New Year, New Adventures & New Additions to the USMT office…
2012 plans on being very exciting and active…
The USMT office will be providing sports massage demo’s at various gym’s throughout the year. It’s really important to educate local athletes of all ages about the importance of implementing sports massage into their regular training and recovery process. Taking care of your body for athletic performance is really no different than providing regular maintenance on lets say your: car, computer, snow blower, lawn mower, sewing machine. I think you get the picture!
Regular maintenance & “tune up’s” are extremely important if you want to stay healthy & injury free during and after your training workouts, stretching and the competitions you have been preparing for.
It doesn’t matter the level of your athletic ability… you should be embracing sports massage and all the various modalities that can be incorporated as part of your overall training & recovery for the ULTIMATE outcome.. YOUR PERFORMANCE!
Sports Massage can & will help with:
* decreasing muscle fatigue
* decreasing muscular injuries
* decreasing fascial adhesion's
* decreasing scar tissue restrictions
* increasing ROM - range of motion
* increasing flexibility
* increasing muscular tone
* increasing physical performance
It’s also important to inform athletes that we are the EXPERTS in our field of massage. We work in a sports training environment on a daily basis… This is what sets us apart from the massage therapist who works in a SPA, Private office or wellness center.
With due respect, they may be really good at what they do in their respective locations.. But they can not take your treatments regarding sports injuries & muscular issues to the next level as we can. Our office is designed for you!!
The USMT is also in the process of developing an ATHLETIC RECOVERY CENTER. This facility will allow active athletes in this area to recover in the same manner as Olympic & professional athletes do… with all of the same “bells & whistles”.
Let me ask you… would you like to recover from athletic training & activity just like the PRO’S? .. well, it’s coming and I know you (the athlete) will love it!
Please contact us at the office any time if you have questions or concerns.. We are here to assist you.
Always & with the glitter!
Lori-Ann
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2011 RI Winter Classic Track & Field Event
RI Classic Track & Field Event, Providence RI Dec. 28th 2011
High school athletes are exciting & challenging to work with at the same time. The USMT has been on site to provide sports massage to the many athletes that participate in the event. It’s always nice when the athletes that travel long distances to get there are happy to see us. Yesterday we had a few NY runners come to the sports massage area for pre- & post sessions … they were so happy because they said they needed the same kind of work we provided them last year. What’s even better is when they come back with the hard wear and show you. These are some pretty fabulous kids.
Our local runners are excited as well… they too know they will get that quality work that will keep them in top form.
So needless to say it can be emotionally charged too. I, along with my team mates have regular clients that are competing while we are “tuning up” their opponents for the same competition… On a day like this.. Everyone gets the same “bone crunching intense” sports massage work. We can’t play favorites. The athlete who is the “hungriest” for that win is going to come out on top.
Our job is to support them the best way we can.
We ended the day knowing we gave it our all as well. Athletes were happy along with the parents & coaches. The race director was happy… it was a Gold Medal day for us!
I am proud of the members of the USMT Team!!
2012 will be bigger & better……….
Happy New Year!
Always & With the GLITTER!!
Lori-Ann
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Looking Back at 2011
A YEAR IN REFLECTION…
Here at the USMT office we are quickly gearing up for the last sports massage event we will participate in until we restart the sports massage event schedule in May 2012.
On reflection we have had some pretty incredible opportunities and events that we have had the privilege to be at.
We started the year off with approximately 17 massage therapists.. We are now down to 8 core team members with a few as auxiliary members. With that said , we are always looking for a few good sports massage therapists that are willing to learn new things and able to let go of bad habits and embrace the way that the USMT operates.
I totally understand that life acts up.. But when you make a commitment… You must honor it, stick with it & follow through.
Lead from the front, stand out and set the bar! I believe that I have done just that with the USMT along with the help of my friends!
This year we experienced some incredible “highs” as sports massage therapists. In May three (3) of us participated at the Wounded Warrior Games out in Colorado Springs located & facilitated at the Olympic training Center. We partnered with the OTC staff & Military medical services as well. As a team, Kristen, Dwayne & I provided over 179 half hour sports massage sessions during the course of a 4 ½ work week. The Wounded Warrior Games consisted of over 220 wounded military personal from all branches of the military competing in 7 various sports events. Some of the competitors trained for multiple events. It was completely amazing to interact with & provide our special brand of sports massage to these great warriors! We have gained life long friends at this event.
Other events we participated at during the spring season were the COX Marathon, Newport Rugby Championships, RI State Track & Field Championships and the CROSSFIT REGIONAL GAMES then the AMICA IRONMAN in July. The end of July found us at a 24 Hour Race Around the Lake. This event was quite interesting & great fun! We were on site for only 12 of the 24 hours, but needless to say when we showed up… we were the hero’s to many!
