EVIDENCE FOR SPORTS MASSAGE
As well as for physiotherapy, there has been a lot of scientific research that supports the benefits of sports massage. The following is a small sample of research proving that manual therapy techniques are beneficial, and even vital for the recovery and prevention of injuries.
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According to a Cochrane review on massage therapy for chronic lower back pain featuring 13 clinical trials, massage might be beneficial for patients with acute and chronic low-back pain, especially when combined with other holistic exercises and education. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture massage (acupressure) can be even more effective than classic/Swedish massage for lowering back pain.
NICE guidelines suggest a course of manual therapy for lower back pain including manipulation, mobilisation and massage www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg88
A study carried out by Orgai looked at the effects of a type of massage technique called petrissage following intensive cycling. ​​ The results showed that those who received the massage between bouts of cycling and incresed recovery from muscles stiffness and lower limb fatigue. Overll, the power during cuycling was also enhanced in those who recieved the massage. ​
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Ogai, Effects of Petrissage Massage on fatigue and exercise performance following intesive pedalling. BJSM 2008; 42: 534-538
The NHS lists physiotherapy and massage as a treatment for sports injuries www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sports-injuries/Pages/treatment.aspx
British cycling in March 2015 points out that amateurs may find a monthly soft tissue massage can be useful as ‘a body MOT’ and help identify potential concerns www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/article/izn20150303-All-Cycling-Massage-0
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Sports massage was included as a core medical service at the Olympics in 1996 and most major teams throughout the world now employ specific massage therapists.