Ever wondered what it’s like to be the person helping athletes recover, move better, and perform at their peak? Sports massage therapy isn’t just rubbing muscles - it’s a blend of anatomy, hands-on skill, and connection. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a typical day in the life of a sports massage therapist - spoiler alert: it’s more dynamic than you might think.
To dig deeper into the reality of the role, we spoke with Julian Berriman & Luke Remmington, both qualified sports massage therapists who shares their personal journey, daily routine, and honest insight into the highs and challenges of the job.
The Path to Becoming a Sports Massage Therapist
A sports massage therapist works with active individuals, from weekend warriors to elite athletes, to improve performance, prevent injury, and aid recovery. Sessions may focus on deep tissue work, mobility or rehab support depending on the client’s needs.
Julian:
“The life of a sports massage therapist is fast-paced, physically demanding, and deeply rewarding. As a sports massage therapist I believe I play a vital role in helping athletes and active individuals recover from injuries, enhance performance, and maintain overall muscular health.”
A Day in the Life of a Sports Massage Therapist
A little insider knowledge is always invaluable, especially if you're considering becoming a sports massage therapist yourself. So, we decided to ask the questions you’d want answered.
What does a typical day look like for you as a Sports Massage Therapist?
Julian:
“A typical day starts early. Many clients - especially runners, gym-goers, or team athletes - prefer appointments before their training or workday. After arriving at the clinic or studio, I prepare the space: adjusting the massage table, reviewing the day’s client list, and ensuring oils and towels are readily available. I consider my clinic room as my place of work and take great pride in ensuring it is laid out as professionally as possible. This must be the case for every client whether they are the first or the last of the day.”
Luke:
“I work at a health club in Kent, so a typical day might be my normal shift followed by a couple of clients in the evening or the reverse if the clients are booked in for morning appointments. I try not to book too many in on one day at a time, so I know I can really put full focus on those clients I will be seeing that day.”
How do you prepare for a day of treatments (mentally & physically)?
Luke:
“I’m big on mobility and stretching to ensure my body is prepared for the day ahead. This I utilise for when I have clients as it can be straining on the body”
As we get to know both experts, it’s clear that being in this profession takes a physical toll. That’s why Luke puts his own knowledge into practice first - preparing his body so he’s in the best position to help his clients improve theirs.
What types of clients do you usually work with (athletes, general population, injury rehab etc)?
Julian:
“Each session is tailored to the needs of the client. I might be treating a sprinter recovering from a hamstring strain, a desk-bound professional with a tight neck and shoulders, or a recreational athlete preparing for an iron man event.”
Luke:
“I primarily work with clients from the general population who are looking to improve their overall health and fitness. I also occasionally support individuals recovering from injuries, helping them safely return to exercise with tailored guidance.”
If you could only give one piece of advice, what would it be for someone thinking about becoming a sports massage therapist?
Luke:
“Focus on gaining as much practical experience as possible. The more training hours you log, the better you'll develop your skills and understanding, which will set you up for success as you complete the course.”
Julian:
“For me communication is key in making clients feel at ease and in terms of assessment and screening. After collecting client personal details (e.g. name, address, DOB) I ask detailed questions about pain or stiffness and mechanisms of injury. When the injury occurred is particularly relevant as it will provide indications as to levels of chronicity within the tissues which will directly impact on the subsequent techniques chosen and the pressures applied.”
Another standout part of what Julian Berriman shared was: “I also devote a lot of time and energy to educating clients on injury prevention, posture, and stretching routines.”
This really resonated with us, as it highlights not only his commitment to delivering an exceptional service based on his qualifications, but also his genuine passion for educating and empowering clients. Julian goes beyond the clinic walls - equipping individuals with the knowledge they need to continue their recovery and prevention journey in their everyday lives.
Challenges & Rewards
Like any profession, sports massage therapy has its ups and downs. Physically, the work can be demanding – you are on your feet, applying pressure, and thinking fast. But the rewards are huge: helping people feel better, seeing progress over time, and being part of their fitness or recovery journey – So you can see why this can be a next step for a lot of Personal Trainers to increase their offering of services.
Julian:
“Though the job is physically intense, I personally find it deeply fulfilling. Helping clients feel better, move freely, and return to the activities they love makes every day meaningful. At the end of the day, I go home tired but reflecting on a stimulating day and how I might improve on my chosen treatments or communications with clients. As with any work that is a passion and not just a job, learning never stops!”
Luke:
"The most challenging part, I’d say, is ensuring the client feels comfortable throughout the treatment, especially since discomfort isn’t always easy to spot in the moment. But the most rewarding aspect, by far, is being able to help others."
Could this be the career for you?
If you’re passionate about health, love helping others, and enjoy learning about how the body works, sports massage therapy could be a fulfilling career path. Training typically includes anatomy, physiology, and hands-on practice, with qualifications available at various levels.
Luke:
“I always had an interest in the body and how muscles work. I got into fitness in my late teens and started to push my limited understanding of how the muscles worked which lead me to look further into studying sports massage.”
A day in the life of a sports massage therapist is never boring. Whether you’re easing muscle tension, preparing an athlete for competition, or supporting someone’s long term recovery – every session is a chance to make a difference. If this sounds like your calling, maybe it’s time to explore where a career in sports massage could take you.