#Massage

A fresh wave of research is reshaping how we view sports massage. In Thailand’s vibrant fitness scene—from Lumpini Park runners to professional teams—experts now emphasize that the strongest benefits of massage may lie in reducing stress and supporting mental well-being rather than dramatically altering the body’s chemistry.

For years, Thai gyms, running clubs, and football squads have relied on massage as a core recovery tool. With Thailand’s rich spa heritage and widespread therapeutic traditions, post-exercise rubdowns are deeply ingrained in training routines. New evidence, however, invites a more nuanced understanding of how massage supports performance and well-being.

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).