Remedial Massage for Martial Artists: What to Expect in a Session
Martial arts place unique demands on the body. Striking, grappling, repetitive drilling, and high training loads all create specific patterns of tightness, fatigue, and overload. A remedial massage session for a martial artist is not just about relaxation—it’s a targeted, clinical approach designed to support performance, recovery, and long-term durability.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens during a remedial massage session at Mixed Osteo, here’s what to expect.
1. Initial Assessment: Understanding Your Training
Every session starts with understanding you.
Your practitioner will ask about:
Your martial art (BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, MMA, judo, etc.)
Training frequency and intensity
Current pain, tightness, or injuries
Upcoming competitions or recent fights
This allows treatment to be tailored to your specific demands—because a BJJ athlete’s body tells a very different story to a striker’s.
2. Movement & Postural Screening
Unlike generic massage, remedial massage for martial artists often includes a brief movement assessment.
This may involve checking:
Hip and shoulder mobility
Spine movement and rotation
Muscle imbalances or asymmetry
Areas of compensation from old injuries
This step helps identify why certain areas keep tightening up—not just where they hurt.
3. Targeted Treatment (Not Full-Body Guesswork)
Treatment focuses on the muscles and tissues that matter most for your sport.
Common focus areas include:
Neck and upper back (from clinching, grips, and guard work)
Shoulders and arms (gripping, punching, framing)
Hips and glutes (power generation, guard retention, takedowns)
Lower back and hamstrings (rotation, bridging, posture)
Pressure and techniques are adjusted based on:
Training phase (in-camp vs recovery)
Pain tolerance
Acute vs chronic issues
This is purposeful work—not “one-size-fits-all” massage.
4. Communication During the Session
Remedial massage is interactive.
Your therapist may:
Ask for feedback on pressure
Check how areas respond to treatment
Modify techniques based on sensitivity
This ensures treatment is effective without leaving you overly sore or under-recovered—especially important if you’re training the same or next day.
5. Post-Treatment Advice
A good session doesn’t end when you get off the table.
You may receive guidance on:
Stretching or mobility work
Training modifications
Hydration and recovery timing
When to book your next session
This helps reinforce the treatment and keeps progress moving between sessions.
6. How Often Should Martial Artists Get Remedial Massage?
Frequency depends on training load and goals:
High-volume training: weekly or fortnightly
General maintenance: every 3–4 weeks
Pre-fight camps: strategic sessions before taper
Post-fight recovery: early treatment to reduce stiffness and inflammation
Regular treatment supports consistency—so small issues don’t become time-off-the-mat injuries.
Final Thoughts
Remedial massage for martial artists is about more than feeling good—it’s about staying resilient, training smarter, and extending your time in the sport.
At Mixed Osteo, each session is tailored to your martial art, your body, and your goals—so recovery works with your training, not against it.
