In her first blog at Myokinetics Chester, Jade, one of our functional rehabilitation specialists, recounts her experience with a client suffering the debilitating effects of chronic over-training and how a little course correction and some deep tissue & sports massage broke them out of a cycle of pain and stagnating performance. Read on for the low-down...
As a therapist at Myokinetics Chester, I often encounter clients dealing with a variety of muscle-related issues. Recently, I had a particularly interesting case: a recreational athlete grappling with chronic over-training syndrome, generalized fatigue, and the muscle tightness and tendon inflammation that often accompany it.
This case perfectly illustrates the nuanced approach we take at Myokinetics, especially when it comes to understanding different types of muscle soreness and fatigue.
Understanding the Client's Condition
When this athlete walked in, it was clear they were dealing with more than just your average post-workout soreness. They described:
Persistent fatigue that wasn't alleviated by rest
Chronically tight muscles, particularly in the shoulders and legs
Slight inflammation in several tendons, notably in the elbows and knees
Decreased performance despite consistent training
Mood changes, including irritability and lack of enthusiasm for their sport
This constellation of symptoms pointed towards chronic over-training syndrome, a condition that requires a delicate and multifaceted approach to treatment.
Differentiating Types of Muscle Soreness
Before diving into treatment, I always ensure my clients understand the different types of muscle soreness they might experience. I took some time to explain the three types relevant to this client's case:
Chronic soreness from over-training: This is what our athlete came in with. It's a persistent, often dull ache that doesn't go away with rest.
Acute DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness): This is the typical soreness felt 24-48 hours after a particularly intense workout. It's normal and generally subsides within a few days.
Therapy-induced soreness: This is the temporary increase in soreness that can (and did) occur after a deep tissue massage or other intensive therapy. It's different from chronic pain or DOMS and usually resolves quickly.
The Myokinetics Chester Approach to Chronic over-training: beyond Sports Massage
For this client, our approach involved several steps:
Thorough assessment: We started with a comprehensive evaluation of their training regimen, recovery practices, overall physical condition and their external training environment (work and home life can often have an under-acknowledged role in over-training syndrome, although not in this case).
Targeted soft tissue work: Using a combination of techniques, we addressed the chronically tight muscles, being careful not to exacerbate the existing fatigue and soreness.
Gentle mobilization: For the inflamed tendons, we used very gentle techniques to promote blood flow without causing further irritation.
Education: A crucial part of the session involved explaining the principles of proper recovery and the signs of over-training to watch for in the future.
Collaboration with other professionals: We discussed the importance of working with their coach and potentially a sports nutritionist to address the over-training from all angles.
Managing Expectations: Sports Massage & Therapy-Induced Soreness vs. Chronic Pain
At Myokinetics Chester, one of the trickiest parts of treating chronically over-trained athletes is managing their expectations about how they might feel post-treatment. I always explain the following points:
The goal of our treatment isn't to pile more soreness on top of their existing discomfort.
However, some areas might feel more sensitive for a day or two after a sports massage treatment, especially if we've done deep work on chronically tight muscles.
This temporary increase in sensitivity is different from their chronic pain and is actually a sign that we're prompting the body to heal.
Unlike the persistent fatigue of over-training, any post-therapy soreness should resolve relatively quickly.
Post-Treatment Care: A Crucial Component
For this client, post-treatment care was especially important. We developed a plan that included:
Adequate hydration to help flush out metabolic waste products
Gentle, prescribed stretches to maintain the mobility we'd achieved in the session
The use of heat therapy to promote blood flow and relaxation
A modified training schedule to allow for proper recovery
Stress reduction techniques to address the psychological aspects of over-training
The Long-Term Approach
Treating chronic over-training isn't a one-and-done process. We set up a treatment plan involving:
Regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide sports massage if necessaary (4-6 weekly)
Gradual adjustment of training intensity and volume (from a reduced schedule to prompt full rest and recovery towards a more intense schedule targeting their next event some 6 months away)
Continued education on listening to their body and recognizing early signs of over-training
Scheduled, non-negotiable deload and rest weeks
A Client's Perspective
Several weeks into our treatment plan, the client shared this feedback:
"When I first came to Myokinetics Chester, I was frustrated and exhausted. Jade not only addressed my physical symptoms but helped me understand the root causes of my condition. The difference between the chronic fatigue & discomfort I came in with to where I am now is incredible.
And what’s more, I'm learning to train smarter, not just harder. My performance is improving, and more importantly, I'm enjoying my sport again. The personalized care and education I've received have been game-changers."
The Reward of Proper Treatment
Cases like this remind me why I love my job. Seeing an athlete go from constantly fatigued and frustrated to energized and enjoying their sport again is incredibly rewarding. At Myokinetics Chester, we're not just treating symptoms; we're empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to listen to their bodies and achieve their athletic goals sustainably.
If you're an athlete dealing with persistent fatigue, chronic muscle tightness, or decreased performance, don't ignore these signs. Come see us at Myokinetics Chester. We'll work together to get you back to doing what you love, feeling stronger and more energetic than ever. You can book a session at Myokinetics here
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