Danny O’Dell’s

Explosivelyfit Training News

Strength and power knowledge

01-September-06

ISSN: 1550-2643: Library Of Congress, Washington D.C.,

Welcome to this edition, I hope you enjoy the contents.

This is strength training information. Perhaps your friends would like to read it as well, if so please forward this or refer them here so they can sign up too.

Topic discussed:

Recovery methods – part six

As you can plainly see from the previous newsletters recuperation is a science in itself. This may be about the last we will talk about the topic because now we are getting into the more exotic methods. These will be found only in the most well financed training settings such as the Olympic training sites of the larger Nations of the world.

Hyperbaric chambers, ultrasonic’s, ultra violet light irradiation, air ionization, magnetic field and laser beam therapy manipulate the healing responses of the body. A step deeper into the chemistry of recovery leads to electrophoresis analysis, which is a detailed study of the cellular makeup of the muscle fibers. Looking deep within these cells gives a good indication of their health. Once this information is obtained then a manipulation of the biological capacity of the cell and their components can be made.

Floatation tanks sooth the brain and body by isolating the athlete from all outside stimuli such as sound and visual distractions thereby creating the ideal situation for concentrating on physically and mentally relaxing the entire body.

Examination of an athlete’s brain and heart waves indicate the levels of electrical activity inside. The collection of this data relies on electrodes that are placed on the body and when analysized reveal whether or not the individual is ready for high intensity loads, or is over trained. Additional information that is garnered from these waves is the status of the energy systems, the heart and the CNS readiness to perform. If any are not up to the normal then additional recovery is necessary.

A more normal and locally obtainable higher tech range of recovery tools can be found in the physical therapists offices. Here we find ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and radiant heat being used to speed up the recovery from heavy intense exercise sessions or from inadvertent injuries in these well equipped physical therapy settings.

EMS-(Electrical Muscle Stimulation) machines force the muscles to contract. Electrical current is switched on and off for set amounts of time per cycle. The constant contracting/relaxing of the muscles helps to move nutrients into and remove waste out of the muscles.

Other methods commonly found in these settings are vibro massages which afford the muscles, connective tissues and the nutrient feeding mechanisms the ability to be freed up of any constrictions. Massage is generally in the realm of a physical therapist or sports masseuse. Both of these specialties are highly knowledgeable in the use of massage to help the body restore itself after heavy exertion efforts.

Ice massage is a very effective method and is accomplished by rubbing ice over the affected areas for 10-15 minutes after the exercise period is finished. The sensation sequence is cold, localized cold pain followed by numbness. At the numbness point, the massage is continued for several more minutes, being careful not to freeze the skin in the process.

Saunas have been used since ancient times and are still appropriate as long as they aren’t used directly after a long strenuous heat producing, sweat loss exercise session. If so the body will lose more of its vital fluids and make recovery more difficult as a result.

That’s all for this time. I hope your training is going well and wish you happiness in your life.

Stay strong, and remain passionately committed to your hearts chosen path.

By Danny M. O’Dell, MA. CSCS*D

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding these articles, or any other aspect of the web site, please feel free to contact me at Danny@explosivelyfit.com