Ice Bath or Deep Tissue Massage?

Abhainn

Ok for those of you have marathon or 20 under their belts or even those training for their first have you considered ice baths after runs or even had a deep tissue massage?
Do you find them effective?
What are the frequencies of the massages?

I suppose most of you are about to enter the toughest training weeks for the DM or if your like me beginning to taper next week, my poor legs nearly always seem to be aching especially after the longer weekend sessions.

My left achilles, calf and hamstring seem to be ache more than I'd like but I ice these most nights. I do slightly under pronate on my left foot though so shoe replacement is fairly regular.

tunney

While not a marathon runner I've something to say here.

The scientific benefit of ice baths has recently been refuted. I can't find the link but will try to fish it out. I've done seasons of them and never really done much.

Massage on the other hand. If you can get a decent masseur definitely worth it. More beneficial is to find someone who can massage and do releases on muscles.

(You're starting your taper already? a two month taper???)

Peckham

Never bother with ice baths as they're too much hassle to sort out! Although, when I have done them they have been of great benefit (although getting straight into the sea after Achill Half had the same benefit).

Am lucky as my fiancee is a chartered physio, so I have 24 hour service for injury evaluation, sports massage and releases. :cool:

Would be cautious of deep tissue massage at times - it does carry risks when muscles are tender. You also need to make sure that the person really knows what they are doing when they attempt this.

Abhainn

Tunney more like a 2.5 week taper for the Berlin marathon

Yes Peckam done the sea dip after the half in Achill last year, bloody cold but good.
Well done on getting your hands on a physio (forgive the pun ) on the planned long term basis!

Running Bing

Well I dont think its an either or thing.


Never had a deep tissue massage but I would love to.


As for ice baths there is a lot of stuff going around saying they are useless while other sources say they are great. What I do know is a lot of elite athletes swear by them and they are very popular in the higher echelons of many sports.



I think what it boils down to is how do you feel after one? If you feel it makes no difference, fine, dont bother but if you feel it has an effect, then even if it doesnt, it may be worth it.


Personally I swear by an ice bath after my weekend long run and it has just become part of the ritual, a reward for running 18 mile:rolleyes::D


I come in from my run stretch for about 15-20 minutes then I run the cold tap , my fridge has an ice maker so I fill a bucket dump it in and sit in it for 15-20 minutes. I only fill it so it just covers my legs.

I have a seprate shower so Ill jump from that into a hot shower for a few minutes then back into the cold water than finish off with the hot shower.



Personally I find it very refreshing and I dont really mind the cold water (after about 30 seconds I find it lovely and very relaxing). I would say definately give it a go (not like it costs anything or is that much hassle) and see what you think yourself.


P.S. Coming into the colder months now you dont even really need ice, the water pipes are cold enough and the water from the tap (where I am anyway) does be freezing.

Sumac

I find a cold bath great after a long run - If I don't have one I tend to feel much stiffer and muscles are tighter