The use of sports massage is very common in the athletic community. However, only a few studies have shown any therapeutic effect of massage. This prospective RCT tested whether or not sports massage can improve recovery after eccentric exercise. Sixteen subjects performed 300 maximal eccentric contractions of the quadriceps muscle bilaterally. Massage was given to one leg, whereas the other leg served as a control. Subjects were treated once daily for 3 days. Maximal strength was tested on a Kin–Com dynamometer and functional tests were based on one-leg long jumps. Pain was evaluated using a VAS. There was a marked loss of strength and function of the quadriceps directly after exercise and on the third day after exercise. The massage treatment did not affect the level or duration of pain or the loss of strength or function following exercise.