I was never a believer in massages until I started about two years ago. I’m at the point in my career where I need massages and stretching to keep myself flexible.  It works.

~ Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown

I found quite an interesting article today. If you’re like so many people, you think of massage as being a luxury that mostly women indulge in on a “mani-pedi-pampering” day. …And you may have the stereotype of football players being tough and macho and therefore, not going in for massage therapy or yoga.

Well, the article entitled, A short week, long on pain, by David Weinberg, informs us that these stereotypes are breaking down – and for good reason!  More and more professional football players (and other athletes, for that matter) are employing massage as an important part of their training regimen.

The article focuses on the Philadelphia Eagles. It starts by addressing psychological recovery – recovering psychologically from tough games or defeats. The writer then moves on to discuss physical recovery, which the players say is much tougher:

The physical troubles can be tougher to overcome. By all accounts, Monday’s game was one of the most violent, aggressive and fast Eagles games in the last few years. Guard Shawn Andrews missed the second half with back spasms. Cowboys safety Roy Williams suffered a broken arm. Eagles running back Brian Westbrook spent some time on the trainer’s table behind the bench. Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson staggered off the field in obvious pain but forced himself to return. So did Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.

The players are said to employ the healing properties of alternating hot and cold baths. I was amazed to read that backup safety and special teams player J.R. Reed said said he usually does the hot/cold bath therapy “eight or 10 times in a day.”!!

Another item in the article was the topic of hyperbaric chambers. Apparently, many pro athletes have them, including quarterback Donovan McNabb and safety Brian Dawkins.

The chambers provide four pounds per square inch of increased atmospheric pressure. The increased pressure allows more oxygen to reach the body’s cells, which provides ‘many healthy and therapeutic benefits.”

The article then goes on to mention massage to aid recovery, citing cornerback Sheldon Brown as being among some of the players who employ massage therapy in their recovery process.  According to the article, Brown schedules massage and stretching sessions twice a week with his personal trainer. He swears by deep tissue massage, stating that it has the most benefit.

…it works.”, Brown said. “I was never a believer in massages until I started about two years ago after I sold my hyperbaric chamber to (former Eagles linebacker) Mark Simoneau. I’m at the point in my career where I need massages and stretching to keep myself flexible.

E-mail David Weinberg: DWeinberg@pressofac.com

Tags: massage, sports massage

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