Massages, just for the pros?

[Running Mommy]

when I'm Ironman training I go to an ART guy. With the huge loads I'm putting on my body I need the ART massage to loosen things up.
ART massages HURT when you are having them done, but I feel SOO much better after it's done!
I believe what I have done is much different than the tour riders. I'm sure theirs are to flush out the lactic acid.
And ART is not something you'd have done daily.

[papaver]

I've got a degree, so after we go for a ride, I have to work.

[OakLeaf]

Not as often as I should. But IMO it's like good nutrition, it's one of those things that are expensive but really important for good health.

[witeowl]

Oh, my, massages are great on so many levels! I get one every two months because that's all I can afford. In between, I use a foam roller as really cheap self-massage (SMR).

[limewave]

I always schedule a massage after a big event (marathon or AR). They are so beneficial. Sometimes even after smaller events I'll schedule a doctor's appt to get "rolled" out. They use the rolling pin thingy on my thighs, calfs, and bum—I can't believe the difference it makes.

I have one scheduled for next week to help with my "detox" I'm doing right now.

They are pricey though . . .

[TrekTheKaty]

I started because of my lower back pain. It took me several massages while on vacation in Breck, CO to perfect it--a 30 minute massage on legs and hips leaves my back feeling loose and happy! Schools are also an excellent way to go. I also use the foam roller.