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IN SHAPE
Creating a treatment plan for your athletic body

By Greg Lee C.M.T., B.B.P.

As a 30-year veteran massage therapist with over 25,000 clinical hours under my hands, I have had the privilege of being trusted with many athletes’ most valuable asset: their bodies. Professional athletes intuitively know that including massage and bodywork as part of their training regimen not only feels great, but helps prevent injuries and keeps them feeling strong, pain-free and healthy. Now, with new scientific research from the Buck Institute showing that massage therapy after strenuous exercise reduces inflammation and helps muscle tissue rejuvenate, athletes of all types have evidence that massage as part of their health care routine is beneficial.

There are basically three approaches I see athletes take with massage therapy:

• Use massage only when an obvious need arises that makes therapy necessary.

• Use massage from time to time with no specific plan.

• Use a treatment plan that incorporates massage therapy as a way to stay game-ready and healthy, while preventing injuries.

The problem with the first two approaches is that the need for therapy outside of a regular routine is usually due to injury and eliminates the potential of preventative therapy. Creating a treatment plan helps identify the specific therapeutic needs associated with your athletic activity.

Even before the Buck Institute’s new research, massage and bodywork have been an integral part of physical fitness and readiness for professionals and amateurs alike. When asked what one thing he would have done differently in his career, pro golfer Greg Norman said he would have had a massage therapist on tour with him at all times. Pro athletes do whatever it takes to stay healthy, strong and pain-free, or get back to health, often working with a skilled therapist daily until the problem is resolved.

If intensive therapy isn’t an option for you because of time or money restraints, self-therapy may be a great way to help your body recover from your athletic endeavors. I have posted free self-therapy solutions at eliteprosportstherapy.com. These videos are designed to enhance your therapy plan, not replace it. They are the same self-therapy methods I teach pro athletes to use at home and on the road when they need relief from tight muscles and a therapist is not available.

Here are some tips for creating your own massage therapy treatment plan.

• Find a great massage therapist by asking for referrals from other athletes. Ask them what results they are getting.

• Give the therapist your history regarding injuries, excessive tightness and limited range of motion. Tell the therapist about your specific athletic activity: light weight training or heavy lifting, pitcher vs. position player, etc. This will give the therapist valuable insight and criteria with which to model your treatment plan.

• Ask the therapist what specific techniques he or she would use for your therapy.

• With the therapist, create a treatment plan that includes:
      a) Rehabilitating injured areas
      b) Improving joint mobility and flexibility
      c) A treatment schedule with specific dates
      d) Self-therapy homework

• Make sure the therapist has a system that will address your long-term health goals and offers a logical progression toward meeting your needs.

Massage and bodywork are key training components to a healthier athletic body. Using a massage and bodywork treatment plan assures the success of these important training components. For pros this means adding years and value to their careers. Amateur athletes can expect more enjoyment and a higher level of athletic ability. Do all you can to be your best athlete.

Greg Lee is a Bay Area native. He lives and works in the beautiful countryside of Nicasio in Marin County. Learn more about his work at eliteprosportstherapy.com.