When should I get a sports massage?

There are three phases - generally speaking - where sports massage is appropriate.

  1. Pre-activity: Before a workout, sports event, marathon, hike, cycle tour or other physical activity, a sports massage activates the muscles and improves bloodflow without inducing relaxation. It brings proprioceptive awareness to targeted muscle groups and areas of the body, preparing it for the activity ahead of time.

  2. Post-activity: Getting a sports massage for recovery is best as soon as possible after the activity has finished. Muscle stiffness takes up to 48 hours to set in; a sports massage within that window reduces stiffness and maintains muscular flexibility and reduces recovery pain.

  3. Maintenance: In the days and weeks following the activity, regular sports massages maintain flexibility and range of motion, while also addressing muscle imbalances. For athletes and individuals who frequently participate in sports or strenuous physical activity, regular sports massages can go a long way in maintaining physical function and prolonging muscular flexibility.

What does a sports massage involve?

Sports massage is different to relaxation massage in several key ways.

  1. Focus: The goal is to target specific muscle groups and chains to ensure, primarily, that mobility is preserved and muscles can function optimally for any level of activity.

  2. Performance: With the right massage regime, physical performance can be maintained over time. Regular massage sessions improve blood flow, keeping muscles properly 'fed' with the nutrients and oxygen they need to perform at their best.

  3. Injury recovery and prevention: With the risk of injury markedly higher when physical activity is involved, a proper sports massage regime can go a long way towards preventing injuries - major and minor - and assist with the recovery process when injuries do happen.

Do I have to get massages regularly?

No. Sports massages can be booked once-off for specific, targeted needs. Naturally, a more holistic approach for more lasting outcomes will involve more than one session; however, this is entirely at your discretion. At Balanced Body, we always offer guidance and suggestions on how best to maintain mobility and muscular function in the long term.

Sports massages can also be scheduled and timed in line with specific activities you're undertaking, so that you can perform at your best. Pre- and/or post-activity sessions can enhance performance, aid recovery and reduce the impact of injuries.

If you'd like to work out a sports massage plan that matches your lifestyle, get in touch with us and we'll gladly set up a schedule that works for you.

Can sports massages be done at my home?

Yes! At Balanced Body, we have mobile massage beds and come equipped with all towels, professional-grade massage oils, stretching bands and more. Sessions can be done at your home anywhere in the greater Cape Town area, or at a private location of your choice.

If you are going to be participating in a sports event or activity, we will gladly be present on site beforehand for preparation, and/or afterwards to get you on the massage table at the appropriate time for the best possible recovery. We're happy to advise you on structuring an optimal schedule to fit in with your activities or events.

When should I not get a sports massage?

In some cases, sports massage is not appropriate. These include:

  1. Acute injury: If you have been severely injured and have not yet entered the recovery phase (which usually begins three days after the severe injury was sustained), sports massage can hamper recovery. If you have a significant injury, speak to your physician before booking a sports massage.

  2. Illness and wounds: Individuals with conditions like flu, fever, inflammation, contagious skin conditions and open wounds should rather recover before getting a sports massage. Severe acne, rashes and burns also should not be massaged. Additionally, if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), blood clots or are on blood thinning medication, consult your physician before booking a sports massage.

  3. Pregnancy: In some cases, pregnant persons should not get sports massage. Certain conditions associated with pregnancy can be exacerbated by the increased blood flow that results from sports massage. Once again, speak to your physician if you have any doubts.

Can I book for more than one person at a time?

Yes! If you and your friends are participating in an event or activity together, we're happy to do sessions for all of you. This also reduces the overall cost, since the callout fee is only payable once for the whole group.

Group bookings can be done for up to four individuals in a session (excluding 90-minute massages, which can be booked for up to three people).

See our pricing guide to learn more about costing and booking for your group.