Gold Coast Marathon: Unique therapies aiding recovery post-marathon

When you’re recovering from a marathon, you might do anything to feel better quick - but these unique therapies might put you through even more pain in the process.

PLUNGING into near-freezing water might sound like a unique kind of torture after running a marathon, but a Gold Coast sports scientist says research shows that you’d be doing your body a massive kindness.

It speeds up the the recovery process, says Southern Cross University exercise scientist Dr Luke del Vecchio.

“Immersing the body in cold water, for 10-15 minutes at temperatures between 10-15 degrees,

reduces body temperature, blood flow and inflammation in tissues of the muscles,’’ he said.

In layman terms, ice-baths change the way blood and other fluids flow through the body.

The marathon stretches over 40km - yikes!

“When you sit in cold water, your blood vessels constrict; when you get out, they dilate – much like the effect of wringing water out of a rag or towel. This process helps flush away metabolic waste post-exercise,” he said.

Ice baths, foam rollers, static stretching and osteopathic massage are all part of the Southern Cross University recovery hub at the Gold Coast Marathon this weekend.

Dr del Vecchio said similar to the ice-bath, using the foam roller after exercise speeds up the recovery process by improving blood flow to the muscles, relieving muscle tension, joint stress and increasing the range of motion or flexibility in the body.

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“Importantly, these benefits are not anecdotal. Research has concluded that foam rolling is an effective tool in recovery after exercise,” he said.

Southern Cross University exercise scientists would be in the recovery hub to guide runners through stretching to speed up recovery.

Experts recommend an ice bath. (AAPImage/Sue Graham)

“The current body of research demonstrates that stretching may have several beneficial effects including decreasing muscle soreness, increasing flexibility, blood flow and decreasing neural excitability or nervous tension in the muscles,” he said.

Foot health information from Southern Cross experts and osteopathic massage would also be available at the hub. Osteopathy is an allied health science, involving diagnosis and manual therapy to treat musculoskeletal and other functional disorders.

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“Manual therapy involves hands-on treatment to support tissue repair and recovery. When recovering from the marathon, manual therapy can support recovery in a significant way,” said osteopathic practitioner and Southern Cross lecturer Bimbi Gray.

There are plenty of therapies available to recovering marathon runners. Pic Tim Marsden

Southern Cross was one of just three universities in Australia offering a comprehensive osteopathy program that leads to professional registration.

University sport and recreation officer Dave Graham said Southern Cross’s biggest ever team, with more than 220 students and staff, would be involved in the marathon festival.

“We also have students and staff coming from our other campuses in Lismore and Coffs Harbour and even some of our online students and alumni who are keen to represent their university. The Gold Coast is a great destination for an event like a marathon,” he said.