You are vigilant about your training, meticulous about your diet…
So why the lacking commitment to the bodywork that should be a regular element of your training?
I am always baffled by the athletes who don’t even think about getting bodywork, even more so when their sport is in season. Regular physical maintenance is always recommended, but proves especially true for athletes. You constantly overwork the same muscle groups, and this is particularly true when you are racing, competing and during your most rigorous training. That is when massage therapy is most important.
Historically, the world’s most elite athletes have utilized massage therapy as an essential part of their training and recovery routine. Massage for an athlete has been proven to improve performance, prevent injury and speed up recovery time. Today, a growing number of recreational athletes are also beginning to reap the benefits of massage therapy.
It is important to understand that there is a difference between massage modalities. Deep tissue and sports massage are not the same as Swedish massage. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a relaxing Swedish massage and the benefits are beneficial for anyone, it is not a substitute for deep tissue or sports therapy for an athlete.
All forms of massage therapy focus on treating soft tissue aches and pains associated with stress and everyday activities by applying mechanical pressure to the soft tissues of the body. All massage will help reduce muscle stiffness, improve circulation, reduce heart rate, improve blood pressure and promote a state of mental and physical relaxation.
Deep tissue massage focuses on stretching fascia, a three-dimensional web of connective tissue that surrounds, supports and penetrates all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Deep tissue massage works layer by layer through connective tissue and muscles down to the deepest accessible layers to change posture and create freedom of movement by releasing fascial adhesions and chronic muscle contracture. Adhesions and scar tissue form in muscles because of injury, chronic poor posture, chronic or acute inflammation and repetitive motions.
Deep tissue work creates micro-tears in the fascia, which fill with elastin and collagen in about three days, creating muscles that are more flexible, supple and have greater range of motion. This is evidenced by current research that reports that regular deep tissue massage after intense training or workouts actually causes the muscles to enlarge and grown new mitochondria. Mitochondria is the powerhouse of our cells that are responsible for converting nutrients into energy thereby improving endurance and increasing the rate at which muscles utilize oxygen.
All of these aspects of massage only increase with regularity as massage has cumulative effects. So the more often you incorporate this into your training, the greater benefits you will receive. Time and finances allowing; it is important to find a therapist that is well versed in deep tissue forms of bodywork, and consider seriously adding this into your training regimen. Talk with your chosen therapist about any injuries or illnesses as well as what types of sports you participate in. It is also important to discuss what level of seriousness you engage in these activities at, as the therapist should work with you to determine when your sessions should occur so that you receive the maximum benefit from their work. It could be the key to helping you reach that next level of performance.
About the Author: Jennifer Lopez is the owner of Healthy Velocity in Duarte, CA. She is highly educated and trained and AMAZING at what she does. She can be reached by appt. via phone: 626-722-7885 or e-mail: [email protected]
