Athletes are willing to do just about anything to stay in top physical shape. In the case of T.J. Oshie, you hook yourself up to an electrical current machine for 12 hours a day.
Does it actually work?
Oshie isn’t the only player in the NHL attaching himself to one of these machines. Players such as Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Zach Parise have all bought into the idea.
Here is what the device is according to the Washington Post:
“The device releases an electrical impulse to signal the brain to lengthen certain muscles, with the intent of increasing flexibility and blood flow and breaking down scar tissue. The sensation is one of prickling or tingling. One machine is intended for therapeutic purposes, while a variation is designed for training. Each is portable, small enough to fit in a backpack. Cords hang from each machine, connecting the electrodes to it, and a touch screen at the front has a timer and settings to control the pulse frequency and flow of the current.”
According to Oshie, he has used the machine multiple times while recovering from various injuries and it has helped him recover ahead of schedule. When he broke his ankle back in 2010, he attached himself to the machine for 16 to 20 hours a day. He returned to the Blues a month ahead of schedule. “That kind of sold me there,” Oshie said.
After getting some good ribbing from his teammates, multiple other players on the Capitals have used the Accelerated Recovery Performance (ARP) machine. Taylor Chorney has been a believer since the beginning while Jay Beagle used it when recovering from injury. Beagle isn’t fully sold on the concept, but is open to trying anything which might improve his condition.
Regardless, it is interesting to see certain players trying something new in an effort to gain an edge. Oshie will take any advantage he can get, especially when he is on the wrong side of 30.
What’s to lose, right?
