We get a lot of requests for massage referrals so we are happy to find someone in the NY area who we can recommend without hesitation, well known local racer Beth Renaud. She also graciously agreed to answer a few questions.

NYVC: What is the difference between a sports massage and a regular one?

Beth: A “regular” massage isn’t much different from a sports massage, in that it’s tailored to the client’s needs. Most people have aches and pains in the same places, but the depth of the massage they prefer and their particular circumstances make each session unique. If a client is a bike racer or some other athlete, he or she needs deeper, more specific work than a sedentary person. Which leads to your question…

NYVC: Does it have to hurt to work well?

Beth: Think about it, as a bike racer, we train and race really hard, and suffer in the process. A massage, which should be considered a type of workout, needs to go deep in order to flush out the toxins and waste built up in the body while on the bike and in the gym. It’s perfectly fine to get a “fluffy,” relaxation-oriented massage, but it probably won’t do much to help you recover in the course of your training and racing regimen.

There’s no way I would attempt to race without getting regular work, in addition to other recovery protocol: stretching, hot and cold soaks, rest, nutrition. The thing to remember is, massage by itself won’t make you a better rider, it has to be a part of your whole training routine.

NYVC: When is the best time to get one, before a big race, after a hard workout..? How many a season?

Beth: The answer is both: after a big workout that is preceding your big race. But not immediately preceding. Don’t go for your first deep massage the day before a key race. But that follows the concept of, don’t change your routine for big races. One can get a massage just before an event, but it is more of a stimulating session to get the body ready for the race.

How many massages to get is up to you and your budget. Once a week is ideal, but to get worked on every other week or once a month is fine. But if the frequency is less, it’s all the more important for you to take responsiblity for your recovery and not say, “Oh the heck with stretching after my ride today and a hot bath tomorrow, I’m getting a massage next week.”

NYVC: What exactly are the benefits?

Beth: Massage, at the heart of it, increases the circulation to all your soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) and more circulation is a good thing. Depending on what kind of massage you are getting, it also stimulates the nerve endings, increases range of motion, reduces pain, helps stress management, assists the lymphatic system, helps flush waste products from your muscles, reduces scar tissue, helps lengthen tight musculature, and can reduce cramping. Plus it feels good!

NYVC: How long have you been practising, how did you get into it?

Beth: I graduated from the Swedish Institute in December of 2004, and have got my license in April of 2005. I’ve been practicing on various CRCA members and other folks since during school. I first considered working as a massage therapist after meeting Eric Carlson, who is probably the preeminent LMT in the bike-racing community in the city. It seemed to be a way to work on my own schedule and not be chained to a desk.

NYVC: What is your background?

Beth: I worked in magazine editorial, first as a writer then as a copy editor, mainly for music magazines such as CMJ and Billboard. I got laid off in November 2001, and lazed around for a while, riding my bike and being a bum in general. Copy editing is a hard job, and while I love it, I realized I couldn’t go back to the full-time cubicle grind after two years of being a layabout.

NYVC: How often does Todd (her husband) get massages?

Beth: Not nearly enough! The joke is, if you want to get a massage, don’t marry a massage therapist. They’re always complaining about how hard they work, and how much they need a massage!

MassageWorks

Licensed Massage Therapy

917-291-1349