Sports Massage Edinburgh
Health by Science offers sports massage at 100 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh (EH6 6BZ), delivered alongside our HCPC-registered physiotherapy team. Our therapists work with training load, recovery and desk-based tension for runners, lifters and active adults. Research suggests massage can ease muscle soreness after hard exercise. If pain persists, our physiotherapists can assess the cause.
30 minutes £40 | 60 minutes £60 | from £42 a month
Who we work with
We work with training load, recovery and desk-based aches and pains for runners, lifters and active adults. If a niggle is really a sports injury, our HCPC-registered physiotherapists are in the same building.
Your sports massage is delivered by our qualified therapists, Laura Rodrigo (BSc (Hons) Sport Rehabilitation), Monika Lech (HNC Soft Tissue Therapy) and Sebastian Labedz (HND Sports Therapy (SQA)), overseen by our HCPC-registered physiotherapists.
Why get a sports massage at a physio-led clinic?
Because you get skilled hands and an honest read on whether massage is the right tool at all. Health by Science is a physio-led clinic, not a pure massage shop, so our sports massage sits alongside HCPC-registered physiotherapists. If your stiffness keeps coming back, we will tell you, and point you to the right next step rather than booking you in for another rub down.
A sports massage at Health by Science is hands-on treatment for tight, overworked or stiff muscles. Our therapists work the areas that are bothering you, ease the tension, and send you away knowing what to do next.
Most people booking sports massage with us are runners, cyclists, gym-goers and desk workers from across Edinburgh, carrying tension they cannot shift on their own. Some want a one-off reset. Others come back through a heavy training block, or keep a regular slot to stay on top of it.
What is a Sports Massage at HBS?
Our therapists use techniques including deep tissue and myofascial release to ease post-exercise soreness (DOMS) and support recovery for runners, cyclists and lifters.
It reduces muscle tension, eases stiffness and supports recovery. It suits active people, gym-goers, runners and anyone carrying tightness from training, sport or long hours at a desk. You do not need to be sporty to benefit. Each massage treatment is tailored to how you have been training, using a range of massage techniques to work through tight areas.
At HBS the difference is the room you are in. Your therapist works alongside our physiotherapy and strength teams every day. So you get skilled hands plus an honest read on whether massage is the right tool for what you are dealing with. That is why people search for massage and physiotherapy together, and find both under one roof in Leith.
Which areas can a sports massage help?
Neck and shoulder sports massage
Screen work and desk posture load the upper traps, neck and shoulders. A focused 30-minute session eases that tension and restores range; a 60-minute session lets us work the whole shoulder girdle and mid-back together. Good for headaches driven by neck tightness and for anyone who sits most of the day.
Lower back sports massage
Long sitting, heavy lifting weeks and repetitive movement leave the lower back and surrounding muscles tight. We work the area and the muscles that feed into it, glutes and hips, so the release lasts. If back pain is sharp, spreading or recurring, we will steer you to a physiotherapy assessment first.
Hips and glutes sports massage
Runners and desk-based clients both carry tension through the hips and glutes. Releasing this area improves how the hips move and takes load off the lower back and knees. A common add-on for anyone building running volume or coming back to training.
Calves and Achilles sports massage
Runners and cyclists load the calves and Achilles hard. Targeted soft tissue work eases tightness and supports recovery between sessions. If there is sharp or localised Achilles pain, that is a physiotherapy assessment, not a massage.
Hamstrings and quads sports massage
Runners, cyclists and anyone lifting regularly load the hamstrings and quads hard, and tightness here often shows up as stiff hips or sore knees. Targeted soft tissue work eases the thighs and the movement they drive, which helps stride, squat depth and recovery between sessions.
Full-body reset (60 minutes)
The 60-minute session treats multiple areas in one visit, a full reset for heavy training weeks or a body that is generally tight. We agree the priority areas at the start and work to what your muscles need on the day.
Deep tissue massage in Edinburgh: How it compares to sports massage
Deep tissue massage works slow, firm pressure into the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, targeting specific areas of long-held tension rather than the whole body. People look for it when one spot, often the lower back, neck or calves, stays tight no matter what they try. At Health by Science our therapists deliver deep tissue work as part of a sports massage, matching pressure and pace to the area and to you, rather than treating it as a separate, harder option. The aim is to ease the tension that is limiting how you move, and to tell you honestly whether soft tissue work is the right tool for what is going on.
