Don’t Wait For Pain
Written By Cat Blatner
With the sport of competitive fitness in full swing, athletes are putting themselves through more stress than ever before. It’s safe to say that the volume tolerance required is growing immensely and so is the risk of injury.
The issue I see most commonly is that athletes are forcing positions that they might not have the range of motion to execute safely. On top of that, they are trying to find that position for many many reps at a time. Instead of regular maintenance and constant bodywork, some athletes tend to wait until there is severe pain before seeking help on the matter.
If you are choosing to train competitively and stress your body out every single day, be prepared to invest in your health and safety. It is more important than ever to get hands-on care! Not only will this reduce your risk of injury, it will help you perform at the highest level possible. No lacrosse ball can produce the same result as a deep myofascial release massage and ART from an experienced and educated bodywork specialist.
Connect with Your Body Worker
Make sure you choose the right massage therapist or bodywork specialist. Know what their background is and what they know about your sport. For example, I once had a massage therapist that didn’t believe in exercise at all. Needless to say, they weren’t a right fit for me because they didn’t understand what I did every single day.
Consistency is Key
Going and getting body work once in a blue moon always has short term, immediate effects but consistency and investing time in your body’s health will have lasting effects. You will feel stronger and recover faster on a consistent basis. Getting massages aren’t just aimed at fixing pain that has developed but can be used to ensure that pain is never there in the first place. If you are working with the right person, they will supply you with homework to keep your body performing at it’s very best. I realize it is a big investment to see someone on a regular basis but it’s a heck of alot cheaper than paying for surgery or physical therapy after an injury.
Invest in your health, especially if your goals are to be a competitive exerciser! You will see lasting effects!