Benefits
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Recovery
Tired muscles relax after hard training
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Flexibility
Active stretches support muscle flexibility
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Ease of Movement
Joint mobility is supported
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Training Support
The pace is matched to your training schedule
About
Sports massage is an intensive massage for people who train regularly, run, or want to recover after demanding physical activity. The pace and depth of the session are set by your training calendar: brisk and invigorating before a race or match, slow and restorative afterwards.
What happens during the session?
- A short consultation: You talk about your training plan, the muscle groups you have loaded recently and any race or match coming up.
- Warm-up: Warm towels and long strokes prepare the muscles.
- Intensive work: Tired muscle groups — especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, lower back and back — are worked in turn with deep pressure, point pressure, myofascial release and active stretches.
- Closing: The session ends with light stretches and calm strokes, followed by herbal tea.
The session lasts 50 minutes with deep pressure; before a race, a lighter and quicker pace is used.
When to book
- Before a race or match: a short, invigorating session; deep pressure is avoided in the two days before an event.
- After hard training or a race: a slow, restorative session once you have rested for a few hours.
- Regular care: weekly or every two weeks during heavy training periods.
Who is it for?
It suits people who train regularly, runners, team sports players and anyone who works hard at the gym. You do not need to be a professional athlete: if you exercise several times a week and feel fatigue in specific muscle groups, this session is for you.
When to be careful
- A sprain, strain or knock in the last 48–72 hours (that area is not massaged)
- A suspected fracture, noticeable swelling or sharp pain that increases with movement
- Recent surgery
- A clotting disorder or blood-thinning medication
- Fever or an acute illness
Injuries need an assessment by a doctor or physiotherapist first; massage is not a substitute for treatment.
Sports massage or another massage?
- Deep Tissue Massage: focuses on chronic tension settled in the back and shoulders, independent of your training schedule.
- Medical Massage: begins with an assessment and focuses on chronic tension in one area.
- Traditional Thai Massage: a 70-minute, oil-free session in comfortable clothing that focuses on flexibility through passive stretches.
After your session
- You may feel mild muscle tenderness for a day or two; this is normal.
- Drink plenty of water and choose light movement over intense training on the same day.
- If the tenderness lingers, ask for lighter pressure next time.
About Sports Massage
Should I have a sports massage before or after training?
Both are possible, with different goals. Before training or a race, a short, invigorating pace is used. After hard training or a race, a slow, restorative session a few hours later is more suitable.
How many days before a race should I book a sports massage?
Plan a deep-pressure session at least two days before a race or match so your muscles have time to recover from any tenderness. The day before, only a short, light session is advisable.
Can non-athletes have a sports massage?
Yes. You do not need to be a professional athlete; it suits anyone who runs regularly, goes to the gym or plays sport at weekends. Because the pressure is deep, if you are new to massage you may find it more comfortable to start with a Classic Swedish Massage.
Can I have a sports massage with an injury?
An area with a sprain, strain or knock from the last 48–72 hours is not massaged. If you suspect a fracture or have noticeable swelling or sharp pain, see a doctor or physiotherapist first. Mention any older injury that is still healing when you book so the session can be planned around it.
How long does a Sports Massage session take?
A Sports Massage session takes 50 minutes. You can choose the duration that suits you when booking.
Who is Sports Massage suitable for?
Sports Massage is suitable for regular training athletes, marathon runners, guests recovering from intense activity and those wanting regular care during heavy training. Please let us know before your appointment if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery or have a chronic condition.
Which areas does Sports Massage focus on?
The treatment focuses on quadriceps, hamstrings, back and shoulders. You can agree your priority areas with your therapist at the start of the session.
What is included in a Sports Massage session?
The session includes warm towels, localized pressure techniques and herbal tea.
Where in Istanbul and Izmir can I book Sports Massage?
Sports Massage is available at the Aqua Plus branches in Bagcilar, Fatih, Sisli, Zeytinburnu, Pendik and Bayrakli. All branches are open seven days a week (10:00 – 22:00 / 23:00); choose the branch nearest to you when booking.
What are the benefits of Sports Massage?
Key effects: recovery, flexibility, ease of movement and training support. How long the effect lasts varies by person and with regular treatment.
How do I book Sports Massage?
You can book online by selecting a branch, date and time slot, or contact the branch directly by phone or WhatsApp. We recommend booking ahead to avoid waiting at peak times.
Where to Get Sports Massage
Sports Massage is available at all six Aqua Plus branches. Choose the one closest to you; the booking form opens with the branch and service already selected.
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ISTANBUL · BAğCıLAR
Sports Massage in Bağcılar
Near: Güneşli, Kirazlı, Yenibosna
M1B metro line (Bağcılar–Kirazlı), the Mahmutbey–Bağcılar axis and the Basın Ekspres connection; metrobus via Yenibosna/Şirinevler.
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ISTANBUL · FATIH
Sports Massage in Fatih
Near: Çapa, Aksaray, Vatan
Reachable via the T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar tram (Fındıkzade / Çapa–Şehremini stops) and the M1A metro line (Aksaray).
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ISTANBUL · ŞIşLI
Sports Massage in Şişli
Near: Mecidiyeköy, Gayrettepe, Esentepe
The M2 metro (Şişli–Mecidiyeköy), M7 metro (Mecidiyeköy–Mahmutbey) and the Mecidiyeköy metrobus stop are within walking distance.
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ISTANBUL · ZEYTINBURNU
Sports Massage in Zeytinburnu
Near: Cevizlibağ, Topkapı, Maltepe Mahallesi
Reachable via the Zeytinburnu M1A metro / T1 tram interchange, the Cevizlibağ metrobus stop and the E-5 highway.
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ISTANBUL · PENDIK
Sports Massage in Pendik
Near: Kaynarca, Sapanbağları, Kurtköy
Reachable via the M4 metro line (Kaynarca–Pendik), the Marmaray Pendik station and the D-100 / coastal road.
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IZMIR · BAYRAKLı
Sports Massage in Bayraklı
Near: Adalet, Mansuroğlu, Manavkuyu