Sports massage and deep tissue massage overlap more than the names suggest. Both work into muscle tension. Deep tissue massage usually means slower, firmer work into specific tight areas. Sports massage tends to be more movement-focused and built around training or activity. In practice, your therapist blends the two based on what your muscles need on the day.
The label matters less than the assessment. We do not pick a technique from a menu. We feel what is going on, ask how it behaves through your week, and adapt. If you book and you are not sure which you want, that is fine. We will work it out together in the session.
Does a sports massage hurt?
A sports massage should not be painful, though it can feel intense at times, especially on a very tight or sensitive area. It should always stay manageable. We adjust the pressure to suit your comfort and your goals, so the work is effective without being something you have to grit your teeth through.
Hard pressure is not a measure of how well a massage works. Deep does not mean better. If a therapist is pushing into pain to prove a point, that is not good practice. Tell us what you are feeling as we go, and we will work with it.
Will a sports massage fix my pain or just ease it?
Honestly, a sports massage eases symptoms. It does not fix causes. That is not a knock on massage, it is just what the tool does well. You will likely feel looser and more comfortable afterwards, and for a recovery reset or general tension that is exactly the point.
But if the same pain or stiffness keeps coming back, massage alone will not change that. Something is driving it: how you load, how you move, how you recover. Treating the symptom feels good and buys relief. Addressing the cause is what stops you booking the same appointment every month for the same problem.
We would rather tell you that than sell you a standing order you do not need.
When does a niggle need a Physio Assessment, not a massage?
Most everyday tightness is fine for massage. Some things are not, and it helps to know the difference before you book.
Book a physiotherapy assessment instead of a massage if you have sharp or worsening pain, swelling, sudden weakness, pins and needles, or pain that started after a specific injury or fall. Those signs need looking at, not just treating with soft tissue work. For a long-term or recurring problem, a Movement MOT is a good place to start, so we can look at how you move rather than just easing symptoms.
If you are unsure, start with a conversation rather than guessing. As a physiotherapist, I would always rather spend ten minutes working out what is actually going on than have you book treatment that was never going to help. Massage has a place. It is just not always the right first move. Stuart Maytham, Physiotherapist, HCPC PH108811
How often should you book a Sports Massage?
It depends on your training, your symptoms and your goals, so there is no single right answer. Here is a simple way to think about it.
Occassionally
A one-off or now-and-then session for general tension or a recovery reset. Fine to book as and when you feel you need it.
Regular through a block
More frequent sessions while you are training hard or carrying a heavy load. Useful for staying on top of tightness between efforts.
A sign to look deeper
If you keep booking for the same problem that keeps coming back, that is a signal to look at the cause, not just book more often.
We will give you an honest steer based on what you tell us, not a package you have to commit to.
What to expect before, during and after your session
Every session follows the same simple shape: a quick check-in, focused hands-on work, and a clear next step before you leave.
Before
A quick check-in. We ask what is bothering you, what your week looks like, and what you want out of the session. This shapes where we focus.
During
Targeted soft tissue work on the areas that need it, at a pressure that suits you. We check in as we go and adjust.
After
A clear next step. Simple guidance on training, movement or recovery so the relief lasts longer than the drive home.
Your session is delivered by Laura, Monika and Seb, our sports massage therapists. They work hands-on every day alongside our physio and strength teams, so you get skilled treatment and an honest read on what comes next.
Meet the team behind your Sports Massage
Your treatment is delivered by Laura, Monika and Seb, our sports massage therapists. They work hands-on every day alongside our physio and strength teams, so you get skilled hands and an honest read on what comes next, not just a generic massage.
Laura Rodrigo
Sports Massage Therapist
BSc (Hons) Sport RehabilitationBASRaT – REH007219
Monika Lech
Sports Massage Therapist
HNC Soft Tissue Therapy (SQA)
Sebastian Labedz
Sports Massage Therapist
HND Sports Therapy (SQA)
Niamh Hay
Physiotherapist
BSc PhysiotherapyHCPC – PH151165
Sports Massage Edinburgh clients trust
Real reviews from people who train, work and move better after treatment with us in Leith.
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
How to book your Sports Massage
Simple, transparent pricing. No packages you do not need. Book the session that fits, or set up a monthly slot if you want to stay on top of things.
