Triathlete Zoltán Petsuk on his experiences with electrostimulation
In the summer of 2018 the ExtremeMan Long Distance Triathlon National Championship was won by Merida rider, Zoltán Petsuk. This is an ordeal consisting of a 3,800 m swim followed by 180 km cycling and finishing with a marathon (42 km) run. Zoli needed only 8 hours and 20 minutes to complete it. After the big success, however, a sneaky problem began to cast a shadow over his everyday life. He won the race despite agonizing pain around his heel, but the pain that had been tolerable earlier intensified by autumn to the point that it made quality work impossible. He received various treatments without results, and rest did not help. We met by chance. In our first conversation it became clear that he had lost his confidence and, struggling with the injury, wondered if this was the end of professional, performance-oriented competition for him.
Dr. Zsolt Zátrok (ZZs): When did your complaints start? What did you experience?
Zoltán Petsuk (PZ): I have been feeling my Achilles for about two years. But the pain was bearable and allowed me to train. In fact, I was able to win the ExtremeMan despite it. Toward the end of the summer it began to intensify almost imperceptibly. At first I thought I wasn't recovering properly or that I wasn't replacing enough minerals. I didn't stop training; I thought it would pass. Day by day it got worse, and then suddenly I couldn't finish a running workout. There were times when the pain stopped me even during the warm-up.
ZZs: Where did you turn with your complaints?
PZ: There is little information about where an athlete should be treated. In "sports medical clinics" they don't do much examination, it's more about stamping medical certificates. You ask around in your network to see who they recommend. It's quite hard to find someone who can really help. I saw several doctors for my complaint. They sent me to lab work, X-ray, and recommended steroid injections. Which is, of course, nonsense for an elite athlete... Then, by a fortunate coincidence, I ran into you.
ZZs: Due to the regular and huge training volumes, an overload inflammation developed in the Achilles tendon. I recommended the Triathlon Pro sport electrostimulation device's tendon-inflammation treatment microcurrent (MENS) program. At first you seemed hesitant. What was the reason?
PZ: I had not used electrotherapy before. I hadn't heard much about it and found it hard to believe that by sticking on a few pads I could get rid of something that had been tormenting me for years. Obviously I was distrustful for that reason. Then you kept checking on me and I started to use it. After the very first few treatments I felt it had an effect. So I put the electrodes on more and more often. My two-year-long complaints disappeared in roughly 4 or maybe 6 weeks. Moreover, after just a few treatments I could start loading again, and I was able to take part in winter trail running races, even winning again, which was great for my motivation.
ZZs: How did your "relationship" with the device develop?
PZ: At first I concentrated only on my heel. That's why I took it everywhere. It was with me even when we went on a mountain hike for relaxation, which is a completely different movement and engaged muscles I don't often use. I thought I'd try it for recovery then. You mentioned so many times that it speeds up lactate removal... and so it did. I expected serious muscle soreness, but in the morning I woke up with noticeably fresh muscles.
Since then I often use the recovery program after harder loads. I find it effective and therefore useful. I grew fond of it.
ZZs: I noticed that as your pain decreased, your confidence returned. It's as if you were a different person. You move bursting with strength.
PZ: Well yes... the pain and the feeling that my goals might vanish really dragged me down. Fortunately I don't even remember it now. If you finish a half-distance in under 4 hours, and in a strong international field... that supports confidence... (2019.07.14 Astana, Kazakhstan, Ironman 70.3 half-distance, Zoltán Petsuk finished 5th overall among the pros with an outstanding time of 3:56:49 – editor.)
ZZs: Have you used the programs that affect muscle capability?
PZ: Until now I hadn't gotten around to it, I didn't dare start! The method was unfamiliar and I was afraid that starting it in the middle of preparation I'd do something wrong.
Recently I finished 5th at the Astana Ironman 70.3 and looking over the race data I found that I only lagged behind the world leaders on the bike. I even posted about how this is a typical Hungarian problem. We are weaker in cycling compared to the world elite.
In preparation I rode a lot and intensely, I accumulated many kilometers... and still. I'm inclined to agree with you when you claim that the Germans, Americans, Brits do something differently. For example, they also use muscle stimulation to prepare their muscles.
ZZs: In a 10-week "self-test" at the beginning of the year I showed how much reserve there is in the muscle and how it can be "mined" with stimulation...
PZ: Yes, I read your article about it and looked at the data. Taking the Astana race experience into account as well, I think it can no longer be postponed to incorporate stimulation into my cycling preparation. Can I count on your advice?
ZZs: Is that even a question?? 🙂 What race are you preparing for now?
PZ: I would like to defend my championship title at ExtremeMan. There are only a few weeks left until the start.
Zsolt Zátrok: Good racing! Thank you for sharing your story!
Zoltán Petsuk: Thank you for your advice!
Zoltán Petsuk uses a Triathlon Pro device to support his preparation
