Sports Medicine Master System-Chapter 78 - 73: Why Do Muscles Cramp?

Nelson cradled Dudley’s massive feet, while the muscular Greg Davis struggled to hold down Dudley’s knee.

Treating a cramp on a 6-foot-11 giant was hard physical work.

After a good while, Dudley, grimacing in pain, finally waved his hand to signal that they could stop.

Chen Yu saw it too; his spasming calf muscle had relaxed.

Nelson wiped the sweat from his forehead, felt the calf muscle to check it one more time, then looked to Chen Yu first. "Chen, it’s not too serious. I recommend he sits this one out. He shouldn’t play tonight."

After he spoke, he looked over at Skiles.

Chen Yu didn’t rush to offer his opinion and also looked toward Skiles.

’It’s just a minor issue. If Skiles wants Dudley to play, then I’ll just have to treat it properly. Playing tonight won’t be a problem.’

Skiles sighed in resignation and nodded. "Let him sit this one out, then."

’He actually took the advice.’

So Chen Yu just went with the flow and nodded.

Chen Yu noticed, however, that when Nelson said Dudley would have to sit out the game, the guilt on the face of Charalidis, who had been standing awkwardly nearby, grew even more pronounced.

But with the language barrier, all he could do was fret.

The team had actually assigned him a translator.

After a moment of thought, Chen Yu walked over to Clifford Robinson.

’On the current Suns team, if you had to name a leader, it would most likely be Hardaway. After all, Hardaway was the biggest name. But every locker room also needed an experienced veteran who could command respect. Obviously, that was Robinson—35 years old and a former All-Star.’

Chen Yu wanted Robinson to talk to Charalidis and make him understand that Dudley’s cramp had nothing to do with him, to keep him from letting his imagination run wild.

’The kid’s all alone, having traveled thousands of miles to the United States to play ball, and he can’t even speak the language. I need to keep a close eye on his mental state going forward.’

But just as he was about to speak, Chen Yu frowned.

’Both black and white people can have strong body odor, especially after a workout when they’re drenched in sweat. The smell can be... something else. Lexi once told me that one of the things she loved about me was that I didn’t have any body odor; she said I smelled nice.’

Robinson’s odor was strong, too, but mixed in with the sour smell of sweat, Chen Yu caught an unusual scent.

’It’s weed.’

’I’m no stranger to the stuff. Whether in undergrad or med school, there were always people around who dabbled. Of course, I avoided it like the plague myself.’ 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Cliff."

Chen Yu patted Robinson’s arm. The guy’s nickname was Uncle Cliff.

"Go talk to Jack and tell him not to overthink it," Chen Yu said, gesturing toward Charalidis. "Look at him, he’s eaten up with guilt."

’I’m not going to make a scene about the weed just yet. But I can’t just ignore it. Ever since Stern became commissioner, his crusade against banned substances has been no joke.’

Robinson grunted in acknowledgment and headed over.

Dudley was helped to the side to rest, and the others resumed their activities.

Chen Yu pulled over a chair, called Byron over, and began to treat Dudley’s cramped muscle.

’He might be resting, but the muscle still needs treatment. And it’s a good chance to teach Byron a thing or two.’

"You should be very familiar with standard massage techniques." For a massage therapist, treating cramps ought to be a fundamental skill.

As he spoke, Chen Yu began to work on the muscle himself.

Dudley’s eyebrows shot up. "Chen," he said, puzzled, "your massage feels different from Byron’s."

Byron asked, confused, "What’s wrong with my massage?"

’It’s just massage. How different could it possibly be?’

Dudley had an expression of pure bliss on his face. He shook his head and said, "Your massages hurt. They hurt during, and they stay sore for a long time after, sometimes not fading until the next day. But Chen’s is different. It’s this subtle ache, kind of like combing your scalp—it hurts just a little, but it feels incredibly good. My whole body feels... Ooh, yeah, yeah, right there!"

Dudley gripped the chair tightly, his body arching as he let out a satisfied groan.

Byron, who was standing to the side, was completely stunned. ’What’s gotten into him? It’s just a massage. Anyone walking in would think he was... well, you know.’

Dudley let out a long, sharp exhale and pointed quickly at his calf. "Byron, see? That’s the difference! It’s so damn comfortable. It feels like the muscle just released all at once."

Byron squatted down, his eyes glued to Chen Yu’s hands.

’Is his technique different? It’s just muscle massage. There are only so many ways to do it. It’s not like you can perform magic tricks with it. Then it must be the force. Dudley said it was a slight ache, so maybe Chen Yu isn’t using much pressure. But just watching, I can’t see the secret to it.’

Chen Yu intended to teach him, so after a moment of thought, he started with a question. "Byron, tell me, why do muscles cramp?"

Byron answered immediately, "There are a number of reasons. For example, not warming up enough before exercise, or the body losing large amounts of water and electrolytes during strenuous activity."

Chen Yu shook his head. "I mean, what’s the deeper reason?"

Byron was stumped and shook his head, admitting he didn’t know.

"You must not have paid much attention in your medical theory classes back in school," Chen Yu said with a laugh.

Byron held a physical therapist’s license. While not easy to obtain, it was a far cry from a full-fledged rehabilitation physician’s license.

A rehabilitation physician’s license was comparable to a medical license; it was a specialization pursued after medical school, making one an actual doctor.

Byron smiled sheepishly and eagerly asked to be taught.