In athletics, achieving peak performance is seldom a solo effort; it depends on dedicated professionals focused on athletes' holistic well-being. Athletic trainers are crucial in this teamwork, specializing in injury prevention and enhancing athletic performance. They are vital for athletes' success, offering personalized training and recovery protocols.
Cryotherapy, more commonly known as icing, has long been considered the gold standard for dealing with inflammation, including the muscle inflammation that occurs following strenuous exercise. However, research has now clearly shown that when cryotherapy and red light therapy are compared to see which one works better to support exercise recovery, red light therapy consistently comes out on top.
Many studies have assessed what happens to sports performance when red and/or near infrared light is applied to muscles. Protocols usually apply red light to muscles prior to exercise – which is called muscular preconditioning. Another approach is to apply light after, rather than before, a sporting event, to support the muscle as it recovers so that it is stronger and more efficient during subsequent exercise.
A recent systematic review compiled and analyzed several clinical trials looking at red light therapy and sports performance and found many positive results, including decreased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as creatine kinase, which is found in muscle cells and is released when cells are damaged. There are several ways in which red light therapy can be used to support exercise recovery, as laid out in this article.
THERABAND® has always been considered the industry leader for resistance bands, and they now have the testing to prove it. After extensive third-party testing, THERABAND non-latex resistance bands have been proven to last more than five times longer than the next leading competitor, and the Trusted Progression System® has proven to have consistent pull force.
The field of athletics and athletic training is ever evolving. With new modalities constantly being tested and the science supporting these modalities becoming more readily available, we see an onslaught of training techniques to improve training and recovery. Blood flow restriction (BFR) is the latest method being used to treat muscle weakness and improve athletic performance.
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It is no surprise that when you get into bed at the end of the day, you may feel restless and unable to relax. Your muscles need activity for proper circulation. If you’re sitting hunched at your computer, or stressed out in traffic, your aching muscles will need some help at the end of the day to relax. Every bit of exercise from stretching to meditation can help you feel better during the day and sleep better at night.
Medco proudly supports athletic trainers by providing not only the products they need to succeed, but also the education and research to support the ever-evolving landscape of sports medicine and athletic training. Read more to discover staple products, helpful articles, and more!
