Ultimate Sports Massage, LLC

Wounded Warrior Games 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:26:00 +0000

Colorado Springs... Warrior Games... April 30th - May 6th, 2012

This year the Wounded Warrior Games was held at the Air force Academy due to it being an Olympic year and the OTC could not accommodate all the training Olympians & military athletes at once. Due to this situation .. We (USMT) traveled out to the games... It's a LONG trip for anyone who has never done it.. and for those of you who have... well I don't need to explain.. It's an adventure..and one that we will not forget all too soon. We had to drive through 11 states.. lots of things can happen... I'm not a big fan of having my truck struck by lightening! True story, can't make it up! Dwayne kept us entertained all the way..

Needless to say.. the truck ( AKA.. The BEAST) was "shut down" for a day until we could get it fixed. Keen Ford in Missouri is fantastic!! I would also like to say that Vans Garage & Towing is pretty incredible as well... they all were very considerate and professional ..they took care of us and got us back on the road in no time! Thank you.. Thank you.. Thank you!!!!

One of the reasons we drove is because we needed all of our gear & supplies:
Things we needed to be completely successful for the week.

3 tables / 3 usmt cover
towels / large & small ( over 150 total)
face cradle covers (30)
Clorox wipes / sanitize tables
germ X - hand soap - paper towels
lotion - biofreeze - prossage
soothing touch massage cream
massage star
tools ( soft tissue mobilization)
kinesio tape
athletic tape
first aid kit & extra supplies
mobile office & supplies
SOAP CHARTS
ice packs & wraps
USMT bracelets - we use them as our traveling business cards
MISCELLANEOUS ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES

Since we would not be on the OTC.. we needed everything... things that would be way to difficult to ship or travel with on a plane.

We ultimately treated 89 wounded warriors ( military athletes) over a 2 1/2 day work week.

Once we were set up, it didn't take the athletes long to find us. We are a fine tuned operating machine ~ that's how the USMT rolls!!

Our day would start at 9 am each morning and ended approximately 6:30 / 7 pm each night.

We spent 30 minutes on each athlete and let them know if they needed to follow up with an additional session to resolve the issue they may have been dealing with.

Types of injuries we saw at the games:... but not limited to these...

Burns -- some so significant that 30 to 50 % possibly more of body was effected
Visual impairments
Skin grafting
Shrapnel injuries / IED injuries
Strokes / seizures
Traumatic Brain Injuries TBI
Paralysis
Amputations
Surgeries needed to resolve bigger life threatening issues which unfortunately created other muscular & nerve issues.

Working at this type of athletic event is amazing, rewarding, inspiring, emotionally & mentally taxing but most of all something we look forward to all year long!

We lost a day working on athletes due to the truck issues and we wanted to see some of the athletes compete first hand. Last year we only took in one event and that was the last event of the games..

So we went to Track & Field on Friday morning and was able to stay for about 3 hours before getting back in the truck and heading home.

Track & Field was important for us because we had worked with a majority of the athletes competing!

We are already planning for next year!!

Always & with the Glitter!!!!

Lori-Ann

Kristen, Ivan & Lori-Ann

Moving Forward....

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:35:00 +0000

So.. I have decided that I am going to move in a new direction with sports massage. I will continue to develop the Ultimate Sports Massage clinic located in Providence RI as my "home base". I will not lose focus on that operation.

I have dedicated alot of time & energy into developing a place for athletes of all levels to come and be treated as elite athletes. I have had the opportunity to work at the highest level and learn so much.. now I want to bring that back to the masses.. have a place were everyone can experience the same thing Olympic & PRO athletes are accustomed too regarding their training & recovery...

The RECOVERY is where me & my team come in. We are the ELITE TEAM!

The new phase I will be focusing on is being in Camp Lejuene NC with the MARINES & Jacksonville and Kissimee Florida with two (2) of my profession athletes. I'm taking this show on the road!!

I am working on a plan to be "mobile" for my professional athletes as well... This plan still needs some fine tuning.. but make NO MISTAKE about this.. it will happen ~~ It's just a matter of time.

