What is sports massage?

Sports massage is a hands-on treatment designed to reduce muscle tension, improve movement, and support recovery from training, sport, or everyday physical stress. It can be useful for active people, gym-goers, runners, and anyone dealing with tight or overworked muscles.

Do I need to be sporty to book a sports massage?

No. You do not need to play sport to benefit from sports massage. Many people book sports massage for general muscle tension, stiffness from desk work, gym-related soreness, or aches caused by everyday life.

Is sports massage painful?

Sports massage can feel intense at times, especially if certain muscles are very tight or sensitive, but it should always be manageable. We adjust the pressure to suit your comfort level and your goals, so treatment is effective without feeling excessive.

What’s the difference between sports massage and physiotherapy?

Sports massage focuses mainly on soft tissue treatment, muscle tension, and recovery, while physiotherapy includes a broader assessment of pain, injury, movement, strength, and rehabilitation planning. If we think physiotherapy would be more appropriate, we’ll explain why and guide you towards the right option.

How often should I get a sports massage?

That depends on your training load, symptoms, and goals. Some people benefit from occasional treatment for recovery or maintenance, while others book more regularly during busy training periods or when managing ongoing tightness and discomfort.

How long does a sports massage session last?

Session length depends on the area being treated and your goals, but most sports massage appointments last between 30 and 60 minutes. We’ll help you choose the most appropriate session length when booking.

How much does sports massage cost in Edinburgh?

Sports massage prices in Edinburgh vary depending on the clinic and appointment length. At Health by Science, pricing depends on the type and duration of the session. For a 30 minute sports massage the cost is £40 and for a 60 minute sports massage the cost is £60. We also offer a monthly subscription for just £42 a month.

We are based at Health by Science Physiotherapy, 100 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ. Our clinic is easy to reach from Leith, Edinburgh city centre, Stockbridge, Portobello, and surrounding areas.

Sports massage Edinburgh — Move easier. Feel lighter.

Tight shoulders from desk work? Heavy legs from training? Ongoing stiffness you can’t quite shift?
Get targeted sports massage Edinburgh clients use to reduce tension, restore movement, and feel better in their body this week.

Based in Leith • Evening appointments • Evidence-led team

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A sports massage therapist applying targeted pressure to a client's upper back and shoulders.

Health by Science specialist performing a clinical sports massage on a patient's lower back to alleviate muscular tension.

Who books sports massage in Edinburgh with us

Our sports massage Edinburgh clinic works with active people, desk workers, and anyone dealing with stiffness or tension.

Active clients

Tight calves or hamstrings from running
Hip stiffness limiting squats or deadlifts
Shoulder restriction affecting pressing or overhead work
Heavy legs during training blocks

Busy professionals

Neck and shoulder tension from long hours at a laptop
Lower back stiffness after prolonged sitting
Stress-related tightness or tension headaches
Feeling “locked up” and constantly stiff

sports massage edinburgh therapist treating a patient's leg.

Health by Science specialist performing a clinical sports massage edinburgh on a patient's upper back to relieve muscular tension in Leith.

What to expect

1. Quick check-in

When you book sports massage Edinburgh clients rely on, we start by understanding what’s bothering you, what your days look like, and what outcome you want.

2. Targeted treatment

Focused soft tissue work tailored to your symptoms and workload during your sports massage Edinburgh session.

3. Clear next step

Simple guidance on training, posture, or recovery so the relief lasts.

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What sports massage helps with

Sports massage Edinburgh is excellent for:

Reducing muscle tension
Improving short-term range of movement
Easing stiffness after long hours sitting
Supporting recovery between training sessions
Helping you feel looser and more comfortable day-to-day

Long-term change comes from strength, load management, and habits. Many people using sports massage Edinburgh services combine treatment with our Movement MOT to identify the mobility and strength issues behind recurring stiffness.

Book a sports massage

A male sports massage edinburgh therapist using a specialised wooden massage tool for deep tissue muscle recovery on a patient's leg.

Practitioner performing a manual clinical assessment of the Achilles tendon and calf complex to identify muscular tension.

Sports massage Edinburgh clients trust

Life-changing for back pain

The monthly massage subscription has genuinely helped my chronic back pain. I sleep better and feel far less tension. Professional, knowledgeable and tailored every time.

— Nikki P

Reviewed on Google

Essential for recovery

With a high training load, I rely on regular massage to manage niggles and maintain performance. Each session is adapted to what I need. I couldn’t train at this level without it.

— Tom H

Reviewed on Google

Immediate difference

After my massage I felt an immediate difference in my pain levels. Skilled, professional and welcoming.

— Madeleine N

Reviewed on Google

Subscription worth every penny

I’ve used the monthly sports massage subscription for over six months and thoroughly recommend it. Friendly, effective and excellent value.

— Ben A

Reviewed on Google

Book your sports massage

Simple, transparent pricing. No packages you don’t need.

30 minutes

£40

Focused treatment for one key area.
Neck, shoulder, calf, hip, or lower back.

60 minutes

£60

Multiple areas treated in one session.
Ideal for a full reset.

Monthly subscription

£42/month

1 x 60-minute massage per month
Cancel anytime

Book your sports massage Edinburgh

Subscribe here.

A female therapist performing a sports massage in a clean, professional clinic room with anatomical posters in the background.

Specialist using technical manual therapy tools and forearm pressure to alleviate calf tightness during a sports rehabilitation session.

Why choose Health by Science for sports massage

Clinical understanding of pain and movement
Integrated with physiotherapy and strength coaching
You leave with clarity, not confusion
Delivered by experienced therapists who specialise in sports massage and rehabilitation.

Book a sports massage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sports massage?

Sports massage is a hands-on treatment designed to reduce muscle tension, improve movement, and support recovery from training, sport, or everyday physical stress. It can be useful for active people, gym-goers, runners, and anyone dealing with tight or overworked muscles.
Do I need to be sporty to book a sports massage?
Is sports massage painful?
What’s the difference between sports massage and physiotherapy?

Sports massage focuses mainly on soft tissue treatment, muscle tension, and recovery, while physiotherapy includes a broader assessment of pain, injury, movement, strength, and rehabilitation planning. If we think physiotherapy would be more appropriate, we’ll explain why and guide you towards the right option.
How often should I get a sports massage?
How long does a sports massage session last?
How much does sports massage cost in Edinburgh?

Sports massage prices in Edinburgh vary depending on the clinic and appointment length. At Health by Science, pricing depends on the type and duration of the session. You can check our latest booking options online or contact us if you’re unsure which appointment is right for you.
Where are you based?
Can I train after a sports massage?
What should I wear to a sports massage appointment?
Can sports massage help with neck and shoulder tension from desk work?
When should I book physiotherapy instead?
Book physiotherapy if you have:

Sharp or worsening pain

Swelling

Sudden weakness

Pain following trauma

If you’re unsure, you can start with sports massage and we’ll advise appropriately.
Looking for sports massage in Edinburgh or Leith?