Julie Hanson’s Story
Tuesday, January 15th, 2008
While I was touring the country with “The Phantom of the Opera” I had the pleasure of meeting Dean Soupal in East Lansing. A week prior to our stop in East Lansing I had sprained my left ankle while dancing in the show. I had been through hours of physical therapy, and though my ankle was healing rather quickly, my left hamstring, calf, and other leg muscles were a mess from my overcompensating for my injured ankle. Working with Dean was incredible and drastically aided in my recovery. I had been to countless massage therapists across the country, but never experienced anything like Dean’s