In the midst of scholarship restrictions and NCAA sanctions, Lane Kiffin and his staff are using cutting edge technology and additional resources to counteract the numerical disadvantage by taking extra special care of the most valuable players on the roster.
Led by Russ Romano, the athletic training staff in conjunction with the strength and conditioning staff has devised a five step plan, as a supplement to the comprehensive care provided to all USC student-athletes, to preserve the Trojans' bodies through the grind of a football season and boost performance.
1.) Massage Group
On the night before the game, the "Recovery 24," typically the 24 players that play the most, get a 20-minute massage from licensed therapists after the team meeting.
2.) Antioxidant Drink
Immediately after the game, all the players are given an antioxidant drink, which reduces inflammation and the negative effect of all the hard work.
3.) Gatorade Nutrition Shakes
At the same time as the antioxidant drink, all the players drink a blend of protein and carbohydrates to replenish their systems. The players eat a pregame meal about four hours prior to kickoff and then a Gatorade bar at halftime, so they need the shakes to begin the refueling process.
4a.) iCool Cold Tubs
At the Coliseum, the "Recovery 24" are treated immediately after games with 7-10 minutes in the cold tub (approx. 50 degrees). Even if the players are not injured, the cold tub treats micro-injuries by reducing inflammation and swelling.
4b.) 110% Compression Garments
On the road, the "Recovery 24" wear compression suits filled with frozen ice sheets, which serve the same purpose as the cold tubs plus the added benefit of compression. The selected players will wear the shorts during the flight home.
5.) Sunday Clinic
The day after the game, the "Recovery 24" get another recuperative 20-minute massage plus all injured players come to the doctors' clinic to be diagnosed or begin the rehab process.
Bonus: Compex Units
Several student-athletes across different sports are taking advantage of the new electrical stimulation units that activate muscles, decrease pain and aid recovery, especially with injury situations. The Compex units are particularly useful during training camp to protect against "delayed onset muscle awareness," which is extreme soreness caused by the increased workload of grueling workouts.
(Photos from top to bottom: Recovery drinks by John McGillen, Compression shorts by Russ Romano and Cold tubs by John McGillen)
Led by Russ Romano, the athletic training staff in conjunction with the strength and conditioning staff has devised a five step plan, as a supplement to the comprehensive care provided to all USC student-athletes, to preserve the Trojans' bodies through the grind of a football season and boost performance.1.) Massage Group
On the night before the game, the "Recovery 24," typically the 24 players that play the most, get a 20-minute massage from licensed therapists after the team meeting.
2.) Antioxidant Drink
Immediately after the game, all the players are given an antioxidant drink, which reduces inflammation and the negative effect of all the hard work.
3.) Gatorade Nutrition Shakes
At the same time as the antioxidant drink, all the players drink a blend of protein and carbohydrates to replenish their systems. The players eat a pregame meal about four hours prior to kickoff and then a Gatorade bar at halftime, so they need the shakes to begin the refueling process.
4a.) iCool Cold TubsAt the Coliseum, the "Recovery 24" are treated immediately after games with 7-10 minutes in the cold tub (approx. 50 degrees). Even if the players are not injured, the cold tub treats micro-injuries by reducing inflammation and swelling.
4b.) 110% Compression Garments
On the road, the "Recovery 24" wear compression suits filled with frozen ice sheets, which serve the same purpose as the cold tubs plus the added benefit of compression. The selected players will wear the shorts during the flight home.
5.) Sunday Clinic
The day after the game, the "Recovery 24" get another recuperative 20-minute massage plus all injured players come to the doctors' clinic to be diagnosed or begin the rehab process.
Bonus: Compex Units
Several student-athletes across different sports are taking advantage of the new electrical stimulation units that activate muscles, decrease pain and aid recovery, especially with injury situations. The Compex units are particularly useful during training camp to protect against "delayed onset muscle awareness," which is extreme soreness caused by the increased workload of grueling workouts.
(Photos from top to bottom: Recovery drinks by John McGillen, Compression shorts by Russ Romano and Cold tubs by John McGillen)
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