Square Runners: Massage the Pain Away!

By John Pilecki

Health occupations are well represented among most any group of runners.

This is not surprising, as those who tend to others’ physical needs and wellbeing gain an appreciation for the importance of staying in good shape. Establishing a running regimen is an ideal way to achieve this goal.

Square Running Club member Deirdre Amos has been a massage therapist for seven years, currently with Words and Bodyworks Massage Therapy in Allison Park. After moving to Pittsburgh from her native town of Erie last year to attend graduate school at Chatham University in pursuit of a masters of science in biology, and an eventual doctorate in physical therapy, Deirdre took up marathon running, and learned the true meaning of the ancient exhortation, “Heal Thyself!”

“Nearly all distance runners experience pain and injury at some point. I was no exception when training for the 2011 Pittsburgh and Erie Marathons. I dealt with shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and hip tendonitis. Through the application of massage techniques, combined with stretching, none of these potentially race-ruining injuries prevented me from completing both runs of 26.2 miles.

“Massage therapy is beneficial not only in aiding recovery from injury, but also in preventing injury and boosting performance. The increase in circulation that a massage brings enhances the amount of oxygen delivered to muscle tissue, and prepares it for optimal performance. The day after my long training runs, my legs would be sore and tired. Massaging my legs worked wonders, and I was able to train the rest of the week with decreased pain.”

Deirdre believes that many of the benefits professional athletes gain by having personal massage therapists can be accessed by “average” runners on limited budgets: “The next time an injury is slowing down your running, consider a couple of sessions with a massage therapist. He or she will likely give you instructions on stretching and other self-care techniques that you can use to minimize the severity of your condition. Who knows? With this help, you may get closer to achieving your running goals, whatever they may be!“ 

Square Running Club members frequently exchange training tips on the Facebook Square Running Club Group (now approaching 100 members!), and before, during, and after the Tuesday and Wednesday morning runs at 7 a.m., and the Thursday evening 7 p.m run.

Also, weekend runs are planned on the Facebook Square Running Group site “on the fly,” so be sure to join and check it out often. Runs start in front of the on South Braddock Avenue. 

All levels of runners are welcome—the sharing of advice and encouragement is available for free to all who join us!