Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/943527
A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 35 to touch. I was then able to directly treat his external oblique and intercostal muscles, as they were much more amenable to touch. Mr. J. was smiling and shaking his head. "You OK?" I asked. "Every time I come here, I'm always astounded at how you know what you know. I can't understand how you knew where the pain would be, correctly predicted how long it would last, and managed to diffuse the chest pain without having the treatment be painful. It seems like some sort of magic." "Not magic, just a deep understanding of anatomy and many hours of studying the literature to learn as much as possible," I answered. That is the lesson in this column: there is perhaps no greater predictor of success than the depth of our understanding. We acquire that understanding through years of reflective practice and/or learning from the experiences of others, in both formal (case studies and research) or informal (conversations with colleagues) ways. It is a rich and never- ending journey, one that serves both therapist and client alike. Douglas Nelson is the founder and principal instructor for Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars, president of the 16-therapist clinic BodyWork Associates in Champaign, Illinois, and president-elect of the Massage Therapy Foundation. His clinic, seminars, and research endeavors explore the science behind this work. Visit www.nmtmidwest.com, or email him at doug@nmtmidwest.com. We acquire understanding through years of ref lective practice and/or learning from the experiences of others, in both formal (case studies and research) or informal (conversations with colleagues) ways.