02/11/2026
Olympic athletes commonly use massage therapy to support recovery, injury prevention, mobility, and mental relaxation during intense training and competition. Research highlighted in the article shows massage can reduce muscle soreness and pain, improve recovery, and enhance performanceโespecially for team and strength athletesโparticularly when used consistently. Experts also emphasize that massage is most effective when combined with strong self-care habits, with adequate, high-quality sleep identified as the most critical factor for recovery and performance.
Learn what two massage therapists say about how massage therapy can help improve recovery and performance of world-class athletes.