I have the ability & means to travel with all supplies to make myself successful for you!

All you need to do is contact me if your interested in having me as part of your overall recovery while competing at events or training camps.

Like Bruce Lee... I've got the Clout!!

Contact me if your interested or have additional questions... I'm just a phone call, text or e-mail away!
1-401-935-9902 (cell) 1-401-228-8554 (office) or lmtlori-ann@cox.net

Always & with the Glitter!

Lori-Ann

The Credential ~~ Sports Massage Police!

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:02:00 +0000

Lake Placid NY - 2012 BOBSLED / SKELETON World Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:52:00 +0000

The Night Train .. Getting ready to slide...

Well, my time here in Lake Placid is coming to an end. I provided the last of the massage services requested & needed last night. The last one was the Gold Medal sports massage session!! No Joke.. pulled out all the stops, went for broke.

This morning I was up bright & early, reported to sports med and finished up a few things before heading to the track with the rest of TEAM USA, the Sports Medical Staff and members of the USOC. Today was the last 2 runs for the season and it would culminate to our world champion.

Steve Holcomb drove his sled "The Night Train" like a CHAMP and delivered another incredible run for a GOLD MEDAL finish!! He is the World Champion in 2 man & 4 man BOBSLED. This is the first time this has been accomplished in the history of USA Bobsled.

Sports massage was a much requested service here at the LPOTC and it has been my complete honor & pleasure to have been here. Aside from all the athletes being so incredible ~~ another fabulous moment here was after the award ceremonies the top sports medical doctor came over to me and tells me I did a fabulous job with the athletes and he appreciated the hard work. ... Can it get better than that?? Total recognition & validation from the medical field. SWEET!!

Yes it is hard work, there are also long hours... crazy hours! Not everyone has the endurance & discipline to get it done.. I DO!!

The thing is.. you have to be a TEAM player, take the initiative to get it done and NO complaining. It's NOT about YOU ~~ It's about the athletes and what their needs are during competition. Do your job & do it well!! ~~ So, with that said... My SKILL & Glitter got it done!

I have had an outstanding time here, but now it's time to head home and back to reality. The USMT Office awaits and I am looking forward to it.

Always ~~ I'm out for now

Lori-Ann

Lake Placid NY, World Championships Skeleton & Bobsled

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:41:00 +0000

Because I am BIGGER ~ STRONGER ~ & FASTER...
(You all know I would never stand on a table, but I was TOLD to for this picture!)

This is the product for CHAMPIONS!!!

Today is Friday , February 24th, 2012. It's been an exciting day! ~~

1st, Shout out to my youngest daughter Alex! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2nd, I got an early morning call from my good friend Dave & a valued member if the USMT ~~ he has received information regarding the 2012 Olympic Games!! I wish him luck with the next phase and possible selection for the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH! Hopefully he will be London bound.

I spent most of the day in sports med providing sports massage treatments to the athletes prior to their competitions. We also had the final phase of the Womans Skeleton World Championships televised so everyone could see how our athletes were doing.
Katie Ulander has won the GOLD!! She is our new World Champion!

Mens skeleton starts tonight and will finish on Saturday night to determine who the next Mens World Champion will be.

Men's 4 Man Bobsled start Saturday morning @ 9 AM, they will have 2 runs and will finish on Sunday morning to determine the 4 Man Bobsled world Champions. Team Holcomb, AKA "The Night Train" is fired up & ready to go!! The sled driven by John Napier USA-2 is just as fired up. USA-3 will be driven by Nick Cunningham. These athletes have been training hard and are ready to go to work! ~~ Like I've said before.. I've done my job, now it's all up to them.

You can watch it all on this feed: http://eurovision.digotel.com/fibt//index.html

It's been an amazing adventure here and I am so glad I was a part of it!

Always & with the glitter!!

