Why is a triathlon Massage great for athletes?
A triathlon massage is a specialist massage for all athletes which includes runners, cyclists and swimmers that takes into consideration the strains on your body and your often gruelling training schedule.
Doing a triathlon puts a lot of stress on your muscles both during the actual race and during training with repetitive motions that you sustain over a long period of time. This can cause injuries.
Charlie Botha ITEC
Your ITEC qualified massage therapist
massage
Questions & Answers
I’m training am I OK to have a deep tissue massage?
Yes, we recommend leaving 3 – 4 days before you race do your body has time to fix everything before the big day, but if you have an injury and want relief, there is no reason at all why you can’t have a massage we just need to know where you are in your training programme so that we can ensure we’re giving you the correct massage therapy.
If it’s too close to your event, then we can substitute deep tissue with deep oscillation therapy or perhaps you’ll benefit more from ultrasonic cavitation.
When is the best time for me to get a triathlete massage?
If you can only have one then we’d recommend having your massage in the week after you have raced in your triathlon, ideally 2 – 3 days when your training workload is lighter and you’re recovering. This will help you get back to optimal performance again by helping to reduce micro-scarring in your muscles and eases your blood flow so oxygen and nutrients can feed and repair your muscles again meaning you can get back to your normal training routine soon.
I don’t have a lot of time; can you concentrate on an area at a time?
Yes of course, the important thing is that you are getting regular massage as tired muscles don’t perform to their optimum and are prone to injury.
We can do one session on your back, shoulders and neck for example if you’ve been doing lots of swim training and then another time concentrate on your calves and legs if you’ve been doing more hill training or glutes and legs on bike runs. We can work a schedule around whatever suits you and your training programme.
That said there is no replacement for a full body in the same session as at the end all of your muscles have been put back to the same starting point, we just know the pressures of daily life don’t always make that possible that’s all.
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Triathlete injuries that may be avoided or respond well to a specialist triathlon massage:- Runner’s knee
- Calf strain
- Hamstring strain
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle sprains
- Swimmers shoulder
- Lower back pain
- General sore and strained muscles
- More information on back pain
- More information on neck pain
- Benefits to regular specialist triathlon massage
- Recovery after races and injury
- Injury prevention by keeping muscles supple
- Rehabilitation
- Psychological – you have a bit of me time to recover from the mental strain of racing
- Body awareness – you’ll feel things in your massage you ignore during your training which can act as a warning
- Stimulates your blood to circulate which increases oxygen flow and nutrients to your cells and tissues
- Keeps your muscles supple, restoring flexibility to tight, sore muscles
- Relieves chronic muscular stress and breaks up adhesions caused by micro scarring. We’ll use myofascial release to free up movement and alleviate trigger points to enhance performance when racing and training
- Helps your metabolic waste drain away by encouraging lymphatic drainage
- Stimulates endorphins to reduce pain naturally
What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
You do whatever makes you feel comfortable, you can lie back and relax or if you prefer to chat or discuss your programme that is fine too.
If we need you to adjust your position, we’ll either move you or let you know so you don’t need to worry about whether you’re in the right position.
Everyone is different and during your triathlete massage we’ll be releasing toxins. This can mean that your body temperature changes so please don’t be afraid to say if you’re too cold or warm. Likewise, different areas of your body can feel tenderness at different levels so again, if the pressure is too light or hard, then please do say and we’ll adapt accordingly.
How will I feel after a triathletes massage?
You may feel tired or relaxed after your massage, or even sometimes emotional, however due to the toxins that we’ve released. Please do drink lots of water after a massage to help to flush these out.
How often will I need a triathlon massage?
This is entirely down to you and your triathlon training programme and can change as well depending on your body’s level of fitness.
The more triathlete massages you have though, the less propensity you’ll have for injury.
Why would I not be able to have a massage?
There are a few conditions which mean massage would not be the best holistic therapy for you. In this instance, we wouldn’t be able to treat you with massage, but there are plenty of other therapies that would be more suitable and we can help and advise you in making the best choice.
The following conditions would not be suitable:
- Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage.
- If you have a bruise, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumours, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures the massage will work around these areas.
Please Note: Deep tissue massage is a totally safe and complementary treatment (it does not replace medical treatment).If you are in any doubt at all, please consult with your GP prior to treatment
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How do I know what massage to ask for?
You can tell us the training you have been doing and we can go from there, alternatively, just tell us where it hurts and we can work around that area.
To give you a guide:
Swim – shoulder, back, neck, abdominals, gluteals (glutes), hamstrings and quadriceps
Bike – quadriceps, gluteals, calves, lower back, shoulders and neck
Run – legs and lower back, shoulders and arms
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Checklist
Is there a consultation?
Yes, we’ll send you a consultation form to complete via email before you come along for your first triathlete massage. You can either complete this online and email it back to us, or print it out and bring it with you to your session.
When you arrive we’ll discuss this and build your programme around your specific needs.
Your form will remain confidential.
Where will I be treated?
You’ll have your triathlete massage in a comfortable, calm treatment room with soft lighting at our treatment rooms in Gidea Park, Romford, Essex.
After your consultation, your therapist will show you to your treatment room where you will undress to your lower underwear whilst the therapist is out of the room. You will then lie on the bed, cover yourself with 2 luxury towels & only then will your therapist re-enter the treatment room.
Who will treat me?
Generally Charlton a highly qualified and experienced massage therapist will be your massage therapist.
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Want an appointment today?
If you would like to book a last-minute appointment, please text us on 07757 946023 and we’ll try our best to sort something out within 24 hours.
Once you book
We’ll send over everything you need including consultation form and directions.
We have free off street parking directly outside our treatment rooms.