Saturday, January 24, 2009

Massage relatively unknown?

Here is a link to an article promoting massage for cyclists. While I agree that massage for cyclists is a fine idea, for the reasons listed there as well as others, I do not think massage in cycling has been as little regarded as that text suggests. There are many examples of massage for cyclists in the popular press surrounding it.


Eric Zabel, on the table in Hell on Wheels. Who can say if it was massage that gave him such heart, that enabled him to ride all season, and to remain competitive for so long? One of the greats. Rolf Aldag receives quality work in the film as well.



In general, massage in cycling (or whichever sport; cycling just happens to be my chosen interest) can help increase performance by:

1) Increasing blood flow-with attendant benefits of better nutrition and increased oxygen supply for muscles, as well as increased removal of metabolic waste. This greatly speeds and improves recovery!

2)Improving flexibility- both through actual stretching and passive movement through range of motion , as well as increasing the range of a given muscle(s) through relaxation of trigger points or adhesions in the muscle(s) opposite. For example, if there were a tightness in your hamstrings, this affects not only the action of those muscles in the back/upwards half of the pedal stroke, but also inhibits the full use of quadriceps in the extension/downstroke as well. By reducing or eliminating this hangup, the entire pedal stroke is freed to be as round as you can make it.

3)Reducing scar tissue- which will permit greater ease and range in movement, with a frequent decrease in associated pain.

4)Reducing stress-which is nice. Feeling well is important, don't fool yourself.

5)Fine tuning your fit on the bike- this can be accomplished as we work together over a period of time and your "stuff"- that is, your chronic areas of complaint- becomes evident and diminished through the work itself or a combination of the work and changes in bike fit to better accommodate your person.


Biaggio Cavanna, "the magician of the muscles" with his protege- Fausto Coppi, Il Campionissimo.


Now. If only I can get a massage table made like this:


Contact me (by clicking on the profile for my email) to get the wheel rolling.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Mr Body Massage Machine, GO...

Body Massage.



I just love that clip.

So, welcome! You made it here, you must be interested in bodywork one way or another. I am not sure what styles the fellow in the GI Joe PSA is practicing, but he has a good sense of humor, huh? I like to flatter myself that I do, too. Hopefully you, as well.

Because "Kick Ass Massage" as a title may seem a questionable choice to you, I'll explain.

Have you ever received bodywork and felt it was so much fluff? Have you had a therapist who did not listen to your assessment of your body/situation? A therapist who had their "routine", and that was what you got? Have you ever left the table feeling just the same as when you got on?

That is weak practice.

Now, contrastingly, have you ever gotten up off the table and felt your chronic _________ (insert musculoskeletal condition here) to be on the mend? Have you had a therapist whose "routine" is to adjust that session's work to your concerns of that day? Who listened to, and actively sought your thoughts on your situation? Have you ever received bodywork based on a sound understanding of human anatomy and a genuine interest in health?

This is my practice. It is kick ass.