Massage and Sports Massage: What It Involves, Safety and Choosing a Therapist

Massage therapy works on muscles and other soft tissue using pressure, kneading, friction and stretching. Styles vary widely, from gentle relaxation massage to deep tissue and sports massage aimed at people who train or work physically. Sports massage may be used before or after activity, or between sessions as part of a wider training and recovery routine.

The therapist should ask about your health, injuries, medicines and what you want from the session, and explain what they plan to do. Sessions commonly last 30 to 60 minutes. You may be asked to undress to your underwear for the area being treated and will be covered with towels; you can decline, keep clothing on, or ask for a chaperone.

Pressure should be adjusted to your comfort. Discomfort during deep work is common, but it should never be unbearable, and you can ask the therapist to ease off or stop at any time.

Studies of massage tend to be small and short, and benefits are usually modest and temporary. NICE does not recommend massage on its own for low back pain; where manual therapy is considered, it is as part of a package that includes exercise. Evidence that sports massage prevents injury or improves performance is weak.

Temporary soreness or tiredness is common. Problems are more likely if massage is applied over an area that should be left alone.

• Do not have massage over skin infections, open wounds, burns, rashes or recent surgery sites.
• Avoid deep massage if you have a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulants — get medical advice first.
• Seek advice first with osteoporosis, recent fracture, active cancer treatment, or lymphoedema.
• A hot, swollen, painful calf may indicate a blood clot. Do not have it massaged — seek urgent medical advice.
• In pregnancy, use a therapist trained in pregnancy massage and tell them how many weeks you are.

Massage therapy is not statutorily regulated, and the titles “massage therapist” and “sports massage therapist” are not protected. Anyone may use them. Sensible checks include:

• Registration with a Professional Standards Authority accredited register, such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, which requires recognised training and insurance.
• A recognised qualification in massage or sports massage, and current indemnity insurance.
• Local council licensing where it applies — many councils license premises offering “special treatments”.
• If the therapist is also a physiotherapist, check the HCPC register for that title.

Massage is rarely provided by the NHS as a standalone treatment, though hands-on soft-tissue work may form part of NHS physiotherapy, and some hospices and cancer support services offer complementary therapies free of charge to the people they support.

Private prices vary by area, length of session and setting, and we do not publish a typical figure. Ask for a written price list, and be careful with prepaid blocks of sessions.

Raise it with the business first, in writing. If the therapist is on an accredited register, complain to that register. Report licensing or hygiene concerns to your local council. Report anything that felt unsafe or sexually inappropriate to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.