Deep Tissue Massage Therapy: Effects on Muscle Recovery and Performance in Athletes

Arsovski, Denis (2025) Deep Tissue Massage Therapy: Effects on Muscle Recovery and Performance in Athletes. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 18 (2). pp. 40-51. ISSN 1916-257X

Text 1139-Article Text-21129-1-10-20250524.pdf - Published Version Download (579kB)

Abstract

Background: Deep tissue massage has been used in sports for improving per-formance and recovery on deep muscle layers. This study looks at its effectiveness across different sports, performance, and recovery.Purpose: To assess the effect of deep tissue massage on muscle recovery and performance improvement across differ-ent sports, teams, strength, endurance, and individual sports.Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used, and 150 athletes aged 18–45 years received bi-weekly 40-min deep tissue massage for 8 weeks. Per-formance improvement, muscle recov-ery, and flexibility were measured with objective and subjective assessments. Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used for sta-tistical analysis.Results: Team and strength athletes in this study showed the greatest perfor-mance improvement, in contrast to indi-vidual and endurance athletes (F = 6.61, p = 0.004). Bi-weekly massage sessions showed better recovery outcomes (χ2 = 9.41, p = 0.0243). Longer massage sessions showed increased flexibility (χ2 = 19.77, p < 0.001). Gender differences were found in perceived effectiveness of massage (χ2 = 9.46, p = 0.024). Also, the intervention showed improvement in muscle strength and flexibility, especially in the lumbar region, knee, and shoulder, focusing on the effects of the massage protocol in joint mobility and muscle function.Conclusion: Deep tissue massage ther-apy improves athletic performance and muscle recovery, especially for team and strength sports. With regular and con-tinuous massage sessions, flexibility and recovery are improved among athletes.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Medical and Health Sciences > Health sciences Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Medical and Health Sciences > Other medical sciences
Divisions:	Higher Medical School
Depositing User:	MSc Denis Arsovski
Date Deposited:	04 Jul 2025 10:00
Last Modified:	04 Jul 2025 10:00
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/10971

Actions (login required)

View Item