The High Performing Athlete

Massage Therapists experience the mind and body of the high performing athlete

This summer the Intro to Sports Massage students entered the world of the athlete. Information provided during our classroom lectures was enriched by our guest speakers:

• a clinical sports psychologist
• a USA champion weightlifter and
• an adaptive sports athlete preparing for the Paralympics

Our adventures continued as we went on the road to provide event massage for:

• the RI Special Olympics
• the VA Adaptive Sports Clinic at Fort Adams and
• the Fat Clam Triathlon

Field trips to an athletic training and rehabilitation facility, North East Sports Training, showcased the rigors of athletic training and how important recovery is to future athletic performance. Students also observed tae kwon do athletes preparing for Nationals at Peak Performance and learned how Fit Light uses visual training to integrate movement and decrease reaction time. Thermotherapy and cryotherapy for recovery was brought to life during our visit to The Water Journey at Newport’s Bodhi Spa.

Since the goal of sports massage is to enhance athletic performance, it’s easy to see how massage therapists are a key player on this team!