Clinic Location
156 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central
Phone
03 366 0660
Hands OnSports Massage Therapy

Expert Massage Therapy for Sports & Rehabilitation

Trusted by Olympic & Commonwealth Games Athletes

For over 18 years, Hands On Clinic has been Canterbury’s go-to place for expert massage therapy and sports recovery. From first-time fun runs to world-class competitions, we help athletes of every level prepare, perform, and recover. Check out our Wall of Fame to see the incredible athletes we have supported over the years and their testimonials.

We work closely with a trusted network of health professionals to make sure every treatment is tailored, effective, and built around your goals. At Hands On, your success is our priority, because when you feel and perform at your best, we have done our job.

Sports Massage - Train Hard, Recover Smarter

Whether you are ramping up for an event, deep into your season, or bouncing back from injury, our sports massage sessions are designed to:

  • Reduce muscle tension and post-training soreness
  • Boost blood circulation for faster recovery
  • Improve flexibility and range of motion
  • Help prevent soft tissue injuries
  • Accelerate recovery between sessions or events
  • Support mental focus and physical readiness

We use a mix of proven techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, stretching, and event-specific pre- or post-performance work. All designed to keep your body in balance and your mind in the game.


Hans and NZ Athlete team hpoto at the Paris 2024 Olympic games

Your Sports Massage Pathways

1. Event Preparation Plan

Your customised build-up to race day or competition:

  • Tailored massage schedule matched to your training plan
  • Regular check-ins and plan adjustments
  • Targeted support for your personal goals

2. Seasonal Sports Maintenance​

Perfect for team and seasonal athletes:

  • Treatments to keep muscles resilient
  • Adjusted care for training loads and match schedules
  • Consistent support to stay injury-free

3. Injury Management & Recovery​

A safe, structured return to sport:

  • Collaboration with physios, sports doctors, and specialists
  • Step-by-step rehab-focused massage
  • A long-term approach to protect your health
  • Whether it’s your first event or your next championship, we’ve got a plan to match your needs.

Athlete receiving sports massage from Hans

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

Push further. Recover faster. Click here to book your Sports Massage today!
When booking, please inform us of any current medical conditions.


Dame Sophie Pascoe Swimming in a pool with arms out wide

Other Massage Modalities We Offer

At Hands On Clinic, we believe in matching the right technique to your body’s needs. Whether you are chasing peak performance, easing nagging pain, or simply wanting to feel fantastic again.
Here is a closer look at some of our most popular specialised treatments.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) - Pinpoint precision for lasting relief​

Neuromuscular Therapy is like detective work for your muscles. We find the exact trouble spots, trigger points, muscle imbalances, and nerve compression, and work on them with focused techniques to get you moving comfortably again.

What’s in the NMT toolkit? 

  • Trigger Point Release - precise pressure to relieve pain and stop it from “referring "elsewhere.
  • Ischemic Compression - sustained pressure to improve blood flow and melt away tightness.
  • Postural Analysis - spotting imbalances that could be causing discomfort.
  • Soft Tissue Manipulation - enhancing flexibility and keeping tissues healthy.
  • Stretching & Mobility Exercises - helping you stay pain-free for longer.

💡 Best for: Chronic pain, sports injuries, postural problems, and muscle spasms.

Deep Tissue Massage - Firm, focused, and oh-so-effective​

When tension runs deep, so do we. Deep Tissue Massage targets the layers beneath the surface, releasing chronic stiffness and breaking down stubborn adhesions in muscles, tendons, and fascia.

We use slow, deliberate strokes and sometimes elbows, knuckles, or specialised tools to reach exactly where it’s needed. You’re in control of the pressure, so we will adjust to keep it both effective and comfortable.

💡 Best for: Chronic pain, postural tension, injury recovery.

Trigger Point Therapy - Small points, big relief​

Trigger points are tiny knots with a big impact, causing pain locally or in other parts of the body. We use focused pressure to release these trouble spots, ease referred pain and restore normal movement.

💡 Best for: Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, and repetitive strain discomfort.

