy training.
Sports Massage prices
- Sports massage30 min£40
- Sports massage45 min£50
- Sports massage60 min£60
Self-pay prices. Insured? We can bill most major insurers directly. All prices
Who sports massage is for
Runners, footballers, cricketers, gym-goers, cyclists, people training for an event, and anyone with tight or overworked muscles from work or daily life.
You may benefit if you notice: muscles feel tight or heavy after training; stiffness that limits your movement; neck and shoulder tension from desk work; you have an event coming up and want to prepare; slow recovery between sessions.
Sports Massage: frequently asked questions
Is sports massage painful?
What should I wear?
How often should I have a sports massage?
Is sports massage the same as physiotherapy?
How much is a sports massage in Slough or Ealing?
Can I claim sports massage on insurance?
Book sports massage near you
Appointments are available at Gogodoc Physio Slough, for patients from Slough, Langley, Burnham, Farnham Royal, Windsor, Cippenham and Iver, and Gogodoc Physio Ealing, for patients from Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell, Acton, Southall and Greenford.
Sports massage is a firm, targeted massage that eases tight muscles, improves flexibility and speeds up recovery from training. At Gogodoc Physio in Slough and Ealing, it is carried out by a qualified sports therapist, with evening and Saturday appointments.
Reviewed by the Gogodoc Physio clinical team, led by Sen Ramanathan, Clinical Director, Principal Practitioner · Updated October 2026This guide is general information and not a substitute for individual clinical advice. For severe or sudden symptoms, contact your GP or NHS 111.