Soft Tissue Therapy

Sports Massage

Sports massage in Soho and across six central London clinics: deep-tissue and soft-tissue therapy delivered alongside our physiotherapy practice, for recovery, injury prevention, and performance support.

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Sports massage treatment in progress at Soho Physiotherapy central London

The short answer

What this treatment is

Sports massage at Soho Physiotherapy is delivered as part of our broader clinical practice — not as a stand-alone spa treatment. Sessions combine deep tissue work, trigger-point release, and soft-tissue mobilisation with movement re-education, so you leave with both immediate relief and a clear next step. Most clients book a course of 3–6 sessions for a specific issue or maintain monthly sessions during heavy training blocks.

Areas treated

What's included

Delivered by clinicians who can also assess and refer to physiotherapy if needed
Targeted to your training load, sport, or current injury — not generic
Useful for marathon and triathlon preparation, cycling, weightlifting, and desk-based stiffness
Available across all six central London clinic locations
Same-week appointments usually available

Boundaries of practice

What's not treated

Good practice means saying no when indicated:

Acute injury (within first 48–72 hours) — wait for the inflammatory phase to settle
Active infection, fever, or contagious skin condition
Suspected DVT or recent thrombosis — requires GP review
Recent surgery in the area to be treated, without surgical-team clearance
Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or severe hypertension

Patient journey

What to expect

Consultation & preparation

Wear loose clothing or shorts and a vest top. Arrive hydrated. Avoid heavy training in the 2 hours before the session if possible — fresh muscle responds better.

During treatment

Step 1 — Quick assessment

A brief check covering your training load, recent races or workouts, current sore spots, and any injuries. This frames the session and tells us where to spend the most time.

Step 2 — Targeted soft-tissue work

Hands-on therapy chosen for the day: deep tissue for chronic tension, trigger-point release for stubborn knots, soft-tissue release for fascial restriction, stretching for limited range of motion. Pressure is calibrated to your tolerance and the tissue state.

Step 3 — Mobilisation and stretch

Active stretching and joint mobilisation to translate the soft-tissue work into improved range of motion. Often the most useful part of the session for runners and cyclists with restricted hip or thoracic mobility.

Step 4 — Plan

A short summary of what we found and what you should do before the next session — typically a foam-rolling or mobility drill, a strength exercise, or a recovery instruction. If we identified an issue that needs proper rehab, we will recommend a physio appointment rather than try to fix it with massage alone.

Aftercare

Drink water for the next 24 hours. A warm bath or shower can ease post-session tenderness. Avoid heavy training for 24 hours if deep tissue work was intensive; light movement is fine and often helpful.

Pricing

Transparent, all-in pricing

Sports Massage (60 min)

Price on enquiry

Sports Massage (90 min)

Price on enquiry

FAQ

Common
questions

Is sports massage the same as physiotherapy?

No. Physiotherapy is a regulated clinical profession covering assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. Sports massage is soft-tissue therapy supporting recovery and treating localised muscle tension. At Soho Physiotherapy our sports-massage clinicians refer across to physio if your problem needs more than soft-tissue work — book physio first if you have a clear injury or persistent pain.

How often should I book sports massage?

For active people training 3 or more times a week, monthly sessions maintain tissue health. During heavy training blocks (marathon build-up, race week, hard cycling sportive prep) fortnightly sessions are more useful. For a specific tight area or recurring niggle, a course of 3–6 sessions spaced 7–10 days apart usually produces the best result.

Can I have a sports massage right after running a marathon?

A light post-event recovery massage 24–48 hours after a marathon supports range of motion and reduces perceived soreness. Avoid deep tissue work in the first 48 hours — the muscle is already micro-damaged and aggressive work can prolong recovery. We tailor pressure to where you are in your recovery cycle.

Do you accept health insurance for sports massage?

Some insurers will cover sports massage when delivered by a registered physiotherapist as part of an MSK treatment plan — typically classified as soft-tissue therapy on your invoice. Stand-alone sports-massage sessions delivered by a non-physiotherapist therapist are usually not covered. Confirm with your insurer before booking, and ask us to invoice appropriately if needed.

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Soho Physiotherapy • 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT

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Appointments typically available within 1–2 weeks