Sports Massage Therapy in Mississauga, Markham & Burlington
.jpg)
Targeted massage for active individuals
Sports massage therapy provides targeted treatment for muscles commonly used during physical activity in Mississauga. Registered massage therapists at Revibe use controlled pressure, targeted strokes, and guided stretching along the muscles used during movement. This hands-on approach addresses activity-related tension, supports muscle function, and provides focused treatment for athletes and active individuals.
What is Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on muscles commonly used during physical activity. It uses targeted techniques to address areas of tension, stiffness, or tightness in active individuals. The approach uses controlled pressure, targeted strokes, and guided stretching along the muscles used during movement.
The technique applies to various activities including running, cycling, weightlifting, team sports, and recreational exercise. Sports massage therapy supports athletes, active individuals, and anyone experiencing muscle tension from physical activity. Compared to Swedish massage, which uses lighter, flowing strokes, or deep tissue massage, which targets deeper muscle layers, sports massage emphasizes activity-related muscles.
Treatment Approach
Sports massage sessions at Revibe involve targeted work on muscles involved in physical activity. Registered massage therapists (RMTs) review recent activity, health history, and areas of tension. Sessions use controlled pressure and targeted strokes applied to specific muscles used in activity. The therapist may include stretching and guided range-of-motion movements. Sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on individual needs and areas of focus.
Who Can Benefit?
Sports massage serves active individuals at various levels. Competitive athletes use it for performance support and recovery between training sessions. Recreational exercisers address tension from regular workouts. Weekend warriors manage muscle tightness from intermittent activity. The therapy is not limited to athletes—anyone engaged in physical activity can receive treatment.
Sports Massage for Different Activities
Our registered massage therapists at Revibe adapt sports massage techniques for various types of physical activity, targeting the specific muscles and movement patterns involved in your sport or exercise routine.
Running and Endurance Sports
Focus on lower body muscles including calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, and IT bands where repetitive strain commonly occurs. Sports massage addresses issues like shin splints, runner's knee, and plantar fasciitis-related tension. Treatment targets the specific muscles used in repetitive motion and addresses tension patterns that develop from sustained endurance activity.
Common scenarios:Marathon runners with calf tension, distance cyclists with quad tightness, triathletes with multiple areas of strain.
Strength Training and Weightlifting
Targets muscle groups used in specific lifts, addressing tension in shoulders, back, chest, arms, and legs. Sports massage supports recovery between training sessions and addresses overuse patterns from repetitive lifting movements. Treatment focuses on muscles experiencing high loads and addresses compensatory patterns that develop from training imbalances.
Common scenarios:Powerlifters with back tension, bodybuilders with shoulder tightness, gym-goers experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness.
Team Sports
Addresses multiple muscle groups depending on sport-specific movements, including rotational patterns, sprinting mechanics, and lateral movements. Soccer players require focus on legs and hips. Basketball players need work on calves and shoulders. Hockey players benefit from treatment addressing skating posture and upper body checking motions. Sports massage adapts to the demands of each sport.
Common scenarios:Soccer players with hamstring tension, basketball players with ankle tightness, hockey players with hip flexor strain.
Swimming
Focus on shoulders, upper back, lats, and core muscles used in stroke mechanics. Sports massage addresses overuse patterns in rotator cuff and supporting muscles. Treatment targets the repetitive overhead motion patterns and addresses the muscle imbalances that develop from stroke-specific training. The approach considers both competitive swimmers and recreational lap swimmers.
Common scenarios:Competitive swimmers with shoulder strain, triathletes with lat tension, recreational swimmers with upper back tightness.
Golf and Tennis
Addresses rotational muscle groups including obliques, lower back, shoulders, and forearms used in swinging motions. Golf requires specific focus on the muscles involved in the golf swing rotation. Tennis players need treatment for serve mechanics and repetitive forehand and backhand motions. Sports massage targets the asymmetrical loading patterns common in these sports.
Common scenarios:Golfers with lower back tension, tennis players with shoulder strain, racquet sport athletes with forearm tightness.
Recreational Activity
Supports individuals who exercise regularly but may not identify as athletes, targeting areas of tension from gym workouts, yoga, hiking, or outdoor activities. Treatment addresses the muscle tension that accumulates from regular fitness routines and adapts to various activity combinations. Sports massage provides maintenance care for active lifestyles.
Common scenarios:Gym members with general muscle tension, hikers with leg fatigue, yoga practitioners with specific areas of tightness.
.jpg)
Sports Massage Techniques
Sports massage uses several techniques to support activity-related muscle care. Each technique serves a specific purpose and is combined based on individual needs and treatment timing.
Long, smooth strokes applied along muscle fibers to warm tissue and prepare muscles for deeper work. Used at the beginning and end of sessions. These flowing movements increase blood flow to the treatment area and allow the therapist to assess tissue condition before applying more specific techniques.
Lifting and compressing muscle tissue to address deeper layers. Applied to areas like shoulders, thighs, and calves where tension accumulates. This technique works the muscle belly and helps release tightness in larger muscle groups. The rhythmic compression supports circulation and addresses tissue that holds chronic tension.
