People have a lot of assumptions about what it looks like to be a massage therapist on game day. They picture something glamorous — stadiums, lights, big names. And don't get me wrong, those moments are there. But the reality of working with elite sporting clubs is mostly about showing up quietly, being ready, and doing your job well without anyone needing to ask twice.
I've been doing this for over 13 years and I've had the privilege of working with clubs and athletes across NRL, NRLW, Rugby Union, Cricket, Basketball, Football and Netball. Each sport has its own rhythm and each team has its own culture. Learning that culture — really understanding it — takes time. But once you're in, it's one of the most rewarding environments you can work in.
Game day is nothing like you imagine
The day before a game is usually busy. Athletes come in wanting work done on specific areas. They're focused, sometimes quiet, and there's always a low hum of anticipation in the room. You tune into that. You don't chat unnecessarily. You do the work they need, you check in, you move on to the next person.
On the day itself, there's a proper order to things. Pre-match warmup massage is different from what most people think. It's not relaxing — it's activating. The goal is to increase blood flow, wake up the muscles, and help the athlete feel sharp and ready. Every player is different. Some want firm pressure on specific areas. Others want a quick, generalised warmup. You learn what each person needs and you deliver it without being asked.
"You're not there to impress anyone. You're there to do a job, and the best thing you can do is be invisible until someone needs you."
Post-match is when the real work starts. Bodies have been through a lot and the damage often doesn't show itself until the adrenaline drops. You work through it methodically — checking in, finding the tight spots, doing what you can to help recovery start as quickly as possible. Some athletes are chatty after a win. Some are quiet regardless. You read the room and adjust accordingly.
It's built on relationships
The thing people don't talk about enough is trust. An athlete is not going to let you work on their body properly if they don't trust you. And trust doesn't come from one session — it comes from showing up consistently, being professional, keeping things private, and doing good work every single time.
I've worked with athletes who are guarded at first. That's completely reasonable. They're at a workplace, they don't know me, and they're about to be in a vulnerable position. I don't take that lightly. I always work within what the person is comfortable with and I earn the trust gradually, session by session.
When that trust is there — when an athlete can walk into a session, tell you exactly what's going on and know you're going to take it seriously and fix it — that's when the work gets really good. That's when you can actually make a difference to their performance and recovery rather than just going through the motions.
Being part of a team support structure
Working alongside physios, trainers, and coaches means you're part of a wider picture. You have your role and you stay in your lane while also communicating clearly when you notice something that matters. If I'm working on a player and something doesn't feel right — a muscle that's unusually tight, a response that's different from what I'd expect — I flag it. Not because I'm trying to overstep, but because it's important information for the people responsible for that player's health.
That collaborative approach is something I genuinely enjoy. You learn a lot working in that kind of environment. Every body is different, every sport creates different patterns of tension and wear, and working across multiple codes keeps you sharp.
What I take away from it
Honestly? Gratitude. I get to be part of some significant moments in people's careers. I'm backstage for games that matter to thousands of people, working with athletes who have dedicated years to their sport. They trust me with their bodies at the most important times of their professional lives. That's not something I take for granted.
And then I come back to my home clinic in Brisbane and work with someone who's been sitting at a desk all week and just needs their shoulders to stop hurting. And that matters just as much. The work is the work, wherever it happens.
Both things are true and both keep me doing this.
Looking for a sports massage therapist?
Whether you're an athlete, a club, or just someone who needs their body looked after — Bec is based in Brisbane and available across South East Queensland.
Sports & Remedial Massage →