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Sports Massage

Expert-led sports physio service in Manchester that utilises massage techniques to support recovery, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle tightness for athletes and active individuals.
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A male receiving a sports massage
A male receiving a sports massage
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Specialist Services

Our Sports Massage Assessments in Manchester

Every sports massage appointment at our Manchester clinic begins with a focused assessment to identify the root cause and contributing factors affecting your performance. We regularly support athletes and patients with:

1. Muscle Tightness or Stiffness

Common in runners’ calves and hamstrings, or the shoulders of swimmers and gym-based athletes, where repeated load reduces flexibility.

2. Soft Tissue Restrictions

Often present in the hips, glutes, or upper spine during rotational sports such as golf, rowing, and tennis.

3. Training Load - Related Soreness

Builds up in runners’ legs or the upper body of gym and rowing athletes during high training volumes.

4. Muscle Imbalance

Frequently seen in unilateral sports, where strength differences between the left and right sides affect control and performance.

5. Post-Event Fatigue

Characterised by lingering muscle fatigue after races and competitions, commonly impacting overworked muscle groups like calves, quadriceps, and shoulders.

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A person swimming the length of a pool

How We Assess

How We Assess Your Injury

At Elite Performance Physio MCR, we carefully consider the demands placed on your body during assessment so each sports massage is delivered with a clear purpose and goal.

Our Assessment

Before treatment, we conduct a focused assessment at our clinic to develop a clear understanding of the factors influencing how your body is moving and responding. This may include evaluating:

  • Muscle tension and tightness
  • Posture and movement patterns
  • Restricted or overloaded soft tissue


This ensures the massage techniques we recommend are delivered using the most appropriate pressure, methods, and areas of focus, allowing treatment to be applied in a way that best supports your recovery needs.

Why This Helps Our Physiotherapists

This assessment allows our physiotherapists to apply their clinical expertise with greater understanding, shaping how treatment is delivered throughout your recovery process.

  • Deliver targeted treatment to the areas that need it most
  • Support improved tissue recovery following training or competition
  • Provide a tailored massage approach, often alongside other physiotherapy services


As a result, this ensures a personalised plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, allowing sports massage to support your recovery more effectively.

Dan Turnell Physiotherapist consulting with a client
Dan Turnell Physiotherapist consulting with a client
A female lay down receiving a massage
A female lay down receiving a massage

Our Treatment

Our Sports Massage Treatment

All our sports massage services are guided by your assessment findings, ensuring your physio massage is purposeful, effective, and aligned with your wider sports injury treatment and rehabilitation goals.

1. Deep Tissue Massage

Targets deeper muscle layers to reduce persistent tension and aid recovery from heavy training or repetitive load.

2. Trigger Point Therapy

Focuses on specific areas of muscle tightness that may be referring pain away from the source or limiting movement efficiency.

3. Myofascial Release

Addresses restrictions within the fascial system to alleviate pain and improve overall movement quality.

4. Effleurage and Petrissage

Applies rhythmic strokes and kneading to ease muscle tension, enhance blood flow, and promote tissue recovery.

5. Soft Tissue Mobilisation

Uses controlled hands-on techniques to restore tissue mobility and support comfortable, efficient movement.

6. Pre & Post-Event Massage

The pre-event massage prepares the body for performance by increasing circulation, muscular readiness, and mental focus, while the post-event massage supports recovery by reducing muscle soreness and helping muscles return to their optimal state.

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What Our Clients Say

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do

Hear from clients who have elevated their performance and long-term well-being with our expert-led care.

Google Reviews
Google Reviews

“Block book appointments to avoid disappointment! A professional vocalists best kept secret!! Dan has become a staple to my busy life as a performer. I try to book in as regular as possible if he has a slot available. Dan is amazing, the best in the business. I always leave feeling more relaxed, with clearer tone and ready for performance mode again. I have recommended him to other performers, reluctantly because i want to always make sure I can get an appointment. Thank you Dan!”

