A new wave of research is challenging popular beliefs about sports massage, suggesting the greatest benefits may lie in the mind rather than the muscles. While massage is a staple for athletes—from professional teams in Thailand to weekend runners stretching after Lumpini Park laps—scientists are finding that its much-loved role in muscle recovery is less about changing the body’s chemistry and more about easing stress and enhancing psychological well-being (The New York Times, 2025).
For years, Thai gyms, marathons, and football clubs alike have relied on massage as a key player in their recovery toolbox. With Thailand’s vibrant spa culture and long tradition of therapeutic massage, it’s little surprise that both amateur athletes and professionals regard a post-exercise rubdown as essential. But does it truly work the magic many believe it does? Compelling new evidence suggests the real benefits may not be what most expect.
The widespread belief is that massage boosts recovery by improving blood flow and flushing lactic acid from tired muscles—a narrative echoed across fitness blogs and wellness advertisements in Thailand. “If you talk to athletes, massage is one of their favorite recovery strategies, and we all know why—because it feels good. It’s obviously doing something that athletes perceive as beneficial,” says a leading professor of exercise science at Australian Catholic University. Yet, decades of research have steadily eroded this myth. Lactic acid, once demonized as the culprit behind post-workout soreness, is now known to be naturally cleared by the body, requiring no manual intervention. Furthermore, regularly active bodies already enjoy healthy circulation, making specialized massage techniques to “push blood” less relevant for the healthy athlete (NYT, 2025).
Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses reinforce these findings. A notable 2020 meta-analysis examined 29 studies involving over 1,000 participants and concluded that massage had little to no measurable effect on fatigue reduction or athletic performance. Only modest benefits were observed for muscle soreness and flexibility. A cardiovascular medicine professor at the University of Sheffield and senior author of the study summarized: “We just didn’t find a lot of evidence that massage is helpful.”
Nevertheless, field experience and testimonials tell a different story. Athletes continue to report feeling substantially better after massage. A renowned expert in exercise recovery suggests physiological changes may be subtle or difficult to detect by current scientific means, with muscle tension perceived by touch but not easily quantified in studies. In a randomized controlled trial involving 72 endurance runners post-100-mile race, both therapist-delivered massages and high-tech pneumatic compression boots relieved muscle pain and fatigue—but only temporarily.
This hints at another explanation: massage might trigger psychological responses—feelings of relaxation, stress relief, and even a comforting ritual that signals “workout complete” in our brains. Vibrations from massage guns, wildly popular in Bangkok’s fitness boutiques, may tap into the body’s intricate neurological systems for pain management. Small studies suggest that stimulating the skin through vibration could modulate interactions between brain regions responsible for how we perceive pain and touch, helping explain transient relief.
The psychological payoff is now a central focus for many experts. An academic in the field commented, “For some athletes, massage is a time to debrief and unload.” This relaxation and mental reset can be crucial, particularly in high-pressure Thai sports environments where athletes and students alike often face rigorous schedules and intensive competition. A vice president of science at a leading massage therapy device company adds: “Massage is not magic. Massage guns are not some secret way to improve your recovery. Instead, they work with your body to enhance what it’s already doing.”
So what does this mean for Thailand, a country whose cultural and economic life is interwoven with massage—from the ancient rigor of traditional Thai massage practiced in temples and street-side parlors, to innovations seen at five-star health resorts and medical wellness centers? The new science doesn’t undermine the cultural importance of massage. Instead, it enriches our understanding: the classic nuad boran massage may not flush toxins from the muscles, but its role as an agent for relaxation—and its effect on the mental state post-exercise—should not be underestimated.
Historically, Thai massage has emphasized holistic well-being, blending physical manipulation, meditation, and community. This whole-person approach is resonant with findings that highlight the mind-body benefits of touch therapies. As scientific investigation matures, there is growing recognition worldwide—including among Thai health professionals—of the need to integrate psychological recovery tools into athletic training and public health advice.
Looking forward, these findings could influence training programs and recovery protocols in Thai schools, national sports associations, and private fitness clubs. As Thailand continues its drive to promote physical activity, reduce non-communicable diseases, and develop international sports competitiveness, incorporating effective mental recovery strategies may be as important as physical ones. Educators and coaches might consider not just massage, but also mindfulness, meditation, and rest periods as essential ingredients in holistic recovery (PubMed Research, 2020).
For Thai readers, the message is clear: enjoy that post-exercise massage, whether from a skilled therapist in Chiang Mai or a massage gun purchased at a Bangkok mall—not because it flushes lactic acid, but because it helps you relax, de-stress, and feel good. As the scientific consensus puts it, when it comes to recovery, feeling better can be a win in itself. For those taking part in the annual Bike for Mom event or preparing for university track meets, prioritizing psychological relaxation after activity—by massage or other means—may be the most practical advice.
For practical application, Thai athletes and recreational exercisers should view massage as a valuable relaxation tool rather than a performance enhancer. Consider combining massage with adequate sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, and stress management for optimal recovery. Thai sports and health professionals can help dispel myths while celebrating the enduring cultural significance of massage as part of the nation’s wellness identity.
Sources used: The New York Times, 2025, PubMed Meta-analysis, 2020