Sports Medicine Master System-Chapter 79 - 73: Why Cramps Happen (2)

Chen Yu said, "You should know that muscle fibers are composed of myofibrils, and it’s the contraction of these myofibrils that allows our muscles to contract. Myofibrils, in turn, are made up of many segments called sarcomeres, and each sarcomere contains thin and thick filaments."

At this, Byron had a sudden realization. "I remember now! The thick filaments are covered in myosin, and once it binds with the actin on the thin filaments, the sarcomere shortens, which causes the muscle to contract."

"Exactly," Chen Yu nodded. ’Looks like he did study this back in the day.’

Dudley, who was still in front of them, quietly perked up his ears, listening to the two discuss the cause of muscle cramps.

Chen Yu continued, "Then you should also know that the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells releases calcium ions, which is what allows the myosin and actin to bind. However, if the blood supply can’t keep up with the demands of the contracting muscle, the sarcoplasmic reticulum can’t reabsorb the calcium ions fast enough. When that happens, the myosin and actin stay locked together, resulting in a sustained contraction. In other words, a cramp."

Byron nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Chen Yu with a blank expression. He had no idea why Chen Yu was explaining all this. For a moment, he even felt the same sense of boredom he used to get in his old theory classes.

Chen Yu silently rolled his eyes. ’I’ve made it perfectly clear. How does he still not get it?’

"The blood vessels!"

Chen Yu prompted him, "When the muscles contract, they squeeze the blood vessels, impeding blood flow. Instead of just massaging the muscle, you should focus on restoring that blood flow. If you understand the body’s anatomy, you can push apart the constricted muscles and relieve pressure on the main blood vessels. That allows blood flow to return quickly, relaxing the muscle."

"And the acupoints I mentioned before? Pressing and stimulating them also improves blood circulation. That’s the principle behind how acupressure massage relaxes muscles."

Chen Yu then pointed out a few acupoints on the calf to Byron, such as Zusanli and Weizhong.

The reaction Dudley had just now was the feeling of relief that comes when a compressed and blocked blood vessel is suddenly cleared.

"Fuck, I get it now." It was as if Byron had reached enlightenment, his eyes wide. "Boss, you’re fucking incredible."

He’d always considered himself an expert, with years of study in physical therapy and massage and a wealth of hands-on experience, but he had never integrated theory with practice on this level.

But today, Chen Yu had thoroughly schooled him.

"Alright," Chen Yu said, patting Dudley and motioning for him to get up and move around a bit.

Dudley rose to his feet, still skeptical. He walked back and forth a few times and then said in disbelief, "Chen, my calf barely hurts anymore! This is incredible."

For professional athletes like them, who were in peak physical condition, cramps were rare. But when they did happen, they were far more severe than what an ordinary person would experience.

Even with a professional physical therapist, the mildest of cramps would usually require a full night’s rest before the pain subsided.

Yet Chen Yu had achieved this result with just a single session.

Chen Yu smiled and gestured for Dudley to keep walking around to loosen up his muscles.

The Eye of All-Seeing allowed him to be precise, and while his technique was good, the efficacy of the system’s massage therapy was also undeniable.

Seeing Byron still lost in thought, Chen Yu said, "I’ll find some time to teach all of you properly later. For now, head to the office area. You know that empty storage room next to my office? Find someone to give it a quick cleaning. I need to use it in a bit."

Byron agreed and obediently headed off.

Chen Yu then found Nelson and told him to inform all the players not to rush off after practice. They were to go to that storage room to have a chat with him.

Each player had a different training regimen, and some finished earlier than others, so it wouldn’t delay them for too long.

"Chat about what?" Nelson asked, clearly confused.

’A talk?’

’Isn’t that the head coach’s job?’

Besides, even the head coach rarely called players in for a talk. These were professional athletes. To put it bluntly, this was a job. The head coach was their superior, their boss. And unless there was a problem, what boss would ever idly call you in for a friendly chat?

The players themselves didn’t want to chat with the head coach either, because a "chat" never meant good news.

Nelson simply couldn’t imagine what Chen Yu, the head of the medical department, could possibly want to talk to the players about.

"Just a casual chat. Go on and let them know."

After saying this, Chen Yu left the practice court to find Brian.

Chen Yu couldn’t just ignore the matter with the weed.

This was a zero-tolerance issue. Robinson had to understand the gravity of the situation—it was serious enough to get him kicked off the team.

That was no exaggeration.

Never mind the league’s stance on the matter. Within the team itself, young players looked up to the veterans as role models. Some veterans led by example, while others would only be a bad influence.

Money, wealth, clubbing, cash, beautiful women... The temptations surrounding these players were endless. Without proper guidance, it was easy for things to go wrong.

Brian was on the phone. It sounded like he was talking to the media, trying to suppress the news about J Kidd’s domestic abuse incident.

The story had already broken; reporters from the morning news had been filming outside J Kidd’s villa.

It seemed the call didn’t go well, because Brian was clearly in a bad mood. He took a deep breath and first apologized to Chen Yu. "Chen, I’m sorry. You’ve just joined us, and with so much happening with the team, I haven’t had a chance to check in. How are things? Are you settling into the work environment okay? If there’s anything you’re not happy with, I’ll take care of it."

Chen Yu shook his head, indicating everything was fine, then said, "Brian, I’m afraid I have more bad news."

Brian started, his face paling with anxiety. "Is someone injured?"

"No, not that," Chen Yu said quickly.

’That’s a bit of an overreaction,’ Chen Yu thought. ’He’s probably just worn down by all the team’s injuries.’