Training and competing in triathlons is very taxing on the body because it involves repetitive motions over a long period of time. This leaves the body vulnerable to specific overuse injuries that can cause you to lose performance or sustain further injury. Here, we address the common afflictions facing triathletes and explain how remedial massage and myotherapy can help.
What are the main injuries affecting triathletes?
Common injuries that can occur during triathlon training and racing are runner’s knee, achilles tendinitis/tendinopathy, calf and hamstring strains, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, swimmers shoulder and lower back pain. Triathlon places the body under a lot of mechanical, muscular, and mental stress.
How can sports massage help triathletes?
For decades, athletes have tapped into the power of incorporating sports massage into their regular training regimen. Sports massage techniques, when used regularly, can increase the blood flow necessary for recovery and enhance the range of motion of injured muscles. With a full recovery, triathletes can increase workouts and adapt to a higher level of stress.
Sports Massage can:
- Enhance body awareness
- Identify problem areas before they develop into injuries
- Remove trigger points formed as a result of injury
- Relax and stretch muscles
- Improve range of motion
- Restore suppleness and elasticity
- Relieve pain and stress
- Free muscle adhesions and soften scar tissue caused by injury or overuse
- Improve circulation
- Flush out toxins that cause muscle stiffness and soreness
- Relax the body
- Speed recovery and healing.
When should I have a massages?
Pre-race: Before the race, a quick treatment will increase your circulation and flexibility, and leave your muscles resilient and ready to go.
Post-race: After a hard race, a massage will increase your circulation to speed the removal of fatigue toxins, relieve your muscle spasms and prevent soreness.
Fine-tuning: We recommend regular fine-tuning to relieve areas of biomechanical stress in your muscles.
Injury Rehabilitation: If you have a specific injury, massage will help speed your healing, increase your range of motion and reduce scar tissue to allow the muscle to expand/contract normally.
At Muscle Freedom, we specialise in treating sports injuries and tailor our treatments to the needs of the individual. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements. Call 03 9598 4873.
