Recovery Care: It’s More Than Just Pampering
Recovery care is a hot topic word - and sometimes individuals can consider this as a luxury, a pampering session, or an extra “treat”. They may only perform recovery activities (massage, chiropractic, cupping, flote, sauna, cold water immersion, etc) if they want to treat themselves to a little something-something extra.
I’m here to encourage you with this simple thought: recovery care isn’t pampering. It’s essential. It’s necessary to take care of your tissues.
I participate in a monthly massage - and during some times of the year I wonder if I should schedule it bi-weekly. My body usually feels extra sore after hiking, running, and surfing (on top of my usual CrossFit activities). The more I can provide my body with recovery, the more it will be able to relax, restore muscle tissue, detoxify, and be able to generate more power, strength, and endurance. At the basic physiology level, when we train, we are breaking down muscles (training = muscle damage) in order to create resilience. It sounds bad when we put it that way! However, the resilience = muscle growth, increased strength, and increased adaptability of our tissues.
It had been 2 days since I did “The Murph” workout on Memorial Day. My arms and legs were still quite sore. I had tried my usual mobility work, extra hydration with electrolytes, two very good nights sleep, walking, and light body weight movements (motion is lotion as they say). My body was STILL very sore after doing my usual recovery care. So I decided to try something new. My roommate and her boyfriend had given me a gift card to Flote. Have you been there before?
It was my first time doing a “Flote” at Seacoast Flote in their Portsmouth, NH location. What I experienced in that session was this: 1000 pounds of epsom salts, body-warm water (95 degrees), soothing lighting, a calming ambience, and an hour without any distractions. I thought I would be under the water (like a typical bath), but I was quite literally floating on the top of the water. My body felt weightless. My arms and legs were able to effortlessly move on the surface of the water without pain. My head and neck were the parts of my body that were the most difficult to relax; this is also where I hold the most tension. Eventually, even my tension headache went away and I was able to move my head effortlessly as well.
According to the Seacoast Flote website, there are multiple research articles discussing the physical, mental, emotional, and psychological benefits to this type of recovery care. The flote itself uses something called, “Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique” (REST). Feel free to dig into all the science and research behind that technique. They list several orthopedic injuries which specifically benefit from this type of REST therapy.
Last night, I didn’t know all the science behind the session, but I certainly experienced all the mentioned results. I don’t think I can remember a time when I felt weightless, moved with very little effort, or breathed easier. I will certainly be returning and incorporating this into my monthly recovery care schedule.
Need ideas for recovery care or struggling with a particular part of your body that doesn’t seem to relax no matter how much you try to do your recovery care?
Let’s connect! I’d love to help you develop a clear plan to interpreting your what your body is saying, and keep you doing the things you love.
It all starts with a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d love to hear your story and see if Magnify PT is the next best step for you.
Have an extraordinary day!
-Marissa
