td.tony

Do massages really help much with recovery?? does it speed up the recovery time, or does it just help the muscles feel better?
Also, what are some good techniques to help your legs recover if one can't afford a masseuse to massage one's legs?

slynkie

yes, and both.

a stick. a fancy one, if need be.

Pman

A foam roller is also a good choice for self-massaging.

Buddha4

I noticed that after the longer runs having the therapist making an adjustment to the hips also relieve some pressure. since I started going every 2 weeks I can recover quicker which allows for more intense workouts.

upside-down

I like my "Stick". I have the yellow (Marathon) one.

Jynx

Yes, Yes, and Yes.
I believe you are always supposed to massage towards the heart. Pick up one of those massaging sticks. They are supposed to be great.

td.tony

hmmm thanks for all the advice. I guess I should pick up one of those sticks. I remember seeing someone post it up somewhere on this forum but I thought it was a joke . like the snuggie...

Creakyknees

back when I used to shave my legs and "train seriously" I'd self-massage after every hard ride. baby oil (not many alternatives in those days), laying on my back on the floor, legs up on the bed.

bring one leg down, start with the toes, work your way toward the ankle - knee - hip.

there are plenty of how-to books and guides out there, it's pretty simple once you know the basics. but the stick is nice because it cuts down on tired hands getting crampy.

tadawdy

Psychologically, massages definitely do help. They may also help with some tension problems, as can myofascial release (what the foam rollers can do).
But, they don't really help eliminate wastes. Your body does that very efficiently, with blood lactate returning to normal within a couple of hours. It's actually not even waste, but a high-energy molecule that can be turned back into pyruvate, or metabolized directly by the heart and some muscle cells. But it does acidify the blood during exercise, leading us to blow off excess CO2.
I've also seen studies that found, by Doppler imaging, that most forms of massage increase blood flow to the skin, but not to the muscle itself.
It feels great, and can help you destress, maybe relieve a little tension. So, yeah it can help.

Richard Cranium

Yes. And in addition the plethora of comments affirming massage - I would suggest "getting horizontal." Or at least getting off your feet.

Laying down, and propping your feet up - higher than your heart if possible, can help you recover as well. Although some youngsters probably wouldn't notice much benefit.

I can't tell you how many times my recovery has been dash-ed because I had to stand up at the podium and wait for the kisses from "tour girls" and receive my yellow jersey. And then the press conferences, with all those dumb questions...... sheeezzz.....

Recoverydoc

Yes they do but I prefer that my riders use a foam roller or a t.p. roller is even better

Dr. Rosa

wall

get a girlfriend

jack002

Man, donsha just hate that?

td.tony

I have one but she refuses to massage my legs, I think she's just jealous because my legs are always smoother and more cleanly shaved than hers.

Does anyone know where they sell the foam roller, other than online? I checked REI and sports authority but they didn't have them.

pcates

Try a running store......and if you wish to keep the girlfriend i don't suggest you EVER tell her you're legs are smoother and better shaved

gypz

you can try picking one up from a physical therapy place or/


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