Lori-Ann

Lake Placid NY 2012 Skeleton / Bobsled World Championships (Thursday)

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

2 Man Bobsled World Champion ~~ Steve Holcomb

Today is the start of the Woman's Skeleton Championships! GO TEAM USA!!

It's been pretty interesting here in Lake Placid @ the OTC. We spent the first half of the week fine tuning our skeleton athletes for their races & also continued to work with the bobsled athletes that will move in to the 4 man World Championships as well. BUSY... BUSY... BUSY... never a dull moment.

We have 4 athletes total competing in the Skeleton World Champs.. 2 woman & 2 men. I've bone my job.. now it's up to them to get their job done. They have 2 days of sliding each. The woman will start today & finish up tomorrow ( Friday the 24th) and the men will start Friday and end on Saturday. We have some pretty strong & motivated athletes here... I'm confident they will rise to the occasion and get it done!

Saturday is the start of the Bobsled 4 man World Championships. We are fielding 3 sleds, with a total of 12 athletes competing here. I have worked with all of these athletes for the last 2 weeks... need I say more. Besides my work they have also worked with whom I consider to be the best of the best in the Sports Medicine world.. Sled's USA-1, USA-2 & USA-3 go get em!!

32 years ago we saw a miracle happen here in Lake Placid.. I feel like we are going to experience another one this coming Sunday!!
Holcomb won the 2-man Bobsled World Championship last Sunday.. lets grab the 4-man & have a clean sweep by the other 2 USA sleds!

Miracles DO Happen!!!

Always & with the Glitter!

Lori-Ann

Pictures From World Championships: 2012 Bobsled / Skeleton

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:39:00 +0000

This was my world for 2 weeks!

February 20th, 2012 Bobsled / Skeleton World Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Types of soft tissue issues I see. Yesterday I saw a total of 9 athletes and the sports massage I provided was across the board from:

calf issues
tight hip flexors / psoas tension
Low back / QL's / tight glut's
hamstring muscle strains
upper, middle & lower trap issues
Neck & shoulders

Each athlete presents with various issues and severity. I find that it is extremely important to LISTEN to the athlete, communicate with them during the session and get feed back plus bounce ideas off the other sports med professionals ( Chiro's, ATC, ) for input if I'm not seeing the results I'm looking for.

I worked on an athlete yesterday that asked me why I ask so many questions during the session. Well here's the reason: I need to know your comfort level. "No pain - no gain" is not always the way to go. Plus when I get to a certain area and feel something that is not the normal consistency or characteristic of that muscle or muscle group.. I NEED to know where you are. What sensation are you experiencing. I may need to change my approach. Fundamentally I have to work with you and what your body can handle during that part of the session.

Sometimes "trickery" is used to get the muscle to do what I want it to do... I like trickery... ( can you hear that chuckle and grin.. and don't let me forget the ever popular.. "I'm sorry"....

Lets face it ~~ when you are working in a sports medicine environment.. it is NOT relaxing!   This is an approach I see way too often and from my opinion , it's the wrong way to treat the athlete. My theory and proven record is based on GOAL ORIENTATED, PERFORMANCE BASED OUTCOMES! Don't sedate the athlete!!

My athletes feel relief from the issue they presented with, energized and mentally & physically ready for continual training leading up to competition.

Know when to treat & when not to.   Have a good construction plan of treatment days with shorter sessions. Know when to be more agressive leading up to competition and when to ease up. It's a fine line and you really have to be on top of your game. This is serious business here and the bottom line is we want our athletes to "go to work" and bring home the hardware!

We've done that already in this World Championships .. now lets get it done again!   GO TEAM USA!!

Always & with the GLITTER!!!

Lori-Ann

2012 FIBT Bobsled / Skeleton World Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0000

February 19th, 2012 -- Bobsled -Skeleton World Championships

Well... I can tell you that it is very exciting here in Lake Placid, exspecially for TEAM USA!

Yesterday the womans 2 person bobsled teams finished competition and the American sled driven by Elana Meyers with brakewoman Katie Eberling took home the BRONZE. Great showing for the womans team.