Deep, circular movements or cross-fiber strokes applied across muscle fibers rather than along them. Used to address areas of restricted movement and scar tissue. Friction techniques target specific adhesions and help break down tissue restrictions that limit normal movement. This focused work addresses chronic tension patterns.
Sustained pressure applied to specific points of tension to release tight areas and support normal movement. Pressure is held on these points for several seconds to a minute. Trigger points are irritable spots within tight muscle bands that can refer pain to other areas. Direct pressure helps release these restrictions.
Help maintain flexibility and support normal muscle function. Passive stretching may be incorporated while positioned on the massage table. The therapist guides limbs through their range of motion to address restrictions and maintain joint mobility. This component supports muscle length and movement quality.
Pre-Event vs Post-Event Sports Massage
Sports massage timing affects the techniques used and session focus. Pre-event sports massage is typically performed 15 minutes to 2 hours before activity. It uses stimulating techniques like tapotement and brisk effleurage to warm muscles and prepare tissue for movement. Sessions are shorter (10-20 minutes) and focus on major muscle groups used in the upcoming activity.
Post-event sports massage is performed within hours to days after intense activity. It uses gentler techniques to address muscle tension accumulated during exercise. The focus is on flushing metabolic waste and addressing areas of tightness. Sessions may last 30-60 minutes depending on activity intensity. This timing supports recovery and addresses the immediate effects of physical exertion.
Maintenance sports massage consists of regular sessions scheduled between activities to support ongoing muscle function. It uses a combination of techniques to address chronic tension patterns and maintain flexibility. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. Rehabilitation sports massage addresses specific injuries or chronic issues affecting activity participation and may be coordinated with physiotherapy or other treatments at Revibe Mississauga.
What to Expect During Your Sports Massage Session
A sports massage session at Revibe Mississauga typically begins with a consultation. The registered massage therapist (RMT) reviews recent activity, health history, and any areas of tension. What activities do you participate in? Where do you feel tightness? Pressure preferences and targeted treatment areas are confirmed before the session begins.
During the session, controlled pressure and targeted strokes are applied to specific muscles used in activity. The therapist may include stretching and guided range-of-motion movements. How does the pressure feel? Is the focus area correct? Adjustments are made based on patient feedback to maintain comfort throughout. Each session is conducted in a treatment room designed for massage therapy at the Revibe Mississauga clinic.
After the session, patients may receive guidance on hydration, light stretching, or posture to support muscle function. Sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes. Thirty-minute sessions focus on specific problem areas like neck, shoulders, or lower back. Sixty-minute sessions allow for full-body treatment or detailed work on multiple areas. Ninety-minute sessions provide comprehensive treatment for athletes or individuals with multiple areas of tension.
How Often Should You Get Sports Massage?
Frequency depends on activity level, training intensity, and individual needs. High-intensity athletes may receive sports massage 1-2 times per week during training periods, particularly before competitions or after intense training blocks. Regular exercisers typically benefit from sessions every 2-4 weeks to address accumulated tension and maintain muscle function.
Recreational activity levels usually call for monthly sessions to address tension from regular but moderate physical activity. Injury recovery frequency is determined by the specific condition and may be more frequent during initial recovery phases. Seasonal athletes increase frequency during active seasons and reduce during off-seasons.
Your registered massage therapist will discuss appropriate frequency based on your activity patterns, goals, and how your muscles respond to treatment. The scheduling adapts as training demands change or as recovery needs shift throughout the season.
Common Areas Treated
Lower body: Calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, glutes, IT band, and plantar fascia
Upper body: Shoulders, back muscles, chest, arms, and forearms
Core: Abdominals, obliques, lower back muscles
Neck: Sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, upper trapezius, levator scapulaeSports Massage vs Other Types
vs Swedish Massage: Swedish uses lighter pressure for relaxation; sports massage uses firmer, targeted pressure
vs Deep Tissue: Deep tissue focuses on chronic tension throughout the body; sports massage targets activity-specific muscles
vs Therapeutic Massage: Therapeutic addresses general pain; sports massage targets activity-related tension
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Massage Therapy
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows practitioners to assess movement and perform massage techniques. Athletic wear or casual clothing accommodates treatment procedures. Gowns are available when needed for specific treatments. You'll be draped appropriately throughout the session for privacy and comfort.
Sports massage should not be painful, though you may experience some discomfort when addressing areas of significant tension. Pressure is adjusted to your tolerance level. Communication with your RMT ensures the treatment remains within comfortable limits. Some soreness may occur 24-48 hours after treatment as muscles respond to the work.
No. Sports massage serves anyone engaged in physical activity, from competitive athletes to recreational exercisers to weekend warriors. The techniques adapt to various activity levels and address muscle tension from any type of movement. Office workers who exercise after work often benefit from treatment targeting both posture issues and workout-related tension.
