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I recently received an e-mail from the operations manager of the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in New York. Can't say that I've been there yet(although I'd love to go). They contacted me in regards to an article they wrote about Sports Massage since they have experts at their state of the art SkÁ:nÁ: Spa facility. I thought the article was well written and would be an interest of many of you since it's geared towards marathon running. Here it is:
Sports Massage and Marathon Runners: A Match Made in Heaven
Runners should engage in regular sports massages after marathons. Massages and stretches help to keep the muscles balanced and to reduce muscle strain. Many people engage in massages both before and after a big race. Massage also promotes blood circulation and accelerates healing time. When waste products are removed from the body, skin elasticity improves and muscles are healed (http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/sports-massage-benefits-for-runners-gb-en). Here are some of the best tools that can be used in at-home sports massages. But our busy lifestyles don’t always leave enough hours in the day for a trip to the spa, especially during the holiday season. Based on some of the popular sports massage treatments used at the state of the art Áhsi’ Spa in upstate New York, here is a guide of simplified exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own home, giving you the same benefits as a professional massage.
Use Golf Balls to Relieve Muscle Cramps
Fatigue, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance is always a problem among marathon runners. Golf balls are often used to alleviate muscle tension. The golf ball may be rolled over the back to increase blood flow and decrease tension. Direct pressure through golf ball massage is quite effective. It can be used in conjunction with yoga stretching, ice massage and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Golf ball massage can be applied and used on the calf muscles and thigh muscles (http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-Massage-Therapists-Guide-to-Marathon-Runners.html).
Using a Foam Roller to Relieve Tension
Foam rollers are also used in massage. This technique can lengthen the fascia and also break down the scar tissue between bones, skin and muscle. Muscle and joint pain is alleviated by foam rollers. These tools are commonly used to alleviate pain with shin splints and IT band syndrome. Foam rollers also improve flexibility. Foam rollers are not expensive and are great for self-massage (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/flexibilityandstretching/ss/FoamRoller.htm).
Other Tools for Massage
Stores like Bath & Body Works and other online stores carry massage tools. Wooden devices such those with three prongs can be used in massage. Rolling wooden devices are also commonly used. These devices are most commonly used on the back, but the rolling devices can also be used on the legs to knead out the tight muscles and knots. Consider these tools for relief.
Sports massage is becoming a necessity for athletes wanting to improve flexibility and accelerate recovery. Consider sports massage as a way to heal. More and more physicians are recognizing the benefits of massage in all arenas. Marathon runners especially benefit from sports massage and should consider making the practice a regular part of their regimen.
Runners should engage in regular sports massages after marathons. Massages and stretches help to keep the muscles balanced and to reduce muscle strain. Many people engage in massages both before and after a big race. Massage also promotes blood circulation and accelerates healing time. When waste products are removed from the body, skin elasticity improves and muscles are healed (http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/sports-massage-benefits-for-runners-gb-en). Here are some of the best tools that can be used in at-home sports massages. But our busy lifestyles don’t always leave enough hours in the day for a trip to the spa, especially during the holiday season. Based on some of the popular sports massage treatments used at the state of the art Áhsi’ Spa in upstate New York, here is a guide of simplified exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own home, giving you the same benefits as a professional massage.
Use Golf Balls to Relieve Muscle Cramps
Fatigue, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance is always a problem among marathon runners. Golf balls are often used to alleviate muscle tension. The golf ball may be rolled over the back to increase blood flow and decrease tension. Direct pressure through golf ball massage is quite effective. It can be used in conjunction with yoga stretching, ice massage and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Golf ball massage can be applied and used on the calf muscles and thigh muscles (http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-Massage-Therapists-Guide-to-Marathon-Runners.html).
Using a Foam Roller to Relieve Tension
Foam rollers are also used in massage. This technique can lengthen the fascia and also break down the scar tissue between bones, skin and muscle. Muscle and joint pain is alleviated by foam rollers. These tools are commonly used to alleviate pain with shin splints and IT band syndrome. Foam rollers also improve flexibility. Foam rollers are not expensive and are great for self-massage (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/flexibilityandstretching/ss/FoamRoller.htm).
Other Tools for Massage
Stores like Bath & Body Works and other online stores carry massage tools. Wooden devices such those with three prongs can be used in massage. Rolling wooden devices are also commonly used. These devices are most commonly used on the back, but the rolling devices can also be used on the legs to knead out the tight muscles and knots. Consider these tools for relief.
Sports massage is becoming a necessity for athletes wanting to improve flexibility and accelerate recovery. Consider sports massage as a way to heal. More and more physicians are recognizing the benefits of massage in all arenas. Marathon runners especially benefit from sports massage and should consider making the practice a regular part of their regimen.
The spa is located at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino. Located in the Mohawk Valley Region of New York State, just 30 miles east of Syracuse. Only a 45-minute flight or four-hour drive from New York City. By incorporating today’s technological advances in skincare, Áshi' Spa offers a unique experience in skincare, massage therapy and body treatments. All of the treatments promote good health, while bringing together mind and spirit in perfect harmony.
check out their Facebook page, HERE.
or their Twitter page HERE.
and their webpage, HERE.
Hope you enjoyed the article. While I have not personally had a professional massage, I can attest to the self tools and stretching used in the article as beneficial for all runners. I think I need to make a massage appointment now.
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
Note: I received no compensation or anything else in regards to this posting. I posted it just because I felt you would have an interest in the article the company wrote to share with everyone.
I did a double take when I saw this post, that spa is 40 minutes from me! It's a gorgeous place : )
ReplyDeleteYou should go and let us know how it is. Looks incredible!
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