Research

Key Research Articles on Sports Massage Benefits

1. Role of Massage in Sports Performance & Rehabilitation

• Summary: Reviews the psychological and physiological effects of sports massage on athletes, including recovery and injury treatment.

• Link: PMC Article (2008)

2. Systematic Review on Massage for Performance & Recovery

• Summary: A 2020 meta-analysis of 29 studies finds small but significant improvements in flexibility and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

• Link: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine (2020)

3. Effects of Massage Therapy on Sport Performance

• Summary: Examines motor abilities, neurophysiological mechanisms (e.g., pain reduction), and psychological benefits (e.g., stress relief).

• Link: MDPI Sports Journal (2023)

4. Clinical Benefits of Sports Massage

• Summary: Covers practical benefits like injury prevention, DOMS reduction, and mental readiness, with trial comparisons of techniques.

• Link: Dr. Graeme’s Guide (2023)

5. Deep Tissue Massage vs. Exercise for Neck Pain

• Summary: RCT showing short-term pain relief from massage, though long-term effects were similar to exercise.

• Link: ScienceDirect (2020)

6. Sports Massage for Pre-Event & Recovery

• Summary: Discusses techniques (effleurage, petrissage) and their roles in warm-up, recovery, and mental focus.

• Link: AMTA Massage Therapy Journal

7. Massage & Mental Health in Athletes

• Summary: Study on college students showing improved mood, reduced fatigue, and lower stress with massage post-exercise.

• Link: MDPI IJERPH (2021)

8. Sports Massage: Uses & Evidence

• Summary: Reviews benefits (flexibility, DOMS) and limitations, citing peer-reviewed studies.

• Link: Verywell Health (2024)