“Holistic” means to treat and view the body as an interconnected network of mind, body and spirit. From nutrition to manual manipulations, it seems the trend towards more holistic ways of viewing the body and health are increasing for people of all backgrounds. As we know, athletes often deal with high levels of training, and with this comes high impact on the body and all its pieces. From what their eating to the post-care their receiving, holistic treatments for athletes is extremely important to maintaining their skill, preventing injury and recovering quicker.
Holistic Nutrition has become increasingly popular within the last 20 years. No longer are people looking to follow Canada’s food guide only and see a dietician for some weight loss advice. Holistic nutrition has the capability to foster lifestyle changes that will last way post when the protocol ends. Often holistic nutrition can address metabolic imbalances, hormonal issues and inflammatory disease. The approach through food, herbs and supplements can have profound effects on healing the whole body and addressing some underlying route causes that often get overlooked by allopathic systems.
Specifically for athletes, holistic nutrition can help them have a better approach to meeting their daily requirements for muscle building, maintenance and reducing inflammation in the body. Each athlete has their own biochemical needs and when those needs are met they can achieve higher levels of performance, endurance and success. Working with a holistic nutritionist can get athletes creating the habits to last their entire athletic career as well as evaluate the sports supplements that they may already be taking for quality and safety.
Manual Osteopathy is a form of physical care that can help address any current issues within the structure and function of the body, prevent injury and recover quicker. Osteopathy is a physical manipulation that includes deep tissue massage, fascia release, joint mobility, spinal realignment etc. The care of an osteopath is to see the body as a whole and address why pain or injury may be caused by other areas compensating or a variety of joint or muscle in-stability. Through hands-on techniques, they correct the bio-mechanics of each area in the body.
Athletes might find significant relief in seeing an osteopath as they can spot areas of tension and compensation before an injury even occurs. They can suggest activities and stretches to do at home to keep up with personal self-care in-between sessions. They have the ability to treat without using medicine or surgical means before it’s too late for an athlete. With the body being such a complex hard working machine, going for these manual “tune ups” is essential to making sure the longevity of an athlete’s time in the sport can be increased.
Registered Massage Therapy is another great treatment that works on the lymphatic system, muscle tissue and connective tissue in the body to release tension and pain. On the days athletes are recovering from training, it can be beneficial to incorporate massage twice a month minimum, depending on individual needs. It is helpful not only to rehabilitate from a wide range of various injuries, but as well promote relaxation by the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
It is obvious that overall, the main message for athletes is to find a variety of services to keep the mind and body strong. Not only is rest and relaxation equally as important as training vigorously, but finding some time for preventative therapies that address the body as a whole.
