90 Seconds to Muscle Pain Relief: The Fold and Hold Method. - book reviews

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 1992

Pain in the Neck? Hold That Thought

Head-to-toe pain--headaches, backaches, shin splints--may be relieved with drug-free, doctor-free treatment. Based on Dale L. Anderson, M.D.'s theory that muscle spasm is the No. 1 cause of pain, "fold and hold" releases muscle spasm with pressure point treatment.

To make treatment even simpler, at-home techniques are available in his book, 90 Seconds to Pain Relief (paperback, CompCare pubishers). "In 90 seconds a muscle forgets it was in spasm and won't go back into spasm immediately if held for that amount of time," says Anderson.

The "fold and hold" prescription for do-it-yourself pain relief requires the proper touch, according to Anderson. Poke the sensitive area of your body with your thumb. Dig your thumb into the tender spot, and fold your body or the surrounding muscle over it until the pain stops. Hold the fold position with continuous pressure for 90 seconds after the pain stops. Release the pressure slowly, and gradually return the muscle to its original position. Finally, stretch the muscle gently in the opposite direction of the fold.

90 Seconds To Pain Relief prescribes a variety of "fold and hold" techniques for specific pains including tendinitis, heel spurs, shin splints and lower back muscle spasms.