What’s up, Strong Beach? Hello, Surrounding Areas! I have been meeting people who are reading the column yet they live outside the city! Even though the Gazettes is a local paper, sometimes I forget how universal the Internet is. I love it!
I’m excited as I sit here, watching the NBA Playoffs with the sounds of the Long Beach Grand Prix in the background. The continuous roar is exhilarating and impossible to ignore since I live directly above the racetrack. In the middle of all of this, I’m also having fun writing my column! Oh yeah, by the way, I’m also celebrating another year of life. It’s crazy to have so many great things happening all at once!
I hope everyone is off to a great start this new week. We may or may not release a video blog this week. My office schedule has been really crazy now that track season has begun. I specialize in treating track athletes so I can be overwhelmed this time of year. The chaos typically slows down again in June. Hopefully, by then, my team will resume our pace and consistency of the video blogs. I’ve got a few questions to get into, so here we go!
Doc,
My question is about a deep tissue massage. I wanted to get one to get the kinks out and maybe rejuvenate my legs. I'm doing over 50 miles a week and I'm getting tired. Should I look to get one before a long run or after?
Thanks,
Moe
Wassup Man!
Deep tissue massage is exactly what it says . . . if they do it right! It’s deep! It not only addresses the muscles, but the tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, fascia, and even the joints! It is done to encourage the healing process. To stimulate this process, the tissue is broken down. It’s almost like when you lift heavy weights to grow stronger. You have to tear the tissue to let it heal and repair stronger.
I say that to say this: when you get a deep tissue massage, you should allow time for healing and recovery. So you should NOT get one and then go for a long run. On the other hand, you probably shouldn’t get a deep tissue massage right after a long run either! You should allow time for healing and recovery of the tissues. So you shouldn’t do both too closely together!
Give your body time before and after your deep tissue session and you will be able to appreciate the positive effects of this type of treatment.
Hi Doc!
My son plays basketball for a travel team. He is a 6’6” small forward. He is a strong kid. We have never really had to deal with injuries in the past for which I am grateful! Lately though, I have noticed that his calves have been cramping up near the end of the third quarter of his games. Once, I even saw him limping to the bench. This last time he just fell to the floor. There was nothing he could do.
It always seems to go away after one of the coaches runs out and massages his legs and stretches his muscles. I was wondering why this was starting to happen now? What do you think is the cause of it?
Randy the Basketball Mom
Hi Basketball Mom!
I’d say your son is most likely suffering from an electrolyte imbalance. I can’t really speak about his water intake or lack thereof because I am not privy to this information. However, nine times out of ten, a muscle cramp or spasm is simply the result of an electrolyte imbalance.
As he sweats, your son loses electrolytes from his body. This is why he may notice that his sweat tastes salty. He must replace these depleted electrolytes to maintain the high demand on his muscles. If his coach is running out on the court to massage him, it’s likely that the team has no athletic trainer. If there is no trainer, then I can also assume that there is only water available on the sidelines, rather than a balanced, electrolyte-containing sports drink.
My suggestion is that you give him his own bottle filled with his favorite sports drink to keep on the sidelines with him. If he sips it during the game, he will maintain a more healthy electrolyte balance. This should be enough. Check out my video blog on hydration (click here). Hope this helps! Thanks for this excellent question!
Hello Doc Dossman,
I enjoyed your video blog with the Long Beach kids preparing for their respective combines. I was interested in how things have turned out for each of them! Are you going to do an update video? What’s the latest on all the guys? It seems like a bad time to be taking the leap into the league. How is this NFL lockout affecting them?
Tracy L.
Hi Tracy,
I’ve been thinking about doing a follow up video on these guys. It’s just a bit early for that since the 2011 NFL Draft isn’t until the end of the month. I can only give you the latest updates.
As you may recall, Donovan Warren had already signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time of the combine. He was just working on his fitness and participating in skill drills. As a new signee to the roster, he is at a small disadvantage because during the lockout the players and staff are not allowed to communicate or share playbooks. There is also no preseason mini-camp. The playbook sharing and mini-camp time is where the rookies and new free agents can come learn the system and get up to speed on things, before the real stuff gets started. Without this preparation, the guys just get thrown into the water and expected to swim. Donovan is a smart kid with a high football IQ. I expect he will still beat the odds and do well without this prep.
Travon Patterson participated at the USC Pro Day last month. He was expected to do well because he was the fastest guy at USC. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a productive session. He pulled up, grabbing his hamstring during the 40-yard dash and this injury hindered him from participating in the remainder of the drills for the Pro Day session. He is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. There isn’t much that his agent can do for him until he is 100%, so we are just working hard to prepare him for another shot.
Derrick Jones had a very successful Pro Day. Known for his speed, he did not disappoint. He ran a blazing 4.28 in the 40-yard dash! A time like this will land you somewhere in the league. His agent has already spoken with about 18 different teams. They are lining up private workouts so that the coaches can get a more intimate look at him. Things are looking very good for Derrick. He is very optimistic. I am happy for him.
That was a great question and a positive note to end things. Even though I just watched my Lakers lose game #1, it’s okay, because Phil Jackson is a specialist at breaking teams down on tape and then making the necessary adjustments the next game! We got this!
I will see you all next week! Keep the questions coming! Until next time, stay Strong Beach!
To visit Doc’s website,click here, and buy his book, What I’ve Learned From Your Kids. Email questions to Doc at askdoc@docdossman.com.
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