Risk of Injury, Overtraining, and Long-Term Complications: A Real-Life Example
Sometimes, things really do go too far.
Just a few days ago, a young man came to see me. His request was simple: his legs — especially his calves — felt tight, sore, and tired. He needed them massaged.
We started talking. He told me that he’s been running. A lot. Every single day. Preparing for a marathon. But — and here’s the problem — he was training alone. No coach. No doctor. No massage therapist. No plan. Just willpower.
He’d recently lost a significant amount of weight and had only just started this intense regime. And he’d gone all in, without allowing his body any real time to adjust or recover.
During the session, even the lightest touch caused him pain. Not just in his legs — everywhere. His whole body was in a state of deep stress.
That’s the fact. Now let’s unpack the why — and what could (and should) have been done differently.
1. Training for a Marathon Is Not a Solo Project
Marathon training is tough. It’s high-impact, high-risk, and requires proper preparation. Without expert guidance, you risk:
Serious injury
Chronic fatigue
Hormonal imbalance
Muscular breakdown
Long-term complications
You need a team — or at least a basic support system. That means someone monitoring your physical condition, adjusting your training load, offering recovery strategies, and helping you avoid burnout.
A good massage therapist is an essential part of that equation — before, during, and after your training cycle.
2. The Most Common Mistake: More Is Not Better
And let me be blunt here — especially for new “athletes” who get caught up in the excitement. Training harder doesn’t always mean training smarter.
Muscles grow and adapt during rest, not during the workout itself. The more you push without recovery, the more you break down your own strength and endurance.
This young man had driven himself into complete exhaustion. Overtrained, depleted, inflamed. I had to strictly forbid any further physical activity for at least a week (though whether he listens is another matter).
3. Your Body Needs Balance, Not Punishment
There’s more I could say. But the main point is this:
Without proper awareness, moderation, and professional support, your training may do more harm than good.
If you're an athlete — whether beginner or pro — you need someone in your corner. Massage therapy isn't just a luxury. It’s a tool. And not all massage is the same.
Pre-training massage helps boost performance, increase mobility, and reduce the risk of injury.
Post-training massage helps restore muscle balance, relieve tension, and speed up recovery.
Every professional team has a sports massage therapist. So let me ask — are you part of a team? Do you have your own massage therapist?
Look after yourself.
Think before you train.
And let’s take care of your body the right way — intelligently, professionally, and with purpose.
15 / 09 / 2025