If your body can be injured quickly, it can recover quickly with the right tools.

Speed, simplicity and satisfaction are the benefits of Soft Tissue Release.

STR was developed by Stuart Taws in the 1980's exclusively for elite sprinters with the British Track Team and the Santa Monica Track Club.

Stuart continued to develop these techniques in pain clinics for chronic low back pain, whiplash injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and running injuries.

Based on the success of this technique, the largest HMO on the west coast recently employed Stuart to teach emergency room physicians the technique to deal with emergency situations of excruciating low back pain.

Local massage/sports therapist Dick Johnson decided to train in STR after becoming frustrated that he could only give temporary relief in some specific problems.

"I saw STR as the answer to the frustration, specifically with carpal tunnel and the way to more permanent relief,'' he explained. To date Mr. Johnson says he has had a 100 percent success rate with carpal tunnel injuries.

Long a problem for knitters, needle-workers and those doing repetitive task jobs like carpenters, musicians and assembly line workers, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common ailment of the computer age.

Far more widely spread than originally thought, people with the wrist pain and tell-tale tingling are estimated to be one in five workers. The pain is caused by swelling of the tendon sheathes, reducing the size of the tunnel and pinching off the nerve and all the blood vessels. Every time the wrist is flexed, the tunnel is reduced, resulting in pain.

The standard medical treatment for carpal tunnel is usually cortisone shots to control swelling, or in severe cases, surgery to enlarge the carpal tunnel opening.

The minimum cost for this type of treatment involving a full blown case is estimated at a minimum of $30,000. Taws claims that cortisone is as corrosive as battery acid if overused.

Johnson said STR treatments take about 20-30 minutes, which includes instruction on stretches to do at home. A follow up visit is scheduled two to three days later. He added that there should not be any need to see them again.

Mr. Johnson, who used to play rugby, says he entered into this field after his participation in sports lessened: "I feel in this way I can give something back for all the enjoyment I've had over the years.'' Johnson is the medic for the Premier Division club Devonshire Colts. He uses STR to treat his players and is able to get them playing again quicker. In 95 percent of hamstring injuries, Johnson says he was able to get players to resume training within ten days as opposed to six weeks with conventional treatment.

STR is not only helpful in treatment, but also in injury prevention. Johnson provides a work relief programme to his office clients which can help prevent work related problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome.

He explained a computer keyboard should always be at belly button height.

Placing it higher causes the wrists to bend upwards increasing the likelihood injury. Johnson also explained that the head can weigh anywhere from 10-12 pounds, the weight of a bowling ball.

If you are supporting this weight incorrectly for eight to 10 hours a day strain is sure to result.

For STR treatment or to learn how to prevent injury contact Dick Johnson at 292-5025.

For more information on this and other alternative health approaches, you can contact Camilla via email at natureschi y northrock.bm .