CALL THE EXPERTS

Sports massages feel good, but do they really do anything? Professor Tim Chico and Dr Holly Davis at She eld University published a paper in the BMJ last year, looking at the evidence.

“A key nding is how hard it is to judge the e ects of sports massage on things that can be measured directly,” explains Professor Chico. “We found no clear evidence of a positive e ect on measures of sports performance, such as strength or jump height. And although massage did improve

exibility and muscle soreness, that didn’t translate into better performance (though that doesn’t rule it out in some sports). But massage is undeniably pleasant – if sometimes uncomfortably so – and as long as people don’t assume it will de nitely improve their race times, then it’s up to them how they spend their money. Do you feel better after a massage, and if so is the bene t worth the cost? If yes, then it’s worthwhile.”