Did you know that a massage after your ride may not be the best thing for you?

A large percentage of riders and massage therapists  may think otherwise, but a certain Tessa Hinds from 'Black Rock Physiotherapy' knows a little more than you or myself... In fact, she even wrote a paper on it for a British University; of which was recently referred to by a group of Canadian scientists, to confirm Mrs. Hinds knowledge. Can't argue with that!

The widely believed theory is that post exercise massage will increase blood flow to muscles, and therefore increase recovery speed - but this has been shown to be incorrect. Instead of blood flow to muscles and deep tissue being increased, it is merely superficial, meaning that only the skin and flesh receives an increase in blood flow, not the muscles. In fact, some experts in the field believe that blood may even be diverted from the muscles, due to the fact that their temperature doesn't increase (due to more blood flow).

This leaves one question unanswered. "How do I recover then?"

Active Recovery

This refers to actually taking part in an activity, but at the very lowest end of your heart rate, or heart rate zones. Active recovery in the instance of cycling, would involve something similar to a 1 hour roll along Beach Road. There would be absolutely no strain on your cardiovascular system, and certainly no muscle exertion. The proven idea behind this is that 'Active Recovery' increases blood flow to the core of your muscles, where massage can't reach. The increased blood flow removes toxins, delivers nutrients and increases muscle recovery.

You'll often hear of riders going for 'just a coffee ride' - this is essentially active recovery, hence why it seems pro riders never have a day off the bike. It may be a rest day, but they still ride their bike. The most important part of an Active Recovery ride is to treat it like any other training ride. Dress warm, eat well beforehand and spin the legs. If you have a Heart Rate Monitor, keep your HR below your E2 zone - (for those unaware of HR zones, look it up, but until then, don't exceed 135bpm)

This does NOT mean massage isn't beneficial for you. In fact, at the right time and for the right reasons, massage is an extremely useful resource. Massage is crucial to recovery from injuries, or to prevent injuries. But it certainly has limited, if any benefit immediately after exercise.

Back to the lady behind the evidence! Tessa Hinds is a well qualified Physiotherapist, and lives and breathes her passion. Tessa operates from Velocino Cycles in Black Rock, and specializes in treating cycling related injuries, both from training and accidents. She has a wealth of knowledge, worthy of your time. If you think you've tried them all, then think again...

DISCOUNT OF 10% AVAILABLE IF YOU MENTION THIS ARTICLE!

TESSA HINDS: 0419 028 036

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   - titled TESSA

Thanks to Tessa Hinds for her input into this article.