Susan Findlay's Sports Massage Books
Sports Massage – 2026 – New Book by Susan Findlay
Paperback | Published 19th August, 2026
Susan Findlay’s new book is finally here!
Whether you are a student beginning your journey, a newly qualified therapist building confidence, or an experienced practitioner refining your clinical practice, this book has been written with you in mind.
Sports massage has evolved considerably. Our understanding of pain, tissue healing, rehabilitation, communication, and movement continues to develop, and effective practice must evolve alongside it. Rather than relying on routine treatments or fixed protocols, today’s therapist needs to combine sound knowledge, skilled observation, effective communication, hands-on techniques, and strong clinical reasoning.
This book is not a collection of treatment recipes. Its purpose is to help you think like a therapist. Throughout the chapters, you will find practical techniques, case studies, clinical scenarios, photographs, tables, and reflection points designed not only to demonstrate how techniques are performed, but also to explore why they are appropriate, when they should be adapted, and how they can be tailored to the individual.
Alternatively, you can purchase a signed copy of this book from me in person at NLSSM in Tottenham, North London via cash payment. Limited quantities available. Please email me to arrange pick up: info@susanfindlay.co.uk.
What does Susan Findlay's Sports Massage book cover?
The book is organised into five progressive sections, beginning with the foundations of safe, evidence-informed practice, including assessment, communication, and clinical reasoning. It then explores the art and science of touch, therapist body mechanics, and treatment application before examining injury management, pain, tissue healing, rehabilitation, and collaborative care. The final section focuses on professionalism and the responsibilities of the modern sports massage therapist.
Although the book follows a logical progression, each chapter also serves as a practical reference that can be revisited whenever specific clinical questions arise.
Many of the case studies intentionally avoid presenting perfect answers. Clinical practice is rarely straightforward, and some of the greatest learning comes from recognising uncertainty, weighing different possibilities, and adapting your approach to the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each client.
The central message throughout this book is simple: effective sports massage is not defined by the amount of pressure you apply or the number of techniques you know. It is defined by your ability to listen, observe, think critically, adapt confidently, and place the individual at the centre of every clinical decision.
My hope is that this book strengthens your practical skills while encouraging curiosity, reflection, and a lifelong commitment to learning. As the profession continues to evolve, so should we.
Who is Susan Findlay's Sports Massage book for?
Sports Massage has been written for massage therapists at different stages of their careers, from students beginning their training and newly qualified therapists building confidence to experienced practitioners looking to refine their clinical practice.
Rather than providing fixed treatment protocols or "recipes", this new Sports Massage book focuses on helping therapists develop clinical reasoning, adapt their approach and make informed decisions for individual clients.
Susan Findlay's Previous Sports Massage Book – 2010 – Sports Massage: A Hands-on Guide for Therapists
SIGNED COPY |Paperback | Published 23rd March, 2010
‘Sports Massage: A Hands-on Guide for Therapists’, it is the result of years of experience as a teacher and clinical work as a sport & remedial massage therapist.
This book is based on the belief that with the correct approach all therapists can work with ease, yet have strength and sensitivity within the same touch. It allows the hands to see more than the eyes thus accessing more information about the state of health within the tissue. The body centred approach will allow for both deep and energetic work while the therapist maintains an injury free career.
What does this book cover?
- On the field, post-event, or in the clinic, Sports Massage is the essential resource for developing and perfecting your massage technique. It provides an in-depth discussion of applications of foundational massage techniques within a sports massage approach. Thorough instructions and over 130 full-color photos demonstrate the correct application of each massage stroke for muscle groups of the neck, shoulder, torso, pelvis, legs, and feet. You’ll also learn how to use advanced working positions in prone, supine, side-lying, and sitting orientations to address each muscle group, helping you achieve a more comfortable and therapeutic session for your client.
- This practical guide explains the foundations of sports massage as a profession, including performance-related benefits of sports massage, common environments for professional practice (practice, event, clinical), range of clientele (recreational or serious athletes, physically active people), and applications (pre-, inter-, and post-event, or as part of a training regimen or rehabilitation program).
- Sports Massage emphasizes proper therapist mechanics, including working posture, proper table height, and effective client positioning to help improve the delivery of your technique and reduce strain to your arms, hands, and back. Highlighted in the text are tips on technique adjustments, and special “Client Talk” boxes offer suggestions for ways to communicate technical information to your clients. Throughout the text, self-test questions with answers allow you to check your understanding and reinforce your learning. In addition, a photo gallery index provides quick reference for checking techniques and their application.
- Organized for quick reference, Sports Massage explains massage modifications for common injuries and conditions and provides technical information to support your decision-making process. Information regarding contraindications and pathologies will prepare you to adapt your technique to accommodate a wide range of soft tissue conditions. In addition, discussion of equipment, hygiene, and safety considerations will help you be prepared for each therapy session.
- A discussion of client assessment and consultation will assist you in learning how to obtain the necessary information to address muscular issues during the therapy session. Sports Massage also discusses considerations in administering the technique to special populations, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, limb deficiencies and visual impairments, and cerebral palsy. In addition, you’ll find information on conducting sports massage before, during, and after sporting events.
- Part science and part art, effective sports massage relies on a therapist’s thoughtful application of knowledge and experience. Sport Massage provides a solid knowledge base, helping you learn how to work with your body efficiently and apply each technique with sensitivity. With its emphasis on correct body mechanics and effective client positioning, Sports Massage will help you improve your technique, reduce strain as you work, and provide a better quality of touch.
Where can I buy Susan Findlay's Sports Massage books?
You can buy either of Susan Findlay’s Sports Massage books directly from Susan, or via the Buy Now links above.
If you would like to collect in person, it would be from the following address:
NLSSM, The Hub,
Unit 3i & 3j,
25 Ashley Road
Tottenham,
London,
N17 9LJ
See more info about this address here.
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