The development of NFT began as I was finally able to process my dysfunction, which I took for normal. Wrong diagnosis was absolute mayhem. Failing at physical endeavors, migraines, stunted growth and constant pain in my feet, legs and back were the norm.
A diagnosis, at last
I was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus in 1974 at age seventeen. A blood sugar of 610 mg/dl blinded me, unable to walk and weighing 101 pounds. My classic symptoms — bleeding teeth, blurred and jumping vision, irritability, constant migraines, constipation, excessive sugar eating and excessive thirst — went undiscovered for 14 years. The neuropathy in my feet and legs was so bad that amputation was probable.
My grandmother’s doctor couldn’t find a thing wrong with me. I suggested a Glucose Tolerance Test that I remembered from a film in 6th grade science class. We put the blood on the test strip and he turned pale as a sheet: “Mable, get him to the hospital now.” The strip was black from the sugar in my blood. “Go, I will call and let them know you’re coming.”
Joslin Diabetes Clinic admitted me immediately, and so my journey began. I was lucky enough to have Allen P. Joslin as my physician, who taught me the particulars of insulin therapy until his retirement in 1976.
Martial arts and Northeastern
I became a student and instructor of Tae Kwon Do at Jae Hun Kim TKD from 1975 until 1979. Training was rigorous and most times grueling, with 14-hour workout days. Diabetes had ravaged my body to the point of no return, and after being put on insulin I had more problems. I became strong through that training with Master Jae Hun Kim, and received my 1st Degree Black Belt in 1978.
In 1979 I was asked to teach the Northeastern University Tae Kwon Do Club, and opened Dragon’s Lair TKD School in Codman Square, Dorchester. In 1981 Dr. Carl Christiansen gave me the position of Lecturer at the Boston-Bouvé School of Human Development, where I taught three HSLS courses — twelve classes a week — until 1992. That diverse community of students, faculty and staff propagated the development of NFT.
President Jack Curry would often observe my classes, which prompted many discussions. Professor Charles Meszoely became my student and propagated my interest in biology, anatomy and physiology. Athletic Training department heads Krekor (KoKo) Kassaban and Dr. Chad Starky became my biggest proponents as I worked with injured students, athletes and staff to get them back to their sports.
Olympic power lifter Les Sewall and NU strength coach Joel St. Cyr took me past the fear of power lifting to a 315 lb hang clean — my high-rep 2.5 lb workouts got me there quickly. The combination of weight training, my style of fascial stretching, martial arts and corrective exercise became Neurostretch / NeuroFascial Therapies, Dragon’s Edge, Wei Chi Meridian Theory and Torque Factor Nine.
East meets West
Dr. Steven Marcus and Kiku Miyazaki, founder of the Boston Shiatsu School, invited me to teach there from 2001 to 2003. I became her personal therapist after her hip replacements and loss of sensation in her back and legs. In 2003 I began teaching at the New England School of Acupuncture, then traveled to Thailand to study with Miyazaki’s classmate, Master Endo. The experience led me to believe that East and West needed a place to come together. I have found that in this structural connective therapy, TF9.
Athletes and performers
I was a nationally ranked martial artist at different times over four decades before ending my fighting career in 2005. My own athletic achievements guided me to work in sport performance and rehabilitation with professional and amateur athletes alike — including Green Bay Packer Sean Jones, Chris (Knuckles) Nylan of the Chicago Black Hawks, Billy (Whiteshoes) Johnson of the Atlanta Falcons, Boston College’s Derek Knight, elite marathoners Daniel Muhendi, Patti Catalano, Dave Klemik, Perry Moss and Said Ahmed, Joe Rogan, dancer Mariko Cantley and cyclists Don and Melissa Seib. In 1995 I was hired to manage the Reggie Lewis Center.
Neurostretch
NFT (Neurostretch) Torque Factor 9 combines flexion, extension and rotation of the trunk and limbs to connect with the corrective ability that is us. It is a sought-after modality with a very diverse population. The problem with this therapy is that I am the only person who does it — the only way to understand its effectiveness is to try it.
I look forward to helping those who wish to understand and solve chronic problems. Understanding how correction and connection lead to constant enhancement is the goal.
Neurostretch Dragon’s Edge — where you can figure out your strengths and your weaknesses, with safety and help you can rely on.
