Limitations of Sports Massage Effectiveness with PED Use

Why Athletes Using Performance-Enhancing Drugs Should Not Expect Recovery from Their Injuries Through Sports Massage

The relationship between performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and the effectiveness of sports massage in injury recovery is complex. While some studies suggest that steroids or growth hormones may temporarily aid post-injury regeneration, the long-term consequences and negative effects on biological processes significantly limit the ability of sports massage therapists to achieve successful results. This article explores why athletes using PEDs should not expect recovery from treatments and why they should hold themselves accountable for delayed healing instead of blaming the professional.

The Short-Term Illusion and Long-Term Damage of PEDs

Steroids and other PEDs often present an enticing solution for quickly overcoming injuries. Clinical studies indicate that anabolic steroids can improve muscle regeneration in the short term, such as in cases of contusion injuries, by increasing protein synthesis and reducing inflammation. However, long-term use leads to structural damage: muscle fibers become disorganized, connective tissues weaken, and the overall force-generating capacity of muscles permanently declines. This effect is even more pronounced with corticosteroids, which initially strengthen tissues but eventually cause complete degeneration.

Research on growth hormones shows that while they can promote cellular regeneration, excessive use leads to systemic problems such as arterial wall thickening, blood clot formation, and arrhythmias. These changes not only affect athletic performance but also impair the healthy functioning of the circulatory system, which is essential for injury recovery.

Limitations of Sports Massage Effectiveness with PED Use

The primary benefits of sports massage—enhanced localized blood flow, stimulated lymphatic circulation, reduced inflammation—are significantly diminished due to the tissue alterations caused by PEDs. For example:

• Increased muscle mass makes it harder to reach deep tissues during massage therapy, limiting the effectiveness of mobilization techniques.

• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., fluctuating testosterone levels) impair cellular regenerative capacity, slowing down recovery processes facilitated by massage.

• Overburdened circulatory system (e.g., high blood pressure, vascular abnormalities) reduces the effectiveness of lymphatic drainage and metabolic improvements achieved through treatment.

A 2015 study highlighted that athletes using PEDs experience significantly less post-massage DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) relief compared to clean athletes. This is attributed to damaged muscle fibers and abnormal inflammatory responses caused by drug use.

Psychological Factors: Self-Deception and Lack of Accountability

PED use often coincides with mental patterns that indirectly affect recovery. Athletes who rely on external locus of control (the belief that external circumstances dictate outcomes) tend to blame external factors (e.g., coaches, competition schedules) for injuries and focus on quick fixes rather than prevention. This mindset undermines the effectiveness of long-term recovery strategies recommended by massage therapists.

Studies show that self-blaming thought patterns—a common trait among PED users—increase injury risk. Athletes are prone to ignoring early warning signs from their bodies (e.g., mild pain, stiffness) and suppress symptoms with painkillers or additional steroids. This behavior not only exacerbates injury severity but also makes proper intervention by therapists impossible.

Why Professionals Are Not Responsible for Delayed Recovery

The professional ethics and methodology of sports massage therapists are exclusively built around supporting natural healing processes. Interference caused by PEDs objectively limits the effectiveness of treatments, and professionals cannot be held accountable for the consequences of drug use. Sports psychology research clearly indicates that successful recovery depends on athlete cooperation, accountability, and long-term strategic thinking. Turning to steroids or other substances is a voluntary “shortcut” that undermines both professional assistance and the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

Thomas Bach Complex Sports Regeneration and Mental Therapist

References

• Sports and Drugs: Pros, Cons, and the Future of Performance Enhancement (Britannica, 2025)

• The Effect of Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids on Healing of Muscle Contusions (PubMed, 2009)

• Effect of Sports Massage on Performance and Recovery (PubMed, 2020)

• Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Healthy Athletes: An Umbrella Review (PMC, 2023)

• Rehabilitation and Recovery in Athletes Caught Doping (Hilaris Publisher, 2024)

• The Psychology of Sport and Exercise Injury (IDEA Fitness, 2024)

• Recovery From Injury in Sport: Considerations for Strength and Conditioning Specialists (PMC, 2009)