One thing about the USMT.. We know what you need at an event and we come prepared.. We are also like “transformers” and will adapt to the environment we need to work in and get the job done.
It always gives us a chuckle when people ask us: “Where did you guys come from”? Why do they ask this?… Because we are not like the average massage therapist you normally encounter. We are the EXTREME SPORTS MASSAGE TEAM .. We set the bar & continue to trail blaze this profession that is dedicated to our athletes.
We also work out, train & compete like the athletes we work with.. We relate to them on the same level… we speak the same language when it comes to sports & injuries.
August is normally a quiet month for the TEAM and we do take advantage of that.
September on the other hand is not so quiet… we participated in a multitude of smaller events but just as demanding.
October is very busy as well and ends with our “Super Bowl Event” of the year… The MARINE CORPS MARATHON, where we are partnered with the Semper Fi Fund! This event is located in Washington DC.
This years MCM was a complete challenge due to the weather. New England dealt with snow.. We dealt with mud & lots of it!!
Our “game plan” went out the window the moment that one of our Semper Fi athletes came in on his hand cycle… the stabilizing of these athletes was intense. I believe that without the training we have and the attention to detail along with the sense of immediate urgency the morning of the race.. . We could have had a lot of para-athletes heading to the medical tent for additional services.
This is what sets this TEAM apart… we take the extra step to train and apply the practical application of certain protocols in case of emergencies… which do occur. We are great problem solvers!
This years Marine Corps Marathon was a huge success and we look forward to returning next year!
November found us at the RI State Cross Country Championships. This year was especially exciting for us as the Barrington HS girls team won the championships and they are regular visitors to the office.
November 17-20th Rainee & I were back in Washington DC to provide massage at a Traumatic Brain Injury conference. The SemperMax Foundation invited us to work with the Wounded Warriors & their care givers. What an incredible weekend.
The USMT has the final event scheduled for the 29th of December at a track & field event located in Providence RI. This will be a full day event and we will have the opportunity to provide sports massage to high school athletes competing in the day long event. This is the 3rd year we have participated… it is a great experience working with these kids & their coaches. The parents are fabulous as well.
Small sports events pop up here & there and we will participate when we can… the sports calendar fills up fast and trying to balance that with the office is sometimes a huge challenge.
As I look back on the 2011 sports massage event schedule.. I am extremely happy with what we accomplished.
It’s been a great year of changes & accomplishments… I can not wait to see what 2012 has in store…
Big things… HUGE… just wait.. You’ll see…..
Always with the Glitter!!
Lori-Ann
Here at the USMT office we are quickly gearing up for the last sports massage event we will participate in until we restart the sports massage event schedule in May 2012.
On reflection we have had some pretty incredible opportunities and events that we have had the privilege to be at.
We started the year off with approximately 17 massage therapists.. We are now down to 8 core team members with a few as auxiliary members. With that said , we are always looking for a few good sports massage therapists that are willing to learn new things and able to let go of bad habits and embrace the way that the USMT operates.
I totally understand that life acts up.. But when you make a commitment… You must honor it, stick with it & follow through.
Lead from the front, stand out and set the bar! I believe that I have done just that with the USMT along with the help of my friends!
This year we experienced some incredible “highs” as sports massage therapists. In May three (3) of us participated at the Wounded Warrior Games out in Colorado Springs located & facilitated at the Olympic training Center. We partnered with the OTC staff & Military medical services as well. As a team, Kristen, Dwayne & I provided over 179 half hour sports massage sessions during the course of a 4 ½ work week. The Wounded Warrior Games consisted of over 220 wounded military personal from all branches of the military competing in 7 various sports events. Some of the competitors trained for multiple events. It was completely amazing to interact with & provide our special brand of sports massage to these great warriors! We have gained life long friends at this event.
Other events we participated at during the spring season were the COX Marathon, Newport Rugby Championships, RI State Track & Field Championships and the CROSSFIT REGIONAL GAMES then the AMICA IRONMAN in July. The end of July found us at a 24 Hour Race Around the Lake. This event was quite interesting & great fun! We were on site for only 12 of the 24 hours, but needless to say when we showed up… we were the hero’s to many!
One thing about the USMT.. We know what you need at an event and we come prepared.. We are also like “transformers” and will adapt to the environment we need to work in and get the job done.
It always gives us a chuckle when people ask us: “Where did you guys come from”? Why do they ask this?… Because we are not like the average massage therapist you normally encounter. We are the EXTREME SPORTS MASSAGE TEAM .. We set the bar & continue to trail blaze this profession that is dedicated to our athletes.
