For the sports fans out there, I’m sure you agree that this time of year is the sweet spot—when a convergence of the “big four” send us into a fandom frenzy. Football, hockey, and basketball seasons begin, while the boys of summer start finishing their race for the pennant. 
Sports fan or not, everyone can appreciate the level of dedication these athletes bring to their game and the impact it has on their bodies. That’s why these athletes, and their Olympic and collegiate counterparts, have access to the most advanced care, typically including on-staff massage therapists. 
But, as you’ll read in this issue of Body Sense, sports massage is not just for the elite athlete. From the weekend warrior to the twice-weekly gym-goer, the athlete in all of us can benefit from sports massage. 
I like to share the story of my daughter, a club-level gymnast since she was 8, who suffered with back pain as her skills increased in intensity a few years back. From pediatrician to orthopedist to physical therapist, we followed the path to find her the pain relief she needed to be able to continue to compete. We added cupping work (think Michael Phelps Rio Olympics 2016), chiropractic, acupuncture, and, of course, employed a crew of massage therapists who each brought their own unique assessment skills to the team, all helping my daughter to continue in the sport she loves. I’m amazed every day at what she can make her body do, and I’m equally grateful for the health-care team that helps her body continue to do it.
Sports massage not only relieves pain; it also improves performance and helps in postevent recovery time. Running a 5K charity race this fall? Then, book your appointments with your therapist now to put a plan together for your training and recovery.
While it’s the best time to be a sports fan, I hope you have a chance to get out there yourselves and enjoy the crisp days of autumn. It’s the perfect time of year to get your self-care mojo!