Massage for Athletes and Post-Workout Recovery
If you go to the gym, run or play football or tennis, your muscles build up tension. A good massage will not make you stronger overnight, but it can help you feel more relaxed and mobile between workouts. At BodyBar Studio in Botanica we do not have a treatment literally called “sports massage”. If you are looking for sports massage in Chisinau, the closest option we offer is our Intensive Massage, with firm pressure and targeted work on tense areas.
What to choose, depending on how you feel
Intensive Massage (50 or 75 minutes) is for the days when your muscles are tight: back, shoulders, neck, legs. In 50 minutes you can work one or two areas, and in 75 minutes you can cover more. Balinese Massage is slower and includes light stretches; it suits a gentle recovery day. Lymphatic Drainage Massage is very gentle and can give a feeling of lightness in the legs after a day with a lot of movement.
When to book
- not in the hour before a competition or a hard workout: a deep massage can leave muscles tired or tender;
- after training, once you have cooled down, or a day or two later, when you can tell which muscles are tight;
- regularly, for example every two to four weeks, if your training is intense and massage does you good;
- leave at least a day between a deep massage and an event: a strong massage can leave slight tenderness.
How the session goes
Your therapist starts with a short conversation: what sport you do, where you feel tension, whether you have had injuries or operations. She then works progressively, with slow, firm movements, and you can say at any time if the pressure is too strong or too light. After the session you may feel slight warmth or tenderness in the areas worked more intensely; it usually passes quickly.
When to talk to a doctor first
Massage does not treat injuries and does not replace physiotherapy. If you have a sharp pain, a sprain, a recent muscle tear, swelling or pain that persists, see a doctor or a physiotherapist first. Massage is not done on an area with acute inflammation, wounds, thrombosis or fever.
Where to find us
Bulevardul Decebal 99C, Botanica, Chișinău. Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun closed. Online booking preselects the treatment you choose.
Massage and body treatments do not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Tell your therapist about any health condition, medication or implant before the session.
Recommended treatments
Firm pressure, targeted work on the back, shoulders, neck and legs. The closest treatment to a sports massage.
View Details →Long strokes, warm oils and light stretches; suited to a gentler recovery day.
View Details →Very gentle, for the feeling of heavy or tired legs.