25/06/2025
💪 Is Sports Massage Worth It? Here’s What the Science Says…
You’ve probably heard that massage helps recovery — but what does the research actually show? 🧠
According to a 2022 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Sports Sciences (Poppendieck et al.), sports massage offers:
✅ Reduced Muscle Soreness
Even a short session post-exercise can ease delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), especially in the first 24–72 hours.
✅ Improved Flexibility
Massage boosts range of motion, which may support better movement patterns and injury prevention.
⚠️ But… It Won’t Make You Run Faster or Lift Heavier
Evidence shows little to no direct improvement in performance metrics like sprint speed or strength. The real value lies in how it aids recovery and reduces discomfort — helping you stay consistent with training. 🔁
🧬 Bonus: Massage may also stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and activate your parasympathetic nervous system (aka: chill mode 😌).
📚 Reference: Poppendieck et al. (2022). Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(4), 355–366.
