The best sports massage oils for sports massages

Let’s be honest—as sports professionals, we don’t half put our bodies through hell at times. But we love what we do, and rightly so.

That said, there are times when all we (and our clients) need is some R&R—and there aren’t many better ways to recover after a gruelling workout than with a sports massage.

Even before a workout, a sports massage can help our muscles prepare. So, if you specialise in sports massages or you run a PT business, offering sports massage treatment can prove highly beneficial to you and your clients.

What is a sports massage?

A sports massage is a form of massage treatment used to relieve tension in the muscles and tissue for someone with a rigorous exercise regime.

Sports massages often focus on specific areas of the body that need additional relief, such as the arms or legs. Many personal trainers also often have sports massage qualifications as a way of providing a more holistic service to clients.

What are the benefits of getting a sports massage?

Sports massages have benefits for both sports and fitness experts as well as individuals who partake in any regular physical activity.

The benefits of a sports massage include the following:

• increased blood flow to the muscles
• the removal of toxins from the body and muscles
• the prevention of scar tissue
• pain relief
• reduced stress
  
  

What is the difference between a sports massage and a standard massage?

Sports Massages are designed for athletes or active indviduals, focused on preventing/treating injuries, improving performance and aiding recovery. Sports massage techniques can include deep tissue work and stretching, and often target specific muscle groups.

Standard massages are often designed for relaxation and stress relief. Techniques can include long, flowing strokes, circular movements and kneading and are usually done with lighter to moderate pressure. 

What are the best sports massage oils?

There is now a huge selection of sports massage oils. Here are a few of our favourite sports massage oils.

Arnica Oil

Arnica oil is used to treat various ailments, such as bruising, sprains, muscular aches, and joint pain—so it is one of the best sports massage oils you can use.

The Arnica plant (also known as Mountain Arnica) is a yellow flower often seen across the alpine meadows and mountains of mainland Europe in the summer. Its soothing, anti-inflammatory effects have been used worldwide for centuries.

This particular Arnica Oil from Zen Maitri is infused into an almond carrier oil and heated gently under a vacuum. Arnica oil stimulates peripheral blood circulation, which makes it perfect for sports massages. It can also help soothe the symptoms of varicose veins.

Quinessence Organic Body Oil

It’s a well-known fact that your muscles work better when they’re warm, and this organic body oil from Quinessence Aromatherapy is the perfect choice for a workout warm-up.

A pre-workout massage has several psychological benefits, such as relieving stress and increasing focus on the task at hand.

This Quinessence oil contains ginger, eucalyptus, black pepper and spearmint, causing blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood circulation to provide deep warmth within the muscles.

Increased blood flow means more oxygen to the muscles, which makes performance in the gym not only better but faster too. The warmer and looser the muscles before exercise, the less likely a muscular injury, such as a tear or strain, becomes.

Temple Spa ‘Work It Out’ Oil

Temple Spa’s ‘Work It Out’ oil is a blend of 21 Mediterranean essential oils, including juniper, clove, cypress and thyme—all of which are known to soothe muscles and aid detoxification.

This oil blend works wonders for tight muscles and sore joints while also giving the relaxed body that full-on ‘recharge’ feeling. It’s no wonder so many trainers and massage therapists use it.

There’s also a base of natural oils among the mix: sesame, avocado, jojoba, kukui, grapeseed, soya bean and grapefruit. It’s safe to say it’s absolutely packed full of goodness—you really can’t go wrong.

Alongside the best oils, check out the best tools for your sports massage business. 

MCC Muscle Magic Massage Oil

This Muscle Magic Massage Oil is quite literally what it says on the tin (or bottle)—magic for the muscles.

A soothing blend of olive, castor and comfrey oil infused with rosemary, thyme, yarrow, lavender and chamomile essential oils, this product can be used directly as a sports massage oil or added to bathwater to aid muscle relaxation and relieve tension.

The MCC Muscle Magic can also ease the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and cramping. Outside the gym, it’s a good one to keep by your bedside, too.

FirstAid4Sport Sports Massage Oil

FirstAid4Sport’s sports massage oil is beautifully relaxing while perfect for muscle stimulation and blood flow at the same time.

A combination of grapeseed, peppermint, lemongrass, lavender and rosemary essential oils enhances its therapeutic qualities and reduces any aches and pains lingering from exercise.

Lemongrass essential oil, in particular, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, too, making this product a great choice for sprains as well as tendon and ligament niggles.

Specialist sports massage insurance through Insure4Sport

As well as what oils to buy, you may also want to consider sports massage insurance.

Find out more about specialist sports massage insurance through Insure4Sport and get an online quote today.