Rolling with a Ma Roller

by Terry Burns
(Jasper, TN)

In 1980 I purchased a "Ma-roller". It is a piece of cylindrical rock maple about 3 inches in diameter at the ends. It tapers toward the center from each end. In the middle are two 2 inch knobs with a groove between them into which the spine fits. I have used it to release muscles and trgger points for a long time. I'll have to try the foam.
I also learned to give myself deep-tissue massage. I made a lot of friends applying it to them. Even with the massage and the roller, I had trouble releasing some muscles. They were chronic--I could never get them to relax. I surmised that they had forgotten how they were supposed to function and were carrying reaction to the trauma long after the event. I compared them to the Japanese soldiers on isolated islands who did not know WWII ended until 20 years later. Perusing the net, I came across a site entitled Up C spine. It describes chiropractors who specialize in the cervical spine. One of the illustrations delineated my problem: I had short-leg syndrome caused by misalignment of the atlas to the skull. I found a practitioner within 30 miles of my residence. He made an adjustment using the 'Atlas Orthogonal' machine. It felt as if he had moved nothing. By the time I was driving away, my lower back and leg began to relax. More blood flow, etc. It was as though communication was re-established. I was hit by a car when I was 6. I appeared just to have scrapes and bruises, and one area in the hairline that needed a few sutures. I believe this is when the atlas was knocked out of alignment. The nerves may have been pinched, causing chronic contraction in my left side: neck, shoulder, back, leg muscles. Now I am having success with relaxing and stretching.

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Feb 08, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good for You!
by: Elle Bieling, RN, RYT, HHP

What a great story, Terry! It is wonderful to hear how someone took their health as their own responsibility, and learned how to heal herself! I am sure your story will help to inspire others.

Most likely, since you use a hard, wooden roller, a foam roller will be too soft for you. If it took the deep, deep massage of the hard wood, you should follow your intuition to see if you can back up to something softer or not for maintenance of your new flexible spine!

Blessings to you on your journey!

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