The mens competition started today for the 2 man bobsled world champs. All three USA sleds placed in the top ten!
Steve Holcomb & Steve Langton took home the GOLD! This is the first time an American Team has won the Gold in 2 man at World Championships! John Napier & Chris Fogt came in 6th, which is a podium finish & Nick Cunningham & Dallas Robinson came in 9th!
Outstanding showing for TEAM USA!!

I can tell you that we,~~ all of us here in sports med have been working with these athletes all week long to get them physically ready to compete. Now it's their job to "go to work"... and work they did! I'm speaking for myself here... but I'm sure the rest of my fellow colleagues will agree.. we are extremely proud of them!

We work with them, follow up and fine tune them. On race day we are track side. We are there to cheer them on and also if they need us at the last minute for a re-alignment, soft tissue mobilation, flushing, stretching or even taping or re-taping.

Mentally it's great for them to know their medical staff is there for them -- on point and will act in a moments notice.

I'm extremely fortunate to be able to work along side these truely fabulous sports medical professionals and be in the presence of World Class athletes.

This coming week is going to be a busy one.. we are now transitioning to the 4 -Man Bobsled and Skeleton Competitions. For those of you who are not familer with Skeleton.. it's the opposite of Luge... these athletes are on small sleds facing forward...

Competiton starts next Friday and will end on Sunday afternoon. I will post the live feed so you can watch the competitions.

Stay Tuned!!

Always & with the glitter!..

Lori-Ann

Lake Placid NY 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:01:00 +0000

BOBSLED - SKELETON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS -- Lake Placid NY February 17-27, 2012

How can I describe how it feels to work along side world class athletes - Olympic level at that. I truely love & enjoy being in the presence of athletes and working with them to help them acheive their goals and perform at perfection when it counts -- RACE DAY!

Are these athletes at 100% -- no not usually, they may be #1, but their bodies are usually operating at 80%. So, as an athlete you get that -- heres the deal, it's MY JOB to help them with my expertise along with the various sports medical staff to get this athlete at 100% on Game Day. It's our job to make it happen We colaberate the care.

Today - 2/16/2012 has been one of those incredible days. I have been in & out of sports med all day. Worked with a few athletes in the AM, then headed out for a 4.2 mile run ( it wasn't clean -- but got it done. Legs were great, lungs were not.) Then had lunch and headed back into sports med.

The afternoon is when it starts "hopping" -- All the slidders are back from the track and need sports med attention... sports massage is a huge piece. Then there is usually a de-briefing about what athlete(s) need what service & who is going to address it. Then there is follow-up. Sports med is fun & exciting in the sense that I feel like I'm in my true element -- it's a great environment to work in (if you want to call it work)

It's running pretty smoothly here, but once competition starts.. well that's another story... I can guarentee that the members of the sports med clinic will be ready and waiting for what ever comes our way.

The sports medical professionals I'm working with for the next 2 weeks are pretty incredible! I learn so much from them ~~ lets say this takes place ALL DAY LONG! How does that translate to my regular athletes I see in my sports massage clinic... new & improved cutting edge techniques and information that will better prepare them for the playing field. These 2 weeks will be professional development for me, which will help you & my fellow TEAMMATES back at the office.. total win-win situation.

Well, I'm out for now...

Always & with the GLITTER!

Lori-Ann

Maintaining Your Muscles.....

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:02:00 +0000

The importance of maintaining a fine tuned machine... YOU!

You change the oil in your car regularly correct? I'm sure you answered YES! If the check engine light comes on you take it in to have it serviced? Again, I'm sure that was a YES!

Well you need to do the same for your muscles! They can only go so long without regular maintenance before they start to break down, become tight or even worse.. you develop a strain, tear or injury that will keep you sidelined. ( and who knows how long that could be??)

If you haven't been into the USMT office in a while.. NOW is the perfect time!

