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Sports Massage Bolton & Whitefield

At Active Physiotherapy, we offer sports massage at both our Bolton and Whitefield clinics to help you recover faster, prevent injury, and optimise performance.

Why Choose Sports Massage?

Sports massage has been a key component of top athletes training, preparation and recovery programmes for years.

This is because sports massage can help to improve performance, prevent injury, reduce pain, shorten recovery time and prepare the body for action. It is a combination of massage techniques designed to get into the deeper layers of your muscle tissue that traditional massages don’t reach to give you the maximum benefit.

Physical Benefits Of Sports Massage

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Improved circulation

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Reduced heart rate

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Removal of waste products and toxins

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Release of muscle tension and tightness

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Decreased muscle soreness

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Faster recovery

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Prevents injury

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Pain relief

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Improved performance

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Reduced inflammation

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Helps build muscle

Psychological Effects Of Sports Massage

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Reduced stress

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Reduced anxiety and tension

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Promotes relaxation

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Encourage greater focus

Treatment is available daily at both our Bolton and Bury (Whitefield) clinics.

What is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a specialised form of deep tissue therapy designed to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and promote faster recovery. It’s used by elite athletes as part of training and competition preparation, but it’s just as effective for anyone dealing with muscular stiffness, aches, or postural strain.

Patient Journey

  1. Consultation – We discuss your training, activity level, and any areas of concern.

  2. Treatment plan – Your sports massage is tailored to your needs—whether for recovery, performance, or relaxation.
  3. Aftercare advice – Stretches, mobility work, and hydration guidance to maximise the benefits of your session.

Treatment Options

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Pre-event sports massage

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Post-event recovery massage

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Injury rehabilitation support

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Maintenance massage for ongoing performance

Meet Your Sports Massage Therapists

At Active Physiotherapy, all our sports massages are delivered by HCPC-registered and chartered physiotherapists with advanced post-graduate training in soft tissue therapy. This means every session is not just a massage, it’s a targeted, clinically informed treatment designed to help you recover faster and prevent future injury.

Richard

Richard Hulbert

Lead Physiotherapist

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Richard qualified as a physiotherapist from the University of Bradford in 2006. He then moved back home to Bury to work in a local physiotherapy practice part-time whilst continuing to study Masters level modules in chronic pain and therapeutic exercise at a university. He then began working for Bury Football Club where he worked with the first team, youth team and academy from 2007-2015 when his work with Active Physiotherapy took over all his time. Richard has been the lead physiotherapist at both our Whitefield ond Bolton since 2008 and has a wealth of experience treated all ages for a wide variety of conditions. He has specific clinical interest in cervicogenic headaches, low back pain, neck pain and sports injuries. He is also heavily involved in the trade association of private physiotherapists in the UK called Physio First where he is currently fulfilling the role of Honorary Membership Officer. In his spare time Richard enjoys spending time with his family and friends and travelling the world exploring new places and watching the odd bit of live sport!.

Richard

Stelios Nicolaou

Senior Physiotherapist

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Stelios is an experienced Senior MSK Physiotherapist with a bachelors degree from the European University of Cyprus. He has worked in a variety of private settings including private clinics, community physiotherapy, working with the elderly out of care home and with a more active population in a gym setting.

Stelios is particularly interested in treating people with sporting injuries, shoulder conditions, ankle and knee pain.

He has extensive experience in working with people with lower back pain and chronic pain.

Stelios used to be a semi professional indoor football player and loves sports.

Judith

Elisheba Abraham

Physiotherapist

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Elisheba is an HCPC-registered Physiotherapist with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of Huddersfield. She has experience across a range of clinical settings, including musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, and women’s health. She brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to physiotherapy, rooted in evidence-based practice.
Dedicated to helping individuals move better, feel stronger, and live more confidently, Elisheba uses a practical approach and is deeply committed to identifying the root cause of physical issues. Whether supporting someone through pain management, improving mobility, or rebuilding confidence in their body, she takes a client-centred, empathetic approach.

With a particular interest in women’s health, she is passionate about supporting women through pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and other key life transitions. She is also actively involved in NHS health equity initiatives, advocating for accessible, inclusive, and culturally competent care that reflects the diverse needs of local communities.

Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys staying active through weight training, cardio, and badminton – as well as reading and exploring new places for food and travel.

Our Clinics

Bolton:

At Total Fitness Gym
Waters Meeting Road
Bolton, BL1 8TT

Phone: 0800 619 1261

Whitefield:

 At Total Fitness
Bury New Road
Manchester, M45 7TA

Phone: 0800 619 1261

How to Book

Book online or call us on 0800 619 1261 to arrange your sports massage session.

Sports Massage FAQs

Do I need to be an athlete to benefit from sports massage?

No, sports massage is suitable for anyone experiencing muscle tightness, tension, or soreness.

Will it be painful?

You may feel some discomfort when working on deep knots, but your physiotherapist will work within your comfort levels.

How often should I have a sports massage?

This depends on your activity level and goals—many people choose regular monthly sessions, while others book after intense training or events.

Why Choose Us...

We specialise in offering 'Physio for the whole family'

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Experienced Physios

Our highly trained team have the skills to ensure a speedy recovery.

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Advanced Treatment

Our treatment is more than just any treatment, its to benefit you now and for the future.

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We Get Results

Your goals are our goals, we work with you to make sure you achieve them.

,,

Always been flexible with appointments and fitting around work commitments. All staff are very friendly and welcoming, would highly recommend and use again if required.

Charlotte from Radcliffe, 27

Treatment was excellent, home exercises really made a difference.

John from Swinton, 55

I've been to a few physios and Richard is one of the best I have seen. Would recommend to anyone

Leonard from Bury, 54

Excellent physiotherapist with a great deal of knowledge and experience in the field. Helpful advice given with each session.

Gayle from Bury, 28

Friendly accommodating service, have recommended to friends and family.

Annabelle from Bolton, 48

Friendly accommodating service, have recommended to friends and family.

Annabelle from Bolton, 48

The treatment has helped the pain I had experienced after my car accident. It is now a lot better and the physiotherapist was great, he gave me exercises to do at home which has helped my injuries to heal a great deal. All in all a fantastic service start to finish. Thank you.

Jane from Bolton, 37

The treatment has helped the pain I had experienced after my car accident. It is now a lot better and the physiotherapist was great, he gave me exercises to do at home which has helped my injuries to heal a great deal. All in all a fantastic service start to finish. Thank you.

Jane from Bolton, 37