Sports and massages—a combination that makes sense for most athletes. Physiotherapists have long been an integral part of the teams supporting professional athletes. They monitor the athlete, help prepare for performance, aid in recovery, and sometimes assist in rehabilitation after injuries.
Few amateurs can afford such intensive support, but many have incorporated regular massages with various specialists—physiotherapists, osteopaths, Shiatsu practitioners—into their routines.
Sports and energy therapies are less frequently associated, although the trend is growing. This was evident at major sporting events like the Olympic Games, where the backs of some swimmers or boxers bore cupping marks, which sparked curious comments. Despite the increasing reliance on technology in athletes’ anatomy, some competitors believe that other dimensions influence their effectiveness, including mental preparation or energy treatments such as hijama (cupping), acupuncture, or Shiatsu.
Shiatsu, which combines the physical aspect of a massage with the more energetic aspect of Qi circulation, is a particularly interesting option for anyone looking to enhance their well-being alongside regular, or even intense, physical activity. Of course, Shiatsu has its place: major injuries are best treated with medicine or surgery, followed by conventional rehabilitation.
In practice, a shiatsushi can be helpful to athletes who need relief from:
- muscle fatigue,
- temporary joint discomfort,
- subtle imbalances,
- constant and unnecessary stress.
How does it work?
A Shiatsu kata always involves treatment from head to toe. It doesn’t just focus on the problematic area but views it as part of a whole. Along with the physical action of the massage, there is stimulation of the meridians and precise points (the tsubos) to harmonize Qi circulation, eliminate stagnation, and speed up the removal of toxins accumulated during exertion. The disconnection effect is powerful and sometimes new to individuals who have always prioritized a “yang” approach to their bodies. After a session, they experience increased joint flexibility, balance, and inner calm. This is very beneficial after a performance (match or competition).
In the long term, a series of sessions will have an even greater effect and should be incorporated into a preparation program. When faced with a goal, a wise athlete knows that their workload needs to be accompanied by recovery periods, where they “lower their guard,” allowing them to return stronger. These are the times to prioritize Shiatsu, leaving at least three days between the last Shiatsu session and the targeted sports event.
For shiatsushis, these profiles demand a strong and energetic practice, working on bodies that are more or less fatigued, but strong and often very controlled. Accustomed to action, athletes need to feel manipulated and mobilized before they can relax their minds and gradually access subtler sensations related to Qi and its circulation in the body.
In summary, Shiatsu is a bodywork technique that is both dynamic and fluid, making it a valuable part of a recovery routine and/or as support for intense physical activity.
