After they toiled and left their all on the fields, the 55+ BC Games athletes were ready for some rest and relaxation.
Luckily for the athletes, the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy students were on hand, eager for the shot at another learning opportunity.
“Students got a chance to work with athletes still going strong,” said Roxanne Petruk, executive director at OVCMT. “These athletes are proof you can keep going at a high level well into retirement age, and have a pain free body.”
More than 70 OVCMT students traversed the city on Friday, visiting various games including swimming, soccer, track, hockey and the dragon boats.
“My students were surprised to see how pain free these competitors are,” said practical director Robynne Kingswood. “It’s a grain of salt to the misconception that aging equals painful degeneration. It’s a great message to seed into the next generation of therapists. Their value in prevention and maintenance will be a strong based on this experience.”
Stretches, strengthening, cardio and self management for stress and hydration are all areas massage students are trained in.
“Education and guidance for wellness practices that patients control is a big part of our role in health care,” Petruk said. “Education and empowerment is the key to knowing how to keep yourself well. This is a core competency in our students training.”