Myofascial Release - Free your fascia, free your movement​

Your fascia, the body’s connective tissue, can tighten over time, limiting movement and causing discomfort. Myofascial Release uses gentle, sustained pressure to ease these restrictions, improve mobility, and reduce pain.

Often combined with other therapies, this technique works wonders for chronic tightness, postural issues, and scar tissue restrictions.

Swedish Massage - The Timeless Classic​

Swedish Massage is the go-to for total relaxation and circulation boosting bliss. It’s a full-body experience that can be as soothing or invigorating as you like, combining:

  • Effleurage – smooth, flowing strokes to warm muscles.
  • Petrissage – kneading to release deeper tension.
  • Tapotement – rhythmic tapping to wake up muscles.
  • Friction – targeted moves to break down adhesions.
  • Vibration/Shaking – gentle movements to promote deep relaxation.

💡Best for: Stress relief, general wellness, and that “I feel amazing” feeling.

Pregnancy Massage - Nurturing Care for You and Your Baby 

Pregnancy is a special time that brings incredible changes to your body. Our specialised pregnancy massage is designed to support you through every stage, easing common discomforts such as back pain, swollen legs, and tired muscles.

With gentle techniques tailored to your needs, pregnancy massage promotes relaxation, improves circulation and provides a moment of calm just for you. Safe and nurturing, it’s a wonderful way to care for both yourself and your growing baby.

Cupping Therapy - Promoting Circulation and Tissue Healing 

Experience the benefits of this ancient technique, now widely used in modern sports and rehabilitation. Cupping works by creating gentle suction on the skin, which helps to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support faster recovery. Many athletes and clients find it especially helpful for relieving stubborn tightness, easing pain, and enhancing performance.

Whether you’re recovering from training, managing an injury, or simply looking to feel lighter and more relaxed, cupping can be an effective addition to your treatment plan.

Dry Needling - Clinical Precision, Effective Results 

Dry needling is a highly effective technique used to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and speed up recovery. By inserting fine, sterile needles into tight or “trigger” points, this therapy helps reset overactive muscles, improve blood flow, and restore natural movement.

Trusted by athletes and widely used in rehabilitation, dry needling can provide fast relief from muscle aches, sports injuries, and chronic pain conditions. Combined with massage and other therapies, it’s a powerful tool to help you recover stronger and move with ease.

Ready to feel your best?

Our therapists will help you choose the perfect treatment for your body and your goals.​

📅 Book your appointment today or contact us to talk through your options.

⚠️ Please Note: If you have recent injuries or certain medical conditions, check with your healthcare provider first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports massage is specifically designed to support athletic performance, recovery, and injury 
prevention. It involves targeted techniques like deep tissue work, myofascial release, and 
stretching to address sport-specific needs unlike general massage techniques, which 
focuses more on stress relief, on daily activities and work related. 

Not at all. While we work with elite athletes, weekend warriors, and team sport players, 
sports massage is beneficial for anyone leading an active lifestyle or managing physical strain 
from work, training, or daily movement. 

It depends on your athletic goals or underlying complaints. 
For performance prep, weekly or bi-weekly sessions leading up to an event are ideal. During 
a competitive season, regular maintenance (every 2–4 weeks) helps prevent injuries.  
For recovery or injury rehab, we will customise your plan in coordination with your 
condition, symptoms and advice from your healthcare team. 

Yes it can, especially when integrated into a structured injury management plan. Our 
therapists use proven techniques and collaborate with physiotherapists and doctors to help 
reduce scar tissue, improve mobility, and support safe return-to-play protocols. 

During your first appointment, we will start with a friendly chat to learn about your health 
history, concerns, and goals. Your therapist will then do an assessment and explain your 
personalised treatment plan. You will also receive your first treatment, tailored to your needs, 
and we will answer any questions, so you feel comfortable and informed. 
 
Follow-up appointments will be more treatment-focused, as we will already know you and 
your requirements.  

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. Depending on your 
treatment, you may be asked to remove certain items, but you will always be draped for 
privacy and comfort.