We also work out, train & compete like the athletes we work with.. We relate to them on the same level… we speak the same language when it comes to sports & injuries.
August is normally a quiet month for the TEAM and we do take advantage of that.
September on the other hand is not so quiet… we participated in a multitude of smaller events but just as demanding.
October is very busy as well and ends with our “Super Bowl Event” of the year… The MARINE CORPS MARATHON, where we are partnered with the Semper Fi Fund! This event is located in Washington DC.
This years MCM was a complete challenge due to the weather. New England dealt with snow.. We dealt with mud & lots of it!!
Our “game plan” went out the window the moment that one of our Semper Fi athletes came in on his hand cycle… the stabilizing of these athletes was intense. I believe that without the training we have and the attention to detail along with the sense of immediate urgency the morning of the race.. . We could have had a lot of para-athletes heading to the medical tent for additional services.
This is what sets this TEAM apart… we take the extra step to train and apply the practical application of certain protocols in case of emergencies… which do occur. We are great problem solvers!
This years Marine Corps Marathon was a huge success and we look forward to returning next year!
November found us at the RI State Cross Country Championships. This year was especially exciting for us as the Barrington HS girls team won the championships and they are regular visitors to the office.
November 17-20th Rainee & I were back in Washington DC to provide massage at a Traumatic Brain Injury conference. The SemperMax Foundation invited us to work with the Wounded Warriors & their care givers. What an incredible weekend.
The USMT has the final event scheduled for the 29th of December at a track & field event located in Providence RI. This will be a full day event and we will have the opportunity to provide sports massage to high school athletes competing in the day long event. This is the 3rd year we have participated… it is a great experience working with these kids & their coaches. The parents are fabulous as well.
Small sports events pop up here & there and we will participate when we can… the sports calendar fills up fast and trying to balance that with the office is sometimes a huge challenge.
As I look back on the 2011 sports massage event schedule.. I am extremely happy with what we accomplished.
It’s been a great year of changes & accomplishments… I can not wait to see what 2012 has in store…
Big things… HUGE… just wait.. You’ll see…..
Always with the Glitter!!
Lori-Ann
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Client Stories.... Things they report to us here at USMT
LIKE OUR ATHLETES, WE HOLD OURSELVES TO A HIGHER STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE...Our "super bowl" event of the year;
MARINE CORPS MARATHON
We will be partnered with our special charity again this year. The Semper Fi Fund along with Team Semper Fi... Good times are on the way!
Now, don't get me wrong... we are ALWAYS having good times in the USMT office... no doubt about that... I can guarantee that our clients & athletes are in total agreement there.
So that brings me to what our clients tell us. It's humbling to receive messages like the one I am about to relay to you. It also validates the work that I and my TEAM mates put out there.
So this message was sent on Tuesday. It has kept a smile on my face all week. It pays dividends to have that "bone crunching intensity"... the EXPERTISE in the sports massage field and last but not least... LOVE what you do!! And I DO!!!
"Lori-Ann, I thought about you while doing my WOD ( work out of the day) this morning. I was hurting bad! I had to share this with you."
Emergency ENTRY/EXIT Visa for IRAQ: $500.00
Round Trip Ticket Boston - Basra IRAQ: $2270.00
Personal Security Detail in BASRA: VERY EXPENSIVE!!!!!
Sports Massage by Lori-Ann in Basra: PRICELESS!!!!!!!!
You will be one of the first places I go on my return!
Donnie
US MARINE
I wish my TEAM mates & I could take a trip over to provide that much needed sports massage service they so deserve. As most of you know we totally support our Military!
I hope you enjoyed that little message... that's one of many I receive on a regular basis. It is because of you... I stay on the cutting edge to bring you that high intensity you have come to expect in the service I provide you.
It's Time to Play.
GAME ON!
Always,
Lori-Ann
Monday, August 29, 2011
New Office Phone Number
ULTIMATE SPORTS MASSAGE
Has a new office phone #
401-228-8554
We are also operational to accept credit cards in the office as well!
visa ~~ master card ~~ discover
OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE
This is an anterior view of the leg to include the femur, patella & tibia.I have included one of my famous drawings as an illustration to understand where the actual injury site is.
The tibial tuberosity is the location where the actual pain, discomfort and in some severe cases the dislocation of bone or calcification of bony spurs develop.
As the beginning of the new school year approaches and the athletic seasons begin I felt it was important to talk about athletic topics that address the needs of our adolescent athletes. One such topic is Osgood Schlatter Disease.
