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NFBC Forums
Forums > General > Training & Nutrition
Subject: Importance of massage for riders
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Author Messages
cyclistmassage
Posts:1
Moderate User
Moderate User
10/02/2008 13:36:57  
Cycling results in a unique set of aches and pains due to the aerodynamic position used. Classic symptoms of an early-season ride, combined with the weight of the helmet, make for a tired, stiff neck. Held in a tuck position, tender triceps and wrists absorb the road chatter and vibrations through the bike. Then there is the lower back that can become tightened due to the forward-bent position that can be held for hours at a time. Last on the list, are the glutes and legs that also can become tightened and are susceptible to muscle pulls, strains, and tears.
Stretching and massage play an important role in keeping the cyclists muscles healthy. It helps keep the cyclist tuned up and prepared for his next workout. By helping to maintain proper fiber, tendon and ligament function, massage further speeds post-ride recovery. When combined with proper training, balanced nutrition, and a positive attitude, massage can be an excellent conditioning, psychological, and recovery tool.

Massage for cyclists can be broken down into three distinct Phases:
Maintenance, Pre-race and Post-race
A) Maintenance- helps cyclists recover faster from intense training and to increase training potential.
B) Pre-race-invigoration warm-up improves circulation, helps break up adhesions and protects against injury.
C) Post-race- helps eliminate fatigue, reduces soreness and tension in muscles, while maintaining flexibility and elasticity in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Depot
Posts:117
Super User
Super User
10/25/2008 18:53:41  
Good advice, and not that different from distance running.

Just found out the other day my C5 and C6 are fusing, which is primarily responsible for the discomfort I am experiencing at the base of my neck/between my shoulder blades.
Larry Clark, Ride Leader of Record
NFBC Ride Director for 2009
2009 1st Place Male/Overall Mileage Winner: 11,605 miles
bethannwnw
Posts:68
Super User
Super User
05/20/2009 13:00:30  
"cyclistmassage" --- are you still out there? I like to hear about folks interested in different physical activities, aka x-training, but, maybe they don't look at it that way. Larry is a runner, too? . and I have found long distance horse riding works the same muscles as hard cycling. Well, not the indoor trainer, which is what I am on again today...and lifting weights, grrr.
Short note to see if you are still a-bout.
BethAnn
Folkston, Ga
Depot
Posts:117
Super User
Super User
05/20/2009 13:03:59  
I am an ex distance runner, having done seven marathons between 12/96 and 01/01.
Larry Clark, Ride Leader of Record
NFBC Ride Director for 2009
2009 1st Place Male/Overall Mileage Winner: 11,605 miles
bethannwnw
Posts:68
Super User
Super User
05/22/2009 22:31:12  
Lots of road miles on the feet...doesn't help the spine much, hmm. I wouldn't think you had time to work out at other than running competing a marathon that frequently. I ran 1/2's for 5 years before I was introduced to serious cycling. I rode horses thru out and found the running tightened everything up and I had to do a lot of stretches to stay sound. I feel the cycling is more friendly to horse riding and vice-versie.
Has the PT helped with the vertebral issues? Just reading past post. I can't see how we can avoid the neck probs in any endeavor...
sloshing thru the H2O drops:-)
BethAnn
Depot
Posts:117
Super User
Super User
05/23/2009 04:31:27  
Even during my heaviest running years I never ran two days in a row. Ever. Then on alternating days I lifted. It worked well and I was around 14% body fat. That was then, this is now...

I used to get pre-race and post-race massages for anything longer than a 1/2. Timing was critical for both to maximize results. I have had one massage of late for cycling and it really helped my quads and lower neck/upper back issues.

A good sports medicine doctor is your best friend! -_- I am lucky enough to have one!
Larry Clark, Ride Leader of Record
NFBC Ride Director for 2009
2009 1st Place Male/Overall Mileage Winner: 11,605 miles
bethannwnw
Posts:68
Super User
Super User
05/23/2009 16:57:36  
Does your Dr have a massage therapist(s) on staff? I would think more than one unless your Dr is one?
I would think the before training massage to be a bit tricky. Work out prob areas and loosen but not to relax muscle too much. I know, with the horses, they just wanted to go to sleep!!
Do you still lift weights? When we can stay consistant, I find the weight lifting almost immediately helps the cycling. I am just now beginning to work in an exercise ball for core work. Very difficult from previous issues that affect balance and out of shape abs.
Did the tweeking exercise/massage work allow you to not go any sugery route with spinal probs? I hope so.
Hmmm. 14%bf...I saw 19% for a while when in my 20s...wonder what it would take to get there at 47?
Good n Safe Memorial Day weekend!
BethAnn
Clann Duncan
Folkston, Ga
where it is rumbling outside to TS again
Depot
Posts:117
Super User
Super User
05/23/2009 20:14:45  
Doc Harry used to have two massage therapists years ago, now he has one of those ultra-high-tech fancy-smancy massage chairs that works GREAT!

Dont lift anymore, just ride. A lot. Never had spinal surgery, but did have surgery for tennis elbow, and had my right knee scoped.
Larry Clark, Ride Leader of Record
NFBC Ride Director for 2009
2009 1st Place Male/Overall Mileage Winner: 11,605 miles
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Forums > General > Training & Nutrition > Importance of massage for riders


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