Chesqua - Professional Singer

“Dan is without doubt one of the best in his field of work. His knowledge and expertise is second to none. He has helped me not only physically by putting together a specialised plan for my injuries, but also mentally helping me understand by explaining everything throughly and intricately. Dan is warm, friendly and he genuinely cares about each of his clients. My sessions with Dan have not only begun to heal my injuries, but I have built strength, gained knowledge and it’s boosted my confidence. I come out of my sessions with spring in my step!”

Laura Harrison - Professional Music Theatre Performer

“After struggling with my knee for a few months, Dan popped round to make an assessment. He was clear, thoughtful, understood my lifestyle and my desire to get moving. He provided advice, guidance and hands on treatment that helped deal with the swelling and pain. I have recommended him to my son and you only do that when you trust someone to make a difference. Thank you Dan.”

Clare Hayward -Director At Cirus

“I’ve had the pleasure of being treated by Dan on two separate jobs, where he looked after my feet and voice. In only a few sessions I regained total mobility in my feet in a physically intensive show, and more recently have been making use of his vocal massage skills for a vocally demanding role. Dan has an amazing way of finding the crux of the issue and will resolve it with ease, reassurance and expertise. I would recommend Dan to anyone!”

Jed Berry - West End actor

“Dan is an extraordinarily effective physio who has helped me immediately with various joint and muscle problems over the last year and a half. In addition to the treatment he clearly explains the cause of the problems and gives exercises focusing on prevention of reoccurrence and strengthening of the area involved. I feel in great shape thanks to the treatment, core exercises and the inspiration he has given me to get back to running and exercising.”

A. Zuntz - Professional violinist

“An actress friend recommended Dan to me as I needed a vocal massage. I was on tour and my voice was getting tired. I didn’t think I would find someone in Manchester but then my friend told me about Dan. He was amazing. A really nice guy, I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed and he was so good. My voice felt so much better the next day. After that I saw him weekly, not just for my voice but for all the injuries I was sustaining on tour. He fixed my neck, back and calf, and I can’t thank him enough!”

Hayley Tamaddon - Professional actor

“I was referred to Dan by an NHS Speech and Language Therapist for laryngeal physiotherapy. Not only has Dan really helped me with this side of things, but he has also provided manual therapy and exercises for symptoms caused by autoimmune conditions and chronic pain. I am appreciative that Dan has liaised with the other healthcare professionals involved in my care as part of a holistic approach, and they have also appreciated this. He is honest and will tell you if something is likely to help or not and what may be realistic, and reviews your goals with you regularly. I would recommend him to anyone.”

Alexandra Brown - NHS psychologist

“Daniel has a real ability to understand his clients’ needs and implement the most powerful and integrative treatments. Superb in communication and application, he makes a real and lasting difference for successful recovery and physical development. With specific and varying needs, I always come away feeling empowered and reinvigorated. Dan’s the man and I will travel far and wide to get an appointment. Thanks Daniel!”

Rik Makarem - Professional actor

“Dan has helped me a lot with my piano playing related injuries and has gone further than any other physio I’ve had to combat the problem. I return regularly not only to maintain my wellbeing but to have a catch up too. I highly recommend Dan to anyone!”

Mackenzie Paget - Classical pianist

FAQs

Your Questions About Sports Massages

What exactly is a sports massage?

Sports massage is a hands-on treatment that targets muscles and soft tissue to support recovery, reduce tension, and improve movement for athletes and active individuals.

What is the difference between sports massage and regular massage?

Sports massage focuses on specific muscles, movement demands, and training load to support performance or recovery, while regular massage is typically aimed at general relaxation.

How do I know if I need a sports massage?

You may benefit if you experience muscle tightness, training-related soreness, reduced flexibility, or are preparing for or recovering from physical activity.

How long does a sports massage last?

A sports massage session typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your needs and the areas being treated.

Do I have to take my clothes off for a sports massage?

We ensure discretion at all times by exposing only the area being treated and the muscles near the source of your symptoms during your sports physio massage session at our Manchester clinic. Towels are placed strategically to cover areas not yet being treated, ensuring privacy and comfort throughout.