I think it's important to educate the athletes themselves, their parents and extremely important for the coaches that interact with them. The days of "it's just growing pains" is over. I remember when my mom would say that.. I laugh now.. but it's not funny... the pain is really there and we need to listen to them when they come to us.
Osgood - Schlatter Disease ( Tibial Tuberosity Apophysitis)
WHAT IS IT ?
Osgood -Schlatter disease (OSD) is a condition involving the irritation and inflammation at the site of the quadriceps tendon inserting on the tibial tuberosity in adolescent immature bone.
This condition occurs when the quadriceps muscle group are vigorously used in combination with rapid growth of the leg bones.
WHO GETS IT ?
OSD is a condition that is practically EXCLUSIVE to adolescent youngsters who participate in athletic activities.
It is very common among young athletes who participate in sports such as:
gymnastics
soccer
basket ball
figure skating
dancing
volley ball
To include running, jumping or making fast, tight turns.
This condition occurs both with girls & boys, however it is more common with boys. ( research indicates this ratio to be 3-1)
Onset can occur anywhere from the age of 11-18 years of age.
Cases range from mild to severe. In mild cases the tibial tuberosity is inflamed. In severe cases there is a complete separation of the tibial tuberosity from the tibia.
To put this in perspective: the tibial tuberosity is a “bump on a bone” - a location for tendon attachment. In this situation it would be the quadriceps tendon to the tibial tuberosity. The tension in the muscle is so significant it creates inflammation at the musculotendinous junction to the tibial tuberosity causing the separation of this structure.
There are two (2) causes of Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD)
1. INDIRECT TRAUMA - pulling force produced by powerful contractions of the quadriceps muscle group.
2. OVER USE REPETITIVE STRAIN - a result of repeated stress such as: knee flexion & extension
As young athletes go through puberty and are significantly involved in athletic activities, they are more likely to develop this condition. The bone growth is faster than muscle growth, creating the pain cycle ~~ and because the juvenile skeletal structure is not yet ossified (hardened) ~~ this is where the most significant bone spurs, calcification's & bone separation happens .. right at the the tibial tuberosity of the tibia. There is such stress and tension placed at this location.
The common theme of "growing pains" is occurring , but lets be proactive for our athlete.
FIRST: listen to them!
SECOND: ask questions, ~~ questions like "where is the pain", "what is the intensity of the pain" ... have them describe what they are feeling.
THIRD: get the issue checked out.. get a medical professionals diagnosis, that way we have a better understanding for treatment.
Fourth: set a plan in motion for rehab & recovery.. the common protocol is PT... but lets look outside the "box" and include SPORTS MASSAGE.
We can aid in the overall recovery and be part of the sports medical model to help get the athlete back on the playing field!!
Traditional PT is going to incorporate EXERCISE & some soft tissue mobilization. On a larger scale, SPORTS MASSAGE will provide the following:
* ice massage
* soft tissue mobilization
* stretching
* decrease fascial restrictions
* decrease scar tissue build up
* increase range of motion (ROM)
* increase flexibility
we are not restricted in our approach as traditional PT
HOWEVER, BOTH PT & SPORTS MASSAGE work best together for the benefit of the athlete!!
Things to also mention:
Rest the quad's, minimize or completely take time off from excessive activities that involve the flexion & extension of the knee.
Ice the quadriceps muscle group... not just at the knee.. all portions of the muscle.
Get a clear diagnosis of whats going on.
Please let me know if you have any questions... I'd be glad to answer them.
Always!
Lori-Ann
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Ice Bath Recipe
RECIPE FOR ICE BATH
THINGS YOU WILL NEED:
TUB
1-3 BAGS OF ICE
LARGE TOWEL
DIRECTIONS:
Start with a clean tub, run water (luke warm-tepid) until water reaches the mid thigh area. Your body becomes acclimated to this, it’s not a complete shock. Once the water is at this level ~~ turn water to ONLY COLD. Continue to fill tub with cold water until quads / thighs are completely covered. Turn water off & add the 1-3 bags of ice. Sit in the ice bath for 10-15 Minutes in duration… NO MORE…. 15 Minutes TOPS!!
The large towel is to dry off after the ice bath. Here at the office we provide everything you need to receive the full benefits of an ice bath (also referred to as a cold plunge).
Ice baths are great for post recovery of an athletic workout, muscle strains and post competitions such as Triathlons, MARATHONS, ½ Marathons, Bicycle events and so on. It’s also a great idea to incorporate into the overall training & recovery plan.
Please contact us here at USMT if you have any questions regarding the ice bath & it's importance to you as an athlete.
We can schedule an ice bath here at the office any time you may need or desire one!
Always!!
Lori-Ann, Rainee, Kristen & Dwayne
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