Spring is upon us and you all have been working & training hard keeping those New Years resolutions along with preparing for the upcoming running season and just plain getting outside on the "open road". We are excited for you, but you won't be able to compete, train or work if you aren't maintained properly with nutrition, hydration & rest. Add MASSAGE in as a key piece to your overall recovery and you will continue to train injury free!

We are the first line of defense in keeping you in top notch condition while you train, compete and enjoy your active way of life.

So, if your personal "check engine" light has been on, or if you are feeling a little sluggish and need a "tune up", call or stop by the USMT office today and schedule an appointment with your local muscle mechanics!

We are here to help you!

Kristen ~~

The Way...

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:27:00 +0000

This is where I train... this is the place where RESULTS happen... Check them out.. experience it for yourself.

New Year.. New Adventures...

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:48:00 +0000

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

2011 RI Winter Classic Track & Field Event

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:21:00 +0000

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

Looking Back at 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:48:00 +0000

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

Client Stories.... Things they report to us here at USMT

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:27:00 +0000

LIKE OUR ATHLETES, WE HOLD OURSELVES TO A HIGHER STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE...

Hello Everyone... it has been a little while since my last post. It has been extremely busy here at the office. I like it that way! I enjoyed a very exciting & relaxing summer. Now me & my fellow sports massage team mates are heading into the final stages of the sports massage event schedule. That means we end with a BANG!!
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

New Office Phone Number

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:57:00 +0000

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

Ice Bath Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:48:00 +0000

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

Cold - VS - Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:46:00 +0000

The Ice Machine, which makes tons of ice.. all day long! Along with one of our open sports massage clinical area's. We also have one of our athletes in an ice tub or cold plunge tub... really it's what ever you want to call it. We used large frozen cups of ice before we acquired the ice machine.

The Gunny, after a sports massage session ~ getting ready for the MARINE CORPS MARATHON!

COLD ~ VS ~ HEAT

When to use or not to use one or the other.

As a sports massage therapist here at USMT I must hear " when should I ICE and when should I use HEAT"? At least a few times a week. It's pretty common to hear that actually.

So here is the low down on ICE vs HEAT.

Most athletes know to ice an acute injury, and we preach RICE to all of our clients as standard treatment for an acute injury

R = REST, I=ICE, C=COMPRESSION & E=ELEVATION

But, it gets a little tricky when it comes to describing when and if to apply. It really depends on the type of injury. There are two (2) types of injuries.

ACUTE and CHRONIC

Acute pain is rapid onset and short lived

Chronic pain develops slowly and is persistent and long lasting

Rainee ~ She is a USMT member and Crossfitter

Ann Marie & Caitlyn, they are our fabulous runners!

See we have a whole host of athletes that love the ice bath... they either request it or when it is suggested for part of the over all sports massage recovery process..everyone is one board!

Gino is one of our Crossfit Coaches

Acute injuries are sudden, sharp and traumatic injuries that occur immediately or within hours and cause pain (possibly severe pain). Most often acute injuries or impacts such as a sprain, fall or collision.. and it's pretty obvious what causes the injury. Acute injuries almost always have common signs and symptoms such as pain, tenderness, redness, skin that is warm to the touch along with swelling & inflammation. Chances are if you have swelling, you have an acute injury.

Chronic injuries can be subtle and slow developing overtime. They can come & go, may cause dull aching pain or soreness and, sometimes are often the result of over use or repetitiveness. Along with possible acute injuries that have been untreated or not properly treated and have healed over the injury or hasn't healed at all.

Cold therapy with ice is best for immediate treatment for acute injuries and I mentioned previously R.I.C.E.

It reduces pain & inflammation. Ice is a vaso-constrictor ( cause blood vessels to narrow) and limits internal bleeding at the injury site. Cold therapy is also helpful in treating some overuse injuries or chronic pain in athletes. Example: if you have chronic pain in an area it may increase post activity, so icing the area post activity will be beneficial in reducing and or preventing inflammation to that area.

At USMT we use offer these types of cold therapy:

* Ice massage for muscle specific injuries

* Ice packs

* Ice Towels

* Cold Plunge / Cold Tub

* Biofreeze / Sombra cold therapy

Icing an injury site should be done for 10-15 minutes at a time, always allow the skin to return to it's normal temperature before icing a second or third time. You can ice an injury several times a day for up to 3 days before switching up the protocol.

Heat therapy is generally used for chronic injuries or injuries with out inflammation or swelling, stiff, sore, dull nagging muscle. Joint pain is perfect for heat therapy. Athletes with chronic pain or injuries may use heat therapy pre exercise or event to increase the blood flow, elasticity of the connective tissue of the joints. Heat can also help relax tight muscles or muscle spasms. Heat is NOT recommended post work out or event / competition. Ice is better suited for this time frame.

Heat is a vaso-dilator, it increases skin temperature and circulation which is not good for acute injuries. You can safely apply heat to an area 15-20 minutes at a time and use enough layers between your skin and the heating source as not to burn the skin.

MOIST HEAT IS THE BEST!!! This is the protocol we use at USMT. We use hot, wet towels wrapped in larger dry towels. You can do the same at home or you can purchase special hot packs or moist heating pads if you use heat often. Never leave on for more than 20 minutes or while sleeping... there is a potential for burning and if your not careful with this approach.. you can possibly burn your self severely.

Some injuries can be serious and out of our "scope of practice". So be sure to see a doctor if your injury does not improve or it gets worse with in 48 hours.

YOUR safety is OUR # 1 priority.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions on this subject

Always,

Kristen & Lori-Ann

IRONMAN WEEKEND Amica 70.3 Providence RI

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:26:00 +0000

Ironman weekend was a complete success ~ a validation of the sports massage work we provide to all athletes whether they are PRO's or not. An athlete is an athlete, no matter what the level or training is. We all train, we all sustain muscle tissue and connective tissue damage & injuries. The application of sports massage at an event like this is crucial.
I enjoy providing sports massage to athletes ~~ it's so rewarding to have athletes that have no idea who you are put their complete trust in you to help resolve an issue prior to the event and help improve their performance. Because as we all know... and I have heard it so many times... "the last massage therapist who worked with me at an event hurt me and it affected my performance" I'm not that massage therapist... I'm listening, paying attention to what you (the athlete) has to say AND NOT OVER WORKING YOU.

It's also nice to hear athletes say.. thanks for coming out and being here for us... or WOW.. this is the most efficient massage tent I have ever been in.

The massage team had alot of fun and worked hard to provide that special brand of sports massage that so many of our local athletes have come to expect and we pride ourselves on... this weekend we brought it to the masses. Over- all we provided over 500 sports massage sessions.. YES, our arms feel like they want to fall off!.

Bottom line.. the athletes performed in the morning & we performed in the afternoon!

The glitter was with me all weekend & it was ROCKIN!!

Always,
Lori-Ann

My first "OFFICIAL" Sprint Triathlon

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:04:00 +0000

As you can see I completed my Sprint Tri..
sprained foot & all... I'm very HAPPY!!

Well... I can say that all of my hard work & commitment to training has paid off. I can't even put into words how I feel right now... I'm completely amazed at how I feel mentally, physically & emotional . Physically I feel beat up due to my foot injury.

This was my very first official Sprint Triathlon and I used this event as part of the overall training for the ENDURANCE Sprint Triathlon in TN August 6th.

We had a beautiful day for the event as well... I'm sure that when everything comes together.. it makes for a much better event all the way around.

My sister Lynn & I started the event together in the same wave... so here we are on the beach, laughing together and trying to get a "game plan"... seriously how do you do that? One thing that stuck in my mind from all of my family, friends & clients was.. HAVE FUN! So that was the plan.. have fun and go out and do the best that I could do. My sister Lynn was in the wet suit, I chose not to wear one. The wet suit felt like it restricted my arms. We were both nervous... but I was confident on how I felt due to all of the hours I spent in the pool for training.. however there is a big difference. In the pool there isn't this huge rush of athletes splashing, kicking and creating waves of water that your apt to swallow. So my sister says to me.. when you get in.. don't look back for me.. just go and swim! So thats exactly what I did... I swam & I swam for all I was worth!!

After the swim... I felt like I had a pretty decent transition time to the bike and off I went. Now this was funny, not once did I have to say "to your left".. but I did alright and was holding my own & up until about half way through the bike I didn't see or hear any of my "team" members... then all of a sudden I hear... "TO YOUR LEFT"... good greif, Rainee caught up to me and then was gone like the wind... she was flying! She has "youth"~~ thats what she has! But I'm feeling good, my breathing is under control and I'm hydrating during the bike portion... everything is going according to the "plan". I'm feeling good & having fun.

Transition from bike to run seemed smooth and still no sight of my sister Lynn... I'm hoping she's ok but I have to be honost here.. I'm excited about being in front of her! I'm feeling great and having a blast!! Everything is happening so fast it's like I'm on auto pilot... everyone is cheering as I pass through the gate into the run .. what a feeling.. AMAZING!

I run up the stone steps leading to the trail through the woods and BAM!.. I roll my foot on a tree root!!!! UNBELIEVABLE.. I can't believe this just happened.. hurt my foot, banged up my knees and bruised my hands. I was bearly into the run and I'm busted up... UUUGGGG!! However.. I got up, adjusted my foot and kept going... I never thought about quitting... even now when I think about it.. That option never entered into my head.. so I kept going. I was about a 1/2 mile into the run & I hear.." Lori-Ann ~~ is that you"!! I couldn't help but laugh.. even though I was in pain.. my sister caught up to me!

I told her I hurt my foot, so she's feeling pretty bad about that and wants to run with me... I tell her.. get ahold of yourself.. get out of here..run!.. she says NO... then I say to her.. what did you say to me on the beach?? GET GOING SISTA!! POOF.. she was gone as I'm yelling "tell them I need ice at the end"

I still can't stop laughing about that. but it is about compitition correct & I don't want to hold anyone back.

However I do think that if I hadn't fallen, I could have seriously beaten her in this competition & it would have been the first time ever. That would have been sweet.

So I finished my Sprint Tri with an offical time of 1:57.3!

At the end of the day when it was all said & done, I can honostly say I left it all out on the course and I had a BLAST!!!

Training continues and I'm preparing for another fabulous experience in TN.

Always! Lori-Ann

Run, Bike, Swim! Tuesday Training Days!

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:48:00 +0000

The new & improved me!!

Tuesday training days seem to be paying off. I have successfully completed 3 of them and have experienced improvements along the way. I am really excited about this whole process.

Since signing up for the Iron Nugget Sprint Tri in TN I have taken my training very seriously. I started back in February and did more swimming & running BUT now that I have my bike.. I'm doing more biking than anything else. I find myself thinking during the day ~~ when can I get some extra time in to bike. I have cleaned up my diet alittle, but not enough for Judah. Small, slow & steady changes work best for me.. that "cold turkey" thing doesn't work well for me.

So here is a breakdown of what I have been doing and how it has helped me achieve my goals. I have developed an overall training protocol that I know will not be too much but at the same time will challenge me and will allow for continual improvements.

I swim at least 3-4 times a week. Most nights I get in anywhere from 12-18 laps in the pool. I just want to get in and loosen up the shoulder girdle.

I don't run as much, but try to get in at least two (2) 5K distances.

I bike at least 3-5 times a week. When I get home from work early enough the distance is usually about 4.5 /5 miles. However... Saturday & Sundays are a different story, I'm averaging about 20-25 miles on those rides.

This brings me to my Tuesday Training Days: I get to the pool early and swim for about an hour. I practice free style strokes, breathing techniques and just plan "tread water". Coach Stone is a stickler for this.. he will yell at me if I'm not getting it done. He makes me laugh.. he's like the "Mayor" of the pool... so if he yells.. all eyes are on you!! That's motivation enough to tread water correctly and not hang on to the ropes.

Oh yeah.. I figured out the foggy goggles!!

After my swim, I transition to my bike... I ride for about 3.5 miles then come back to McDermott Pool and transition once again to the run. I run for 2 miles.

I'm pretty tired at this point, but feel really good. This past Tuesday I noticed that my gait & time were much improved and the slight muscle strain in the hip was virtually none existent.

I then hydrated myself again and went & got lunch. That was the first phase of my training day. Second Phase is a longer ride on the bike. I took another route and decided on the East Bay bike path.. this path offered up some new challenges for me. When it was all said & done I had completed 22 miles on the bike path.

I felt incredible at the end of the day and slept well. I drank alot of water as well. Hydration and good nutrition help so much with training.

I have also successfully completed the following events that are part of the overall training plan:
10 K road race in Warwick, finished with a time of 1:35
Gaspee Days 5K with a finish time of .. get this.. best ever! 38:44 I am really excited about this!! PR

I will be participating in the "Oh My Goddard" Sprint Tri on June 26th.. testing out my training and more significantly... actually doing the event. I can't go to TN for the big event I have been training for and not have the official experience under my belt.

I will also participate in one more road race before the TN event.. that will be a 5.5 miler on July 4th.

Yesterday was a tough start to the day.. I'm sure everyone has them.. It was rainy out so that doesn't make for a productive or exciting day to train.. HOWEVER.. a great friend of mine.. Mark Harrington would always say "if it ain't raining.. we ain't training"!!.... that got me motivated to get it done! I'm glad I did!

Well, I'm out.. I have a busy day in the office today.. that's what I get for taking my Tuesdays off... but well worth it!

I will continue to Swim.. Bike .. & Run! I also have a sports massage scheduled as well... the cold plunge will be next. I'm Sure..:o(

Always,

Lori-Ann

Photos from the Wounded Warrior Games 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:06:00 +0000

U had to watch out for this crew!

Gallery of photos from the Wounded Warrior Games. Obviously there are many more photos we would like to show. It was an incredible experience and an honor to have been given the opportunity to work with these outstanding & inspiring athletes. The memories we have from these games will last a life time and we had the pleasure of gaining new friends!

We look forward to next years GAMES!!

Memorial Day Weekend Training.

noreply@blogger.com (Ultimate Sports Massage) — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:37:00 +0000

So this was me after my very first Sprint Tri relay last year. I'm here with my teammates Kristen & Trish.

So this year I have decided to tackle my own Sprint Tri and I have officially started the new & intense training today. However I participated in one of the three running events I have signed up for to use as part of the overall training this past weekend. It was here in Warwick, so I knew the area. That definitely has an advantage to it. It was a small event, but well organized. Not many runners signed up.. I think over all there where about 125 runners.

As usual I pulled up the rear... but finished and had a decent time of 1:35.

I pulled a glut muscle while running and I know that held me up. I'd rather that happen now then when I'm in the actual event come August. The muscle pull ended up creating a hamstring & quad issue as well.. so I played it safe and took it down a notch and walked a bit.. I don't like to walk in a race.. once I do that.. it's all over for me.

After the race I went and stretched really good and iced my sore muscles. THEN.. I went and picked up my new BIKE!! I was "chompin at the bit" to get on it and go for a ride. I waited till Sunday and got in about 6 miles and Monday I got in about 12 miles. I really enjoyed being on that bike.

Legs felt really good & strong.. Glut muscle was still acting up, but kept stretching it out.

Today I went to the pool, swam 16 laps (for time), got out ~~ transitioned to the bike, rode 3.2 miles and transitioned again to the run for a total of 1.2 miles. the overall distance is minimal, but I want to start off slow & steady. I want to get the feel for the transitions first then add distance on to each one of the disciplines.

I feel really good about today's training and what I was able to accomplish over this weekend.

I topped the whole thing off with a fabulous 1/12 sports massage session with Kristen!!!

I'm out for now.. I'll touch base in about a week!!

Always! ~~ Lori-Ann