An interview with Ricky Prevatte, practicing since 1983

What should you expect from sports massage? Ricky Prevatte shares the approach he has developed over 43 years in practice: assess the problem, address it, and reassess the result.

At Ricky Prevatte Massage in Rock Hill, the focus is on what hurts, what you struggle to do, and the movements that matter to your sport. This interview explains how Ricky works with competitive athletes, weekend players, and older adults who want to keep enjoying golf, tennis, and other activities. The practice welcomes clients from Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and surrounding communities.

1. Who can benefit from sports massage?

Ricky: You do not have to be a professional athlete. People come to me because they want to address discomfort, work on movement limitations, support their performance, or continue enjoying their sport as they age.

Some are pursuing higher levels of competition. Others simply want to play a round of golf or a tennis match more comfortably. I begin by understanding their goals and assessing the issues that may be getting in the way. Treatment is tailored to that person; results vary.

2. What does your assessment involve?

Ricky: I start with two questions: “Where do you hurt?” and “What are you not able to do?”

Then I use muscle testing and assess movement to investigate how different parts of the body work together. I look beyond the painful spot for limitations that may be contributing to the problem. That assessment helps guide the treatment and gives us something to compare afterward.

3. Can the source of a problem be somewhere other than where it hurts?

Ricky: Yes. One example involved a baseball catcher who had knee pain and difficulty squatting behind the plate.

We addressed limitations around the shin and hip, and the catcher reported being able to squat comfortably after that session. At the next visit, we worked on ankle mobility, with further improvement in squatting. The athlete later earned a college scholarship.

That is one person’s experience, not a promise of the same result for everyone. It illustrates why I assess the movements and surrounding areas rather than treating only the spot that hurts.

4. How do you choose your tools and techniques?

Ricky: Through palpation—assessing tissues by touch—and conversation. I keep checking how the person feels and responds throughout treatment.

Depending on the assessment, I may use G5 vibration, Graston or other instrument-assisted techniques, cupping, stretching, sports taping, or appropriate topical products. Every person does not need every tool. The choice depends on their needs, comfort, and response.

The goal is useful treatment without unnecessary pain. We reassess before deciding what to do next.

5. How does treatment differ before and after a sporting event?

Ricky: My emphasis is always on comfortable treatment. I have a range of tools and techniques available, so I do not rely on causing major discomfort to get a response.

I consider whether the athlete is preparing for an event or recovering afterward, along with how they are feeling. My goal is for the treatment to support their needs without leaving them feeling that they have another ordeal to recover from.

6. How do you help older golfers and tennis players?

Ricky: I combine assessment and muscle testing with my 43 years of experience. I look at the movements the person needs for their sport and where they are having difficulty.

For a golfer, that may mean assessing the lower back, hips, hip rotation, and the ability to turn the trunk. We work toward more comfortable movement and then retest it. The aim is to help the person keep enjoying their sport; massage does not reverse aging or resolve every cause of pain.

7. How often should someone receive sports massage?

Ricky: That depends on how well they respond. A positive result means the person hurts less and can do more after treatment. Their progress helps guide how long and how often we continue.

I also teach self-care suited to their needs. That may include stretching, appropriate topical products, sports taping, and guidance on whether and how cupping fits their situation. I explain when, where, and why a technique might be useful, so they can participate in maintaining their progress between visits.

8. When do you refer someone to another healthcare professional?

Ricky: We have a network of physicians and physical therapists who refer to us and whom we refer to. If someone has had two visits without a favorable response, I want further evaluation rather than simply repeating the same treatment.

Depending on the problem, that may mean seeing a physician or specialist. The evaluating clinician determines whether imaging or other tests are needed. A concern requiring medical evaluation should be referred sooner.

I believe recommendations for further visits should be based on progress. People deserve an explanation of why continued treatment is recommended, rather than pressure to purchase a large package before knowing whether the approach is helping.

9. What should customers ask before choosing a sports massage therapist?

Ricky: Ask about training, experience with your sport or concern, assessment, and how progress will be measured. Also ask how the therapist adjusts treatment when something is uncomfortable.

Over the years, I have valued the work of educators such as Erik Dalton, Benny Vaughn, James Waslaski, Tom Myers, and Aaron Mattes, known for Active Isolated Stretching. Advanced education matters, along with how a therapist applies it to your particular needs.

I want people to understand that “no pain, no gain” is not my treatment philosophy. I use an individualized approach guided by assessment, rather than giving everyone the same sequence.

10. What should someone expect at their first visit?

Ricky: Start by calling Wendy, my wife and office manager. She has worked alongside me and our patients for years. She will discuss your concerns and help determine whether our services may be a suitable fit.

At the visit, I begin with assessment, postural analysis, and muscle testing before treatment. We address one concern at a time, then reassess and retest before moving to the next area.

We consider both what bothers you and the limitations found during assessment. Our goal is to help you participate in your sport with less discomfort and better movement, while checking what actually changes.

Talk with Wendy about your goals

Want to find out whether our approach may fit your needs? Contact Ricky Prevatte Massage in Rock Hill and speak with Wendy about your sport, your concerns, and what you want to be able to do.