Can Sports Massage Improve Recovery in Markham?

Published by Markham Pain Clinic · November 13, 2026

Sports massage may help reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness after hard or unfamiliar exercise, but current research does not show a direct improvement in strength, sprinting, jumping, or endurance.[1] For active people in Markham, an RMT assessment can help set realistic goals, adjust pressure, and decide whether massage fits a recovery plan.[1][3]

What does research say about sports massage and performance?

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 randomized and randomized crossover studies, involving 1,012 participants, found no overall improvement in strength, jumping, sprinting, endurance, or fatigue after sports massage.[1] The review did find small improvements in flexibility and delayed-onset muscle soreness, often called DOMS.[1]

The same review reported a 13% improvement in measured DOMS after exercise.[1] The result came from 10 studies with 311 participants, but the studies varied widely, and one outlier had a strong influence.[1] That means massage may help some people feel less sore, but the size of the benefit is uncertain.[1]

The practical takeaway is simple: book massage for a realistic recovery goal, such as comfort or reduced soreness, rather than expecting it to make you faster or stronger by itself.[1]

What is delayed-onset muscle soreness?

DOMS is the muscle soreness that can develop after strenuous or unfamiliar exercise.[1] It is different from a sudden injury during activity and may occur alongside stiffness or a temporary feeling of reduced function.[1]

If your symptoms are severe, unexplained, worsening, or feel unlike your usual post-workout soreness, do not use massage to delay medical assessment.[2] The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises people not to postpone seeing a healthcare provider about a medical problem because they are using massage therapy.[2]

How should an RMT plan a post-exercise massage?

An Ontario RMT should obtain informed consent before and throughout assessment and treatment.[3] The consent discussion should cover the proposed treatment, expected benefits, risks and side effects, alternatives, likely consequences of declining treatment, and your right to ask questions or request that care be changed or stopped.[3]

Before the session, tell the RMT these details so the assessment, consent discussion, and plan can reflect your situation.[3]

• What exercise or event you completed
• When the soreness started and where you feel it
• Whether there was a sudden injury, fall, or direct impact
• Any health conditions, medications, recent procedures, or other safety concerns
• Your preferred pressure and what areas you do or do not want treated

Pressure is not a test of toughness.[3] You can ask for lighter pressure, a different position, a change in the plan, or an end to the session at any time.[3]

Is sports massage safe for everyone?

Massage therapy generally has a low risk of harmful effects when used appropriately, but rare serious events such as blood clots, nerve injuries, and bone fractures have been reported.[2] Some reports involved vigorous deep-tissue massage or people with a higher risk of injury.[2]

Ask a healthcare provider whether massage is appropriate if you are unsure about your health situation.[2] An RMT can also adjust or decline treatment when the history, assessment, or consent discussion identifies a concern.[2][3]

Does Markham Pain Clinic offer massage therapy for active people?

Markham Pain Clinic lists Massage Therapy as a service and describes sports massage as an option designed for active people, including support before activity and during recovery afterward.[4]

Learn about the clinic's Massage Therapy service and its stated options for active people here.[4] https://www.markhampain.com/services/massage-therapy

To ask whether an RMT assessment may fit your goals, contact the clinic or book online through these verified clinic links.[4] https://www.markhampain.com/contact https://markhampainclinic.janeapp.com/

Markham Pain Clinic 8312 McCowan Rd Suite #206 Markham, ON L3P 8E1 +1 905-470-2626

Frequently asked questions

Can sports massage make me perform better immediately?

Research does not show a clear direct improvement in strength, sprinting, jumping, endurance, or fatigue.[1] Massage may still help with perceived soreness or provide a small flexibility benefit for some people.[1]

Can massage completely prevent post-workout soreness?

No. Research suggests a small average benefit for DOMS, but results vary.[1] Massage should not be presented as a guaranteed way to prevent soreness or replace a broader recovery plan.[1]

Should sports massage be painful to work?

No. The pressure and treatment plan should be discussed with you, and you can ask for changes or stop treatment at any time.[3] Ontario consent standards require ongoing informed consent during massage therapy.[3]

When should I seek medical assessment instead of massage?

Seek healthcare assessment when symptoms are severe, unexplained, worsening, or do not feel like your usual post-exercise soreness.[2] Massage therapy should not delay evaluation of a medical problem.[2]

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education only and does not provide a diagnosis or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.[2] Whether massage therapy is appropriate depends on an individual assessment, health history, goals, and informed consent.[2][3] Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.[2]

Sources: [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32426160 — Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know — Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know [3] https://www.cmto.com/rules/standard-of-practice-consent — Standard of Practice: Consent [4] https://www.markhampain.com/services/massage-therapy — Massage Therapy | Markham Pain Clinic