Most extended health plans in Ontario cover massage therapy, including sports massage. Coverage varies by provider and plan limits. Revibe offers direct billing for accepted plans and provides receipts for insurance submission. Verify specific plan details regarding massage therapy coverage limits and requirements.
Timing depends on your goals. Pre-event massage prepares muscles 15 minutes to 2 hours before activity. Post-event massage addresses tension within hours to days after exercise. Maintenance massage occurs between activities on a regular schedule. Your RMT will help determine the best timing based on your training schedule and activity demands.
Sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes. Thirty-minute sessions focus on specific problem areas. Sixty-minute sessions allow for full-body treatment or detailed work on multiple areas. Ninety-minute sessions provide comprehensive treatment for athletes or individuals with multiple areas of tension. Your RMT will recommend appropriate session length based on your needs.
No referral required. You can book directly with our Mississauga registered massage therapists. However, bringing information about recent injuries, medical conditions, or current training programs helps practitioners understand your situation better and provide more targeted treatment.
Sports massage can support injury recovery by addressing muscle tension and promoting circulation. Treatment may be coordinated with physiotherapy or other rehabilitation services at Revibe Mississauga. Your RMT will adapt techniques based on injury stage and healing progress. Always inform your therapist about recent or current injuries.
Deep tissue massage focuses on chronic tension in deeper muscle layers throughout the body using sustained pressure. Sports massage targets specific muscles used in activity and adjusts techniques based on training schedules and activity timing. Sports massage incorporates various techniques including deep work, stretching, and lighter preparation strokes.
Light activity is generally fine after sports massage. Avoid intense exercise immediately following deep tissue work or post-event massage. Pre-event massage is designed to be followed by activity. Your RMT will provide specific guidance based on the type of treatment received and your activity schedule.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Nothing but good experiences here! First time getting massage therapy and chiropractic therapy here! My Massage Therapist, Ghari, is amazing and is super friendly and easy to talk to! All the tension in my neck and shoulders are gone every time I see her! My Chiropractor, Trevor, is very informative and always goes out of his way to make sure I get the most out of my treatments! He also does acupuncture and its been working wonders for my wrists/forearms! Reception is friendly as well and the overall vibes are always good there! Highly recommend!! ☺️✨️
I've been going to revibe for about 2 years now and have never had a bad experience. Their entire staff is extremely knowledgeable and complete professionals. Massage therapist, Min has made such a huge difference in my mobility, especially dealing with the stiffness in my back. His treatments have been extremely thorough and he has given me great suggestions to help improve my daily physical habits. I have been going to Benson for physiotherapy for about 5 months now and he helped fix an ongoing knee issue within a month by identifying what the root cause was and creating a treatment plan for me which included some excellent work outs to do at home. He has also helped me address shoulder problems I have been dealing with for many years. Finally, I just started seeing Dr. Jennifer Tang who is a naturopath and she has been extremely helpful in coming up with a plan to address gut issues I have been experiencing. Not only is she very knowledgeable, she is clearly someone who cares about her patients and continuously checks up on them, which is greatly appreciated. Her acupuncture treatments have also started to make a difference in my life. Revibe is such an incredible collective of health experts who truly love what they do and care about the people they treat.
I’ve been going to Revibe physiotherapy for a few weeks for tendinitis in my shoulder. Winston, massage therapist, has been really helpful with massaging my shoulder and ankle and helping with exercises to help my shoulder and ankle heal. Scott has been really helpful with torn ligaments in my ankle and exercises to help improve movement. Both Winston and Scott have been amazing in my healing journey!
Book Your Appointment in Mississauga, Markham or Burlington
Revibe operates clinics in Mississauga (serving Streetsville, Erin Mills, Meadowvale, and surrounding areas) and Markham (serving Unionville, Thornhill, Buttonville, and surrounding areas). Both locations provide comprehensive assessment and treatment services for your health and wellness needs.
Mississauga Clinic
Location: 2290 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 1Z4
Phone: 905-783-8423
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
New patient visits include comprehensive assessment and first treatment session (75 minutes). Bring previous imaging reports, medical diagnoses, and lists of current symptoms. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to treatment areas.
Serving: Streetsville, Erin Mills, Meadowvale, Churchill Meadows, Lorne Park, Port Credit, Clarkson, and surrounding Mississauga neighborhoods. Convenient access from Highway 403, QEW, and Erin Mills Parkway.
Book Mississauga
Markham Clinic
Location: 220 Torbay Rd, Markham ON, L3R 1G6
Phone: 905-783-8423
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
Insurance coverage varies by provider. Extended health plans often include manual therapy and wellness services. Direct billing available for plans that Revibe accepts. Receipts provided for insurance submission or tax purposes.
Serving: Unionville, Thornhill, Markham Village, Buttonville, Milliken, Cornell, Angus Glen, and surrounding Markham and Richmond Hill areas. Easy access from Highway 7, Highway 404, and Major Mackenzie Drive.
Book Markham
Burlington Clinic
Coming Soon
We're excited to announce that our Burlington location will be opening soon. Stay tuned for updates on our new clinic serving the Burlington, Oakville, and surrounding areas.
