Body First Sports Therapy
Total Body Care for the Athlete
Last updated April 1, 2009, by C. Briggs
Last updated April 1, 2009, by C. Briggs
Every year athletes don't get the chance to participate fully in their sport. Some watch from the sidelines due to injuries that may have been avoided; others suffer struggle through workouts from simple imbalances in the body; and many just give up due to pain or discomfort they experience. Body First has a proven track record of helping athletes overcome challenges their bodies face and perform at their best.
Whether you are an amateur, high school, collegiate, professional athlete, or just a weekend warrior our staff has the knowhow and experience to work with a whole range of sports related conditions including injuries, tight muscles, skeletal imbalances, and other limiting conditions. Body First offers Sports Massage, Chiropractic Care, and Acupuncture, services designed to help athletes perform their best. Our Staff can work together to help you be a better athlete.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Designed with the athlete in mind Sports Massage incorporates numerous modalities to promote maximum performance. Sports massage focuses on the muscles relevant to your athletic activity and may include guided stretching.
Sports massage can be received before, during, and after a workout or athletic event. Most athletes find Sports Massage is most beneficial when it is included as part of training regimen. It enhances athletic performance and endurance, and reduces the risk of injury and soreness.
Body First has experience working with a wide range of athletes from amateur to collegiate to professional athletes.
How to get the most out of Body First Sports Massage
Sports massage can help you be ready for physical activity and reach your peak performance. With regular sports massage, you can avoid injury and reduce your body's recovery time, and perform your best.
Sports massage is different from a typical full body massage. The therapists will incorporate a wide variety of massage modalities and techniques to meet the need of the athlete. Each session will focus on the muscles used for a specific physical activity. It may be more vigorous than most massages, and could incorporate guided stretching.
Pre Event:
Receiving a sports massage prior to your workout or athletic event can loosen your muscles. By combining sports massage with stretching the muscles will be warmed up and ready for intense activity.
Post Event:
After the event sports massage can reduce recovery time, prevent muscle soreness and stiffness, and alleviate pain.
Maintenance:
Received regularly sports massage reduces the occurrence of injury, increases physical performance and allows you to perform your best.
Benefits of Sports Massage:
Improved flexibility
Improved muscle tone.
Increased relaxation.
Reduced levels of stress hormones
Reduced soreness in your muscles.
Improved mental focus
Reduced recovery time
Reduced feeling of tightness due to exercise.
Elimination of factors that interfere with ability to perform at your best
Reduced occurrences of chronic problems such as tendonitis and bursitis
Increased circulation of the blood and lymph, providing your muscles and soft tissues with the optimal metabolic exchange
And more...
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE ATHLETE
Athletes put an extra physical toll on their bodies. The average runner pounds the ground over 700 times in a mile. A soccer player might make hundreds of sudden stops and starts during a game. A typical high school football player is hit with over 30G's of force every time he is tackled. With all the abuse the typical athlete exerts on their body it is little wonder athletes commonly suffer from skeletal imbalances.
Dr. Erickson's whole body approach to Chiropractic Care helps athletes overcome their body's limitation and practice, compete, and perform better.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE ATHLETE
Research has shown that Acupuncture has shown to be successful in treating musculoskeletal injuries. Athletes rely on acupuncture as an essential part of their recovery from injuries. Benefits of Acupuncture include:
Need a Sports Physical?
Dr. Erickson has provided sports physicals to hundreds of students. If your child is planning on competing in any middle school or high school athletics (including most summer sports camps) they will be required to have a sports physical in order to practice or compete. Schedule now to beat the fall rush.
Any annual history and the physical examination taken after May 1st is applicable through the following school year. (source: KANSAS STATE HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION)
Please complete the first page of the KSHSAA pre-participation physical evaluation prior to your appointment.
Additional Complimentary and Alternative Treatments Available.
In addition to Acupuncture, Body First is proud to provide additional treatments including:
- Massage Therapy
- Chiropractic Care
- Acupuncture
- Reflexology
- and more...
Body First Staff Specializing in Sports Therapies
Members of our staff that specialize in Sports Therapy begin with an extensive skill and know how in their area of practice (i.e. Massage Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture, etc...). In addition they have an expert understanding of the biomechanics of exercise and how it applies to the function of the human body. The Sports Therapy Specialists at Body First have an appreciation for physical fitness and a passion for helping athletes make them trusted and respected by athletes.
Doug Sellers
Certified Massage Therapist and Founder of Body First
Florida School of Massage, Gainesville Fl.
Member of International Massage Therapy Association
Doug has been practicing massage therapy since 1994. In 1997 Doug founded Body First. He has extensive experience working with clients with health problems including: paralysis, Parkinson's, Multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and more. Doug also works regularly with collegiate, Olympian, professional, and amateur athletes.
Specialties include: Sports Massage, Muscle Injury, Pain Management
Stephen Parish
Certified Massage Therapist
Pinnacle Career Institute, Lawrence, KS
Member of International Massage Association
Stephen has experience working with many types of clients. He uses a variety of techniques to help his clients. He generally utilizes deep tissue work and isolated stretching in his massage sessions. With experience working with athletes from amateurs to collegiate level to professional he is a great asset to the Body First team.
Specialties include: Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release
Mandy Ebert
Certified Massage Therapist
Intensive 1000 hour Apprenticeship under Doug Sellers
Member of International Massage Association
Originally from Wamego Kansas, Mandy has wanted be a massage therapist since she was in the seventh grade. Her extensive knowledge of the human body and skilled use of a variety of massage techniques has made her highly requested massage therapist. In addition to her experience working with athletes and chronic pain sufferers, she also has experience working with individuals with spinal cord injuries and limited mobility.
Specialties include: Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Pain Management
Dr. Kenyon Erickson
D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College
Pre-Med B.S. Fort Hayes State University Doctorate
Certified in Acupuncture
American Red Cross volunteer instructor
Flint Hills Community Clinic volunteer
Kansas Chiropractic Association-President (2008-present)
Member American Chiropractic Association-member
Dr. Erickson believes that each person deserves individualized care. His goal is for everyone to reach their optimal health. Dr Erickson works with you to tailor your treatment to your unique needs. By spending time with each patient he is able to address individual concerns and provide customized chiropractic care specific to the individual.