The great Superstars of this generation now receive massage, to enhance their performance and recovery, in the increasingly competitive world of sport.
Roger Federer
After breakfast I go and stretch, do a few warm-up exercises for five to ten minutes and then go on to my workout, which lasts around an hour. I then train for two hours or so on the tennis court, then it's time for lunch. From three until five I'll either do another workout or another tennis session. Then I come back in, shower and get a massage. That takes me from six until eight, and then it's time for dinner.
Something always hurts but these pains often disappear again during the warm-up or can be massaged away by the physiotherapist. It is hugely important to know your body well and have a reliable early warning system. That's why the breaks in between tournaments are so important to me - not just physically but also mentally.
Gototennis - Interview with Daniel Huber.
Paula Radcliffe
The factor that probably boosted Paula Radcliffe's performance more than any other is her ability to regenerate. Her regular massages were to give extra maintenance to the whole body. Above all it's to give Paula's muscles and tendons the best chance to recover from the heavy workloads she puts them through.
The training secrets of Paula Radcliffe. Article written by Orlando Pizzolato in TN40 July 2003.
David Beckham
As David Beckham emerged after a massage and an hour of Pilates on his last day at the renowned Milanello 'laboratory', he looked like a man who had just spent five months on a health farm rather than undergoing the most thorough training programme of his life.
Beckham's daily routine in Milan involved resting in his hotel until around 11am before driving himself to Milanello some three hours before full training. That time has been used having lunch with his team-mates, an hour of Pilates, followed by training and then a combination of massages, ice-baths and Turkish baths.
By Jeremy Wilson, 9 June 2009, Daily Telegraph, Football World Cup 2010.