Three healthcare professionals I visit regularly for soft-tissue work are Dr. Mae Chan, Mary Tam, and Vlodek Kluczynski. It would be unusual for two weeks to pass without seeing at least one of them. Here’s why.
Mae is a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and active release techniques (ART) provider—an extraordinary multitasker! During a single session, she might insert acupuncture needles in one part of my body (with an electrostim unit attached), hook up a laser device to another area, perform several ART passes on yet another spot, and, if needed, finish with a spinal adjustment.
I’ve written about the benefits of ART many times. I’ve seen it resolve nagging injuries in just one session. It can restore function, reduce or eliminate pain, and dramatically improve range of motion and strength. In fact, ART can even contribute to muscle growth, as I discussed in my Pop ‘Em Out Muscles article many years ago. Needless to say, I’m a fan.
Mary is another professional I trust—not just because she shares a name with my wife and mother, but because she’s a registered massage therapist and certified structural integrator with a strong background in sports. She has trained and treated athletes at all levels and is currently performing structural integration work on me to help with my pterodactyl wings.
Then there’s Vlodek, an osteopath, physiotherapist, and massage therapist all in one. This guy is unbelievable! His treatments complement the work of the other practitioners I see. One word of advice: If you ever book a session with Vlodek, bring a small white flag—and maybe a popsicle stick to bite down on!
The key takeaway? Be proactive. Find a skilled practitioner in your area who specializes in soft-tissue work. Don’t wait until an injury forces you to seek treatment. Go as often as you can afford—once or twice a month should be feasible for most people. As the saying goes, “You either pay now, or you pay later.” These treatments will not only speed up recovery and enhance performance but also significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Tomorrow, I’ll share the recipe for the ultimate restoration soup—a soup you lay in, not consume!
