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Massage Therapy Isn't Just for Recovery, It's Becoming Part of Athletic Performance

  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read


When most people think of sports massage, they picture an athlete climbing onto the table after a hard workout or a big game. Recovery is certainly an important part of massage therapy, but at higher levels of competition, massage has become much more than that.


A recent article in the Summer 2026 Massage Therapy Journal, published by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), highlights how programs like Duke University and the University of Michigan have integrated massage therapists into their athletic departments. Rather than using massage only after an injury occurs, these programs incorporate it throughout the season to help athletes recover, move efficiently, and stay available to compete.


As Duke's Associate Director of Athletic Medicine, Jose Fonseca, explains in the article:


"The goal is to individualize care so each player gets exactly what they need to stay healthy, available and performing at a high level."


That philosophy closely mirrors my own approach at Massage Refresh.


Every Athlete Is Different

Recently, I've been working with a local high school football player preparing for the upcoming season. With his parents' permission, we've been meeting weekly to improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and help his body better handle the demands of football.

When we first started, he wasn't convinced massage therapy would make much difference. Like many young athletes, he assumed soreness was simply part of the game. Over the past several weeks, however, he's become one of massage therapy's biggest believers.


Each session is a little different. Rather than following the exact same routine every week, I evaluate how his body is moving, where he's feeling tightness, and what areas need the most attention. Treatment may include myofascial techniques, trigger point therapy, gentle stretching, and joint mobilizations to help improve movement and prepare his body for the next practice or workout. The goal isn't simply to make muscles feel good for an hour. The goal is to help him move better tomorrow.


Communication Matters

One point the AMTA article emphasizes is the importance of communication between the massage therapist, athletic trainer, coaches, and athlete.


At Massage Refresh, communication is just as important. I ask clients:


  • What they're noticing between sessions:

  • Where do you feel restricted?

  • What movements feel easier?

  • What's still bothering you?

  • How did your body respond after the last treatment?


Those conversations help guide each session and ensure treatment stays focused on the individual's needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all routine.


Massage Is for Every Athlete

You don't have to play Division I basketball, or even varsity football to benefit from therapeutic massage. Whether you're preparing for a new season, training for a race, recovering from intense workouts, or simply trying to stay active without pain, massage therapy can become part of your overall performance and recovery plan.

As more athletic programs embrace massage as part of comprehensive athlete care, we're seeing what many massage therapists have known for years:


Helping the body move well is one of the best ways to help it perform well.


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