READER FORUM
GROIN PULLS
I have been a California massage therapist since
1998. Along the way, I studied and learned the
Muscle Release Technique from Michael Young
of Evergreen, Colorado. The column in the
March/April 2015 issue of Massage & Bodywork,
"Groin Pulls" by Whitney Lowe [Clinical
Apps, page 90], puts into words the things I
discovered working on athletes. His article is
the first I have ever read on that subject.
My experience with groin pulls came while
serving a football team. An injured player was helped
to the table off the practice field. I had no idea how
to treat that first client. He was in severe pain and
needed help walking. I applied the same principle
used to release other cramps and spasms in various
muscles to the groin area and surrounding muscles.
That first client's treatment was very painful for a few
seconds as his buddy held him in place on the table.
Then, he breathed easily, got up from the table, ran
back out onto the practice field, and finished practice.
I have learned much in making the treatment
easier for the client since that first experience.
The method used now has been improved so it is
uncomfortable, but not painful. I have addressed
several groin pulls in male and female athletes and
they all benefit greatly from a single treatment.
The sooner the injury is treated after the injury
(strain) occurs, the easier it is to relieve.
Thank you for your helpful publication.
TOM SUDERMAN
VISALIA, CALIFORNIA
CLOSING SESSIONS
I enjoyed reading how therapists close their sessions
[Tips for Today, "How Do You Close Your Sessions?"
by Brandon Twyford, March/April 2015, page 20].
Over the years, my closing techniques have changed.
My most recent opening and closing in my private
practice begins when I step into the massage room.
I gently tap the Woodstock Hanging Gong I have
hanging from the light fixture at the foot of the table
three times, signaling the beginning of the session.
After finishing the massage, I softly ring my Tingsha
cymbals at the foot of the table, letting the client
know the session has ended. Then, I leave the room.
VIOLA CROWDER-MOGER
KILLEEN, TEXAS
MAHALO MESENTERY!
I just wanted to say a big mahalo for doing the article
on the mesentery system [Myofascial Techniques,
"Working with the Mesentery," by Til Luchau, March/
April 2015, page 106]. As a practitioner of lomilomi,
the abdomen is the key area of concentration, and
where the Hawaiian people believe all ailments
begin. Reading your article just added another
layer of understanding to this ancient art form in a
scientific way that makes total sense. Great job!
SASCHA K. THOMPSON, LMT
PUNALUU, OAHU
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