By the team at St Albans Thai Massage · Last updated 12 November 2026
Book a sports massage on an easy day or a rest day, not straight before a hard session or a race. Wear whatever you like to arrive in: for the treatment you undress to your comfort level and towels are provided.
When to book around training
- Between hard sessions: the most popular time. Give yourself a day before your next tough workout, as firm work can leave muscles a little tender.
- The week before an event: aim for three to five days out, and ask for moderate pressure. Race week is not the time to try your firmest ever massage.
- After an event: a day or two later, once the worst soreness has settled.
What to wear
Sports massage uses oil, so you undress to your comfort level. Most people keep their underwear on, and we have disposable underwear if you prefer. If you are coming straight from the gym, we have showers and towels.
What happens in the session
Tell your therapist what you do, how often, and where you feel tight. They will concentrate on those areas, usually legs, hips and lower back for runners and cyclists, and shoulders, back and arms for gym-goers and swimmers. Pressure is firm but always yours to set.
Sports massage or deep tissue?
They overlap. Deep tissue works on long-standing knots wherever they are. Sports massage is planned around your activity, with recovery and mobility in mind. If you are not sure, the Thai Deep Mix covers the whole body with firmer work where you need it.
Afterwards
Drink some water, keep moving gently, and save hard training for the next day. If you have an injury, see a physiotherapist or your GP first and tell us when you book. Massage is not a treatment for injuries.