Massage Therapy and Athletic Recovery: What Recent Research Shows

Whether you are a competitive athlete, a regular gym-goer, or someone simply trying to stay active, recovery is an important part of maintaining performance and preventing injury. Recent research highlighted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) points to massage therapy as an effective tool for supporting muscle recovery, flexibility, and overall physical performance.

Deep Tissue Massage May Improve Recovery and Athletic Performance

A 2025 randomized controlled study involving 150 athletes examined the effects of receiving deep tissue massage twice weekly over an eight-week period. Researchers found measurable improvements in muscle recovery, flexibility, and athletic performance among participants. The most noticeable performance gains were seen in strength-based and team-sport athletes.¹

The study also suggested that consistent massage sessions contributed to better recovery outcomes overall, while longer sessions improved flexibility in areas such as the shoulders, knees, and lower back. These findings support the growing belief that regular massage therapy can become an important part of an athlete’s training and recovery routine.

Massage Therapy May Help Reduce Muscle Soreness and Inflammation

Another 2025 study compared several common recovery methods used to treat delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), including:

• Massage therapy

• Cold-water immersion

• Vibration therapy

• Static stretching

• Functional electrical stimulation (FES)

• No recovery treatment

While each method provided some benefit, massage therapy stood out for its ability to reduce markers associated with muscle damage and inflammation.² Researchers noted that massage therapy not only helped reduce stiffness and soreness but also supported the body’s natural tissue repair process.

Recovery Matters for More Than Just Athletes

Although these studies focused on athletic recovery, the benefits of massage therapy can extend to anyone dealing with physical stress, muscle tension, or soreness from daily life. Whether you are training for an event, recovering from intense workouts, or simply managing the physical demands of work and activity, massage therapy may help your body recover more effectively.

According to AMTA National President Rick Greely:

“Research continues to reinforce that massage therapy is a powerful, evidence-based tool for improving recovery, reducing pain, and enhancing performance for athletes at every level.”

Supporting Your Recovery at Massage Refresh

At Massage Refresh in Decatur, TX, massage sessions are tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals. Whether you are looking to reduce tension, improve mobility, or support workout recovery, therapeutic massage can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

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Research References

1. Arsovski D. (2025). Deep Tissue Massage Therapy: Effects on Muscle Recovery and Performance in Athletes.International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 18(2), 40–51

2. Wei, M., Liu, X., & Wang, S. (2025). The impact of various post-exercise interventions on the relief of delayed-onset muscle soreness: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1622377.