"The team wasn't just riders. It was mechanics, masseurs, chefs, soigneurs & doctors. But the most important man on the team may have been the chiropractor" - Lance Armstrong 7 time Tour de France Champion
"I've been going to chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It’s as important to my training as practicing my swing."
-Tiger Woods
Are there any preparations I need to make before my appointment?
It is best to not eat for at least 90 minutes before your massage treatment. And only a lite meal at that time. This is a similar process to swimming or a work out when your body will take all the blood away from the digestion process and take it to the working peripheral tissues therefore causing poor digestion and possible discomfort.
What can I expect when I go for a massage appointment?
On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will go over your health history form with you to determine your treatment needs and goals.
Massage therapists are required to cover/drape you with a sheet so that they expose only the area which they are working on. You may need to undress for therapy. However, you do not need to expose yourself in any way that you are uncomfortable.
It is important to let your massage therapist know (this should be asked on the health history form you will asked to fill out on your first visit). Massage therapy is not recommended for people who suffer from hemophilia.
If you wish to have silence, you should say so at the beginning of the treatment. The therapist may, however, require verbal information pertinent to health findings during the treatment.
After my appointment, is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do?
An epsom salt bath is recommended to soothe and to calm muscles, and enhance the benefits of the massage. It will help to alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day, and it is also recommended for use after workouts for the same reason. Have on hand a 2kg bag of epsom salts, and drink plenty of water to keep your tissues hydrated.
After a 5 minute warm up as simple as marching on the spot to get the blood circulating through your muscles you can start your stretching routine safely. Hold each stretch 20 to 30 seconds and breath deeply. No bouncing and no pain.
After your work out and cool down you do your stretches all again with not pain.
