Massage Question

[TEK224]

I'm planning to visit the spa at SSR on Monday after the marathon. I've seen the list of offerings and was wondering if anyone has had any of the massages and could recommend one. I've only had one massage before in my life, so I'm no expert.

I was looking at the Swedish massage since it says it can reduce muscle soreness (and after 39 miles in 2 days, I'm sure I'll be sore! ).

Also looking at some of the hydrotherapy options.

Any opinions??
Terri

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I would recommend only a sports massage as it is geared toward fresh athetic trauma to the body. While the swedish massage can help with soreness--I'm not positive that it would be the best option for you.

Deep tissue would be contra-indicated (very painful and the body will have enough lactic acid flowing already).

Hydrotherapy I am sure would be a wonderful treat--as heat would be good at that time. It will also help relax your muscles so that they can be worked better.

(I'm not a fan of Swedish massages--but I can ask my coaches--I don't see them for a couple of weeks though. One is a neuro-muscular therapist and is well versed in what would work best).

 

[TEK224]

Thanks for the info Lisa!

Also, any advise your coaches can give would be much appreciated.

Terri

 

[10nis]

Last year after running the full we had massages at BWI promptly following the marathon (2pm?). My sister who is a massage therapist and also finisher of many marathons suggested that we get a massage the day of the race.

I made the reservations far in advance of the race, so makes sure you call ASAP!! They were completely booked Sunday and Monday following the marathon.

The therapist I got was hesitant to massage my legs at all. I would call it "light" touch She did not do alot of stretching, either. I have only had 3-4 professional massages but I must say I was disappointed in what I got that day. I just don't think she was well versed on "sports" massages--she seemed horrified that I was having a massage after running a marathon. Of course, I completely understood her rationale for not doing much on my legs but it is not what I wanted, at all. We did the 60 min massages.

Now, do I think it helped me recover?? YES YES YES!!! Even though it wasn't exactly what I *thought* I wanted I know it helped me recover more quickly. Last week after an 18 mile training race I was much more sore than after the marathon last year! Actually, I wasn't really sore after the marathon, at all. I was sick as a dog--but not sore (I got a stomach virus after running the marathon)

Personally, if I were attempting the Goofy I might contemplate a 30 min massage after the half on Saturday. Even just a quickie w/ the therapists set up in the tents at the finish line might assist your efforts for a smoother run on Sunday

forgot...I might call SSR on Saturday or Sunday and put in a request for a massage therapist that has good sports knowledge. From what I understand the massage therapists work at all the resorts-just get randomly assigned. (I believe most of the Deluxe resorts along w/ SSR offer massages) They all work for a spa company that Disney must have a contract with.

 

[TEK224]

Thanks 10nis!

Terri

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Great question, one I find helpful too. Thanks for asking it.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Asked my coach--she says to go for Swedish or Hot Stone Massage (said that one would be really good).

 

[wiskband]

hmmmm.........that sounds nice!
however, I am guessing they are probably booked up and in my case, probably out of my price range so guess my husband is gonna be stuck doing it! lol!
If I plan it right, with four kids, I could have 2 do each arm 2 do each leg and hubby do my back ! yahoo!
and I'll call this one the "is mom crazy running this marathon again message"

it does sound nice though, I think I'll plan and save ahead for 07!!!!!

renee

 

[Aimee K]

Asked my coach--she says to go for Swedish or Hot Stone Massage (said that one would be really good).

I am a massage therapist at SSR

I wouldn't reccommend the Hot Stone Therapy unless it's more than 24 hours post race.

Sorry you're not a big fan of Swedish Lisa, but in those 4 to 24 hours post race, Swedish is really one of the most helpful therapies for milking the muscles. Our hydrotherapies would be fantastic, again after 24 hours.

Last year on race day at SSR, we had ice cups to incorporate into the massage. I'm not promising we'll have them at the ready this year, but if I'm working that day, I will try to have them available

 

[kathcoll]

if I'm staying off Disney can I still schedule a massage somewhere?

 

[TEK224]

Aimee- so if I finish the marathon at, say, 12:30 PM, I would be okay for one of the hydrotherapy treatments? I was going to combine that with the massage.

My body is going to need all the TLC I can give it.

Terri

ETA: I meant to say would I be ok for Hyrdrotherapy the day after the marathon (anything after 12:30-1 would be 24 hours)?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sorry you're not a big fan of Swedish Lisa, but in those 4 to 24 hours post race, Swedish is really one of the most helpful therapies for milking the muscles. Our hydrotherapies would be fantastic, again after 24 hours.

My coach is a neuromuscular therapist as well...so that was her recommendation.

As far as swedish and relaxation massages..my body doesn't respond to them at all. I need a good athletic massage (they don't call it swedish and it seems to have a different technique ) and otherwise my massages are deep tissue and myofacial. Anything else for me is a waste of money due to the nature of my back and shoulder muscles from trauma experienced several years ago. They get knots--and relaxation tends to aggravate instead of make feel better...almost like it teases the muscle and they respond by getting tighter. That is why I am not a fan.

The massage tent would be good for same day--I would assume that these therapies, the intent of my coach was that they would be for next day or later.

 

[Aimee K]

Katholl, Anyone staying anywhere can get treatments on property.

TEK224, Yes, 24 hours post race for hydro. I'd try to schedule the hydro first and the massage second if you can.

Lisa, you're lucky to have a NMT as a coach. She should really understand the body.

At SSR we have a massage we call Healing Hands Massage. It's really just a customized or personalized, focussed massage. I usually use NMT during this one (as well as in my Swedish some if it's warranted).

Best of luck on Marathon Day!

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

ohMom and I had massages (I know I had the sports not sure about her). I was really having some major leg/butt hurting problems (started in Oct before race-which I later found out to be the piriformus muscle and hamstrings that were way tight) but I know the stretching that I got for my legs really helped and even though I still had the problem I am sure that it would have been much worse if I had not had the massage.

To me it was well worth the time and money to just take some "down" time and come away refreshed, too! We were able to have a great time at the parks for the rest of race day and the next day.

Now I have been able to see a Japanese Restoration Therapist and I tell you, it is a different type of massage, but he has helped my legs greatly. The premise is on a "pressure" point of the muscle to relax it. Sometimes, I miss the deep tissue massage, because this type is not really an overall relaxing massage and yet it is, because he gets my hips aligned, muscles relaxed and I feel great. Now you want to hear an extra bonus, this gent only charges $30 per hour - just raised his rates even!! (Retired from the Air Force and says that's all he needs to charge) When my legs are really bad he works on me for over the hour - you got it - he gets a great tip from me!

I have definately read that hot is not the answer after a race, so stay away from a nice hot soak in the bath or a hot-tub too.

Treat yourself - YOU deserve it after all the hard work you did to prepare for the event!

 

[TEK224]

Thanks Aimee!

Terri