The Secret is Massage

Do you feel like you'll never recover from your hard workout days? A massage may be the answer to your problem. Olympian Jeff Galloway explains why a massage isn't just relaxing, but important for your recovery and overall performance.

During my first 14 years of running I suffered through more than 100 injuries, and I came to believe that lingering fatigue was an inevitable part of the training required at the world-class level (I had just qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team). Then I met several Scandinavian runners who were ranked higher than I was, and discovered that they did not have to take as many easy days after hard workouts or races.

Their secret was massage. By manipulating tired muscles in the right way, blood flow increases and sore muscle knots can be eliminated within 48 hours. Every one of those world-class athletes believed that they would not have achieved that level without regular treatments from the masseuse.

An exhausting workout damages several areas of the most-used muscles. Research shows that exhausted muscles can return to top capacity quicker with massage. It may take four times as long to recover from your workouts/races without massage. Several of my sources note that massage can allow healing for injured muscles, while one continues to train, by moving the "junk" out of the damaged area. This stimulates repair and recovery of muscle cells as it unlocks the blood flow, delivering healing agents and rebuilding material.

I had significant injuries in both of my calf muscles that kept recurring and stopped me from running for a week or more. Deep tissue massage eliminated the injury: one required 11 treatments, and the other needed six sessions. After each session, the leg kept getting better. I have had no further problems with either leg since the treatments.

I'd love to have a massage therapist with me at all times but this is not possible. I've used the "stick" for several years, and it helps. The best device I've found, however, is a massage chair made by the Human Touch company. Not only is my massage the most relaxing time in the day, but I believe that I am recovering quicker than I did 10 to 15 years ago.

I will admit that my muscles are not as bouncy and resilient as they were 30 years ago. But after a tough run, I can sit back, relax, and let the chair work its magic. When I start my run the next day, my muscles are more resilient and ready to run than they were 10-15 years ago. What a joy for me, in my 50th year of running. Maybe I can run until I'm 100!

Over a million runners and walkers have attended Jeff Galloway clinics, running schools, retreats and training programs. To subscribe to his free newsletter and/or blog, visit www.JeffGalloway.com.