Explore our sports massage subscriptions in Leith for regular monthly treatment.
30 minutes massage
£40
Focused treatment for one key area, ideal when a single spot needs attention. Neck, shoulder, calf, hip or lower back, worked in a short, targeted session. A good option for staying loose between training or easing a specific point of tension.
60 minutes massage
£60
Multiple areas treated in one session, ideal for a full reset. We agree the priorities at the start and work through them at a steadier pace. A good fit for heavy training weeks, several tight areas at once, or a body that is generally holding tension.
Monthly subscription
from £42/month
One 60-minute sports massage a month, on either plan:
- Monthly rolling: £55 a month, one month’s notice to cancel
- Every 3 months: £126, which works out at £42 a month
Ideal for managing training load, desk tension, or recurring tight spots without booking session-by-session.
Why choose Health by Science for sports massage
- Clinical understanding of pain and movement, not just soft tissue technique
- Integrated with our Physiotherapy and strength coaching teams
- You leave with clarity on the next step, not just a looser back for the afternoon
- Delivered by experienced therapists who work in a physio-led clinic every day
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be sporty to book a sports massage?
No. Plenty of people book for general tension, desk-related stiffness, gym soreness or everyday aches. Sport is not a requirement.
Does a sports massage hurt?
It can feel intense on a tight area, but it should always stay manageable. We match the pressure to you. Discomfort is not the goal, and harder is not better.
What is the difference between sports massage and deep tissue massage?
They overlap. Deep tissue work tends to be slower and firmer into specific areas, while sports massage is more movement and activity focused. In a session we blend both based on what your muscles need.
What is remedial massage, and is that what you do?
Remedial massage is a broad term for hands-on treatment aimed at easing muscular pain and tension. Our sports massage covers the same ground. If your issue needs more than soft tissue work, we will tell you and guide you toward an assessment.
Do I need physiotherapy or sports massage?
Sports massage is the right call for muscular tension, stiffness and recovery. Physiotherapy is the better fit when there is pain, an injury, or a problem that keeps coming back, because it assesses what is driving it and builds a plan. If you are not sure, start with a Free Online Physio Call and we will point you the right way.
What is a red flag that means I should see a physio, not book a massage?
Some signs are better assessed than massaged. Sharp or worsening pain, swelling, sudden weakness, pins and needles, or pain that started after a specific injury or fall are all reasons to book a physiotherapy assessment first. If you are unsure, a quick conversation sorts it out before you book treatment that may not be the right fit.
What are the disadvantages of sports massage?
The honest one is that massage eases symptoms rather than fixing causes. It can leave you looser and more comfortable, which is exactly what you want for recovery or general tension. But if the same problem keeps returning, massage alone will not change that, and that is the point to look at what is driving it instead of booking more often.
How often should you get a sports massage?
It depends on your training, symptoms and goals. Some people book occasionally, others more often through a busy block. If you find you need it constantly for the same problem, that is a sign to look at the cause.
How much is a sports massage in Edinburgh?
At Health by Science in Leith, Edinburgh, a 30-minute sports massage is £40 and a 60-minute session is £60. Subscriptions are £55 paid monthly, or £126 paid every three months (equivalent to £42 a month). Both renew automatically, and both need one month’s notice to cancel. View the subscription options and full terms before booking.
What should I wear to a sports massage?
Comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated, for example shorts for calf or hamstring work, or a vest for shoulder work. We will guide you on positioning and comfort throughout.
Will I be sore after a sports massage?
Some people feel a little tender for a day after deeper work, which is normal and settles. Light to moderate training afterwards is usually fine. If we have worked a very tight area, we may suggest easing off intense loading for 24 hours.
Do you offer sports massage near me in Leith?
Our clinic is at 100 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ. It is easy to reach from Leith, the city centre, Stockbridge and Portobello, with on-street parking nearby.
Where are you based?
Health by Science Physiotherapy, 100 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ. Easy to reach from Leith, Edinburgh city centre, Stockbridge and Portobello.
Address:
Health by Science Physiotherapy,
100 Giles Street,
Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6BZ
Contact Details:
Tel. 0131 210 0140
Email: hello@healthbyscience.co.uk
Appointment availability
Mon – Fri: 6:00AM – 10:00PM
Sat – Sun: 8:00AM – 8:00PM
By appointment only. Times are subject to appointment availability.