It’s now been nine total matches that Atlanta United have been without Josef Martinez, the striker who made MLS his play toy through the first three matches of the season. The long, cold and desolate Josef-less world could soon be a thing of the past as the Venezuelan has returned to training. Carlos Bocanegra, who subbed for the suspended Tata Martino in the post-match press shenanigans, declared Josef fully recovered from his injury and that match fitness is now the only hurdle in front of his return.
“He is doing very well. He is back in training and it is up to the medical staff and our coaching staff to work together to manage his minutes. It is more about fitness with these guys when you are out for so long. It is just catching your wind. He is good. Everything else is good. It is just about getting him fit and ready to contribute minutes.” — Carlos Bocanegra; Source: ATLUTD Quote Sheet
Martinez took to his Instagram a day after Atlanta United’s 3-1 victory over New York City FC to show off the lengths he’s going through to get back on the field. He posted this interesting video of him flipping and rotating in what looks like a square deathmachine used for torture.
The caption on the post roughly translates to “In closer than further away.” — We’ll take that to mean he’s close to getting back on the field...
Upon further research, the machine is actually called a GyroStim and it’s used to help athletes recover from injuries at an accelerated pace. Mainly used for brain injuries, it can be used for other ailments (such as a quad injury) as well.
GyroStim is a highly versatile system with multiple applications:
At lower levels of motion intensity, GyroStim is used by those recovering from physical and cognitive dysfunction as a result of concussion, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, autism, aging, and other conditions.
At higher levels of intensity, GyroStim is used by active individuals, athletes, and others with fast-paced, demanding, high-stress lifestyles to maintain and enhance peak performance.
Bless you, Josef Martinez. You spin all you want as long as you come spinning back into our hearts as soon as possible.