Do You Really Need A Massage?

Regular massage is part and parcel of life for pro riders, but what does rubbing muscles really achieve – and is it worth the bother? Dr Graham Theobald investigates

- Graham Theobald

Most of us enjoy a good rub-down – but, as our headline implies, there may be a difference between wanting a massage and actually needing one. Most cyclists have manual therapy from time to time, either to ease aches or just for maintenance. We’re told that shaving our legs enhances the experience, and there are all kinds of message-related products claiming to further boost the benefits. But are there really any proven gains from a massage, or does it simply feel good? As a physiotherapist treating countless cyclists every year, I have a personal interest in finding out.

There is no clear scientific consensus as to whether massage has a significant effect beyond alleviating stress and anxiety. There’s no question, it helps us relax. But most of us go for a massage in the hope of reaping physiological effects that will benefit our cycling performance and recovery. If there is no proven benefit from hands-on massage, then perhaps self-therapy – such as foam-rolling – makes more economic sense.

Historically, cyclists have used massage to recover and restore a feeling of pliability to their training-fatigued muscles. The underlying science, however, is anecdotal at best – the physiological response to massage is not well understood. Yes, it does increase blood flow, but this is a temporary effect – a hot bath or shower may achieve much the same. As mentioned, massage definitely helps us relax, which for pro after a Grand Tour stage is important in aiding sleep and rapid recovery. For the rest of us, surely there are other cheaper and equally effective ways of relaxing? Is massage little more than a cycling tradition?