When you get a massage, it works all the tight chunky areas out of your body mechanics. If you stretch dilligently for the 1-2 weeks after a massage, you will prolong the benefits and really do your body a favor.
The massage therapist I recommend in the Nashville area is Rachael Sarah Jayne. She is based out of a studio in the Berry Hill neighborhood. Her e-mail is rsjmassage@gmail.com.
Photo: Rachael takes the time to learn your issues and needs for massage. She is very attentive. As a triathlete herself, she understands what it takes to keep the body healthy during the stress of training.
Here Rachael discusses the recommended frequency of massage:
For beginner athletes with no massage experience, once a month works well. Asides from the restorative, regenerative and relaxation help, regular massage will also assist athletes in being more aware of their bodies - in particular those potential owies. I like to say that it is like examining your own body through somebody else's hands. Often times clients find that they are not aware of tension and tenderness until they get work done. It can serve as a great indicator that more stretch/strength/rest is in order - this is very useful for folks who are just getting to know how all this new training affects their bodies.
For Tri2 and up, I would suggest every 2-3 weeks. The added work load can make owies harder to detect as pushing through the pain is often part of the process of endurance racing. Massage can help to highlight owies that may become more problematic. Plus, we are just dealing with more stress on the body here.
Photo: Rachael at work on my leg.
I'm not going to lie to you---it feels great to be on that massage table. But moreover, I like the results of regular massage on recovery and body mechanics. As you become more aware when your body is working well--vs. when it is "gunked up"--you will want to stay firmly in the former category.
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