Self-Massage for Athletes: The Hands-On Guide to Improve Your Athletic Performance, Relieve Your Aches and Pains, and Help You Feel Better Fast

"Every so often I have something pointed out to me that is so obvious, I wonder why I didn't think of it myself. Such is the case with this book. In it, author Rich Poley gives everyone tips on self-massage.

The book is broken down into three sections. The first parts lays out the argument for why self-massage is important. Second, he gives us a detailed guide on how to self-massage. Finally, he looks at some related fields like acupressure, trigger points, and tools.

The heart of the book is the second section. This part not only includes not only words but large black and white photos to show us just what he is talking about. This really helped me get a clear picture.

I read the book last week in preparation for an Ultimate Frisbee tournament I participated in this weekend. Both evenings, I tried a little self-massage on myself. Granted, I'm still sore today, but I think I am less sore then I would have been. And all day long I was massaging my legs at work to help them recover. Frankly, I wish I had read and started using these techniques a few weeks ago so I'd be better at them by now.

The only real flaw with the book is the author's tendency to overstate his case. In the first part, he sites several studies showing the benefits of massage, then goes on to state that this probably applies to self-massage. While I tend to agree with him, that didn't sit quite right with me. In another place, he discusses the ways a shower can be a massage parlor. Again, it is generally good advice, but I did roll my eyes when he said a razor can give a massage to your face or legs. Maybe it's just me, but that just doesn't hold true. I even tried his mental techniques, but that just made me even more uncomfortable that I was running a sharp object over my face.

While the book is obviously aimed at athletes, the message really applies to anyone.

There is little in this book that is truly earth shattering. But the principles and ideas are good and well worth considering. I know I will be making them part of my normal workout routine."
~ Written on 2008-03-17

"I go to a massage therapist regularly and know the benefits of massage. I thought SELF-MASSAGE FOR ATHLETES would be a book that I would like.

It is divided into three sections. Section 1 covered why every athlete needs massage. It could have gone further and said why every PERSON needs massage. Since I do massage, I am versed on the benefits and didn't learn anything new. BUT for someone thinking about massage or wanting to learn more, this Section covered the whys/benefits extremely well.

Section 2 explained the how-to's by describing the seven strokes and then gave instructions on how to massage the various areas of the body. It also included when to use self-massage.

Section 3 explained other types of massage and tools that can be used to provide the massage such as a shower - water pressure is a great reliever! It talks about coaches and personal trainers and when to consult a medical professional instead of using massage.

All in all, it covers self-massage in terms and words that any layperson can follow. If you have never considered self-massage to relieve everyday aches and pains, don't let the title fool you. It is a book not only for athletes but for EVERY person!
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~ Written on 2008-02-28

"For those of you who don't know I practice yoga on a every other day basis and after reading this book it turn out to compliment each other. Although often thought of as a technique that requires two people, massage on yourself is also beneficial and can be done at any time during the day. Most people practice the art of self-massage without thinking about it, whether they are rubbing their forehead because of a headache, scrubbing themselves with a loofah sponge in the shower, or rubbing their feet after a long day you are giving yourself a mini-massage.

Author Rich Poley puts out some great instruction throughout this book with his friendly and human nature. It comes with pages and pages of demonstrative and appealing pictures in black and white. Once you read this and use the following techniques throughout the day, you will feel less tired and tense at the end of it. A primary benefit of this technique is that it can be combined with other healing methods to enhance their effectiveness. Performed slowly, and carefully, self-massage relaxes the body. Performed quickly, it lessens fatigue and revitalizes the body. It is also says, massage may also help heal an injury by bringing fresh oxygen to the affected tissues. This all depends on the techniques used, self-massage can stimulate or relax the body.

Basic moves such as Gliding, Pressing, and Pulling are beneficial towards all the massaging techniques. Once you learn them you'll discover new ways of relating to your body. I personally enjoy the arm, neck, and leg massages being that I use those parts the most. It even has face; butt, abs and chest massages which are really good because you get pleasant responses from them. You don't need any special equipments and oils with these practices just your own two hands that are priceless. I do recommend this book to anyone who's in need to relax, relate, and release.
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~ Written on 2008-02-08

"I was disappointed with this book. It spends nearly the first half of the book explainging why massage is a good idea, (I know massage is a good idea - that's why I bought the book!), and then it rattles through some massage techniques in a fairly brief way. It sort of reminds me of US news stations - "And now breaking news - massage is good for athletes, over to our sports correspondent", "Yes, fred, scientists have today confirmed that massage is good for athletes, especially ones engaging in sport", "Thanks Jim, and now the weather...."

Maybe it really is that simple. I sort of expected more."
~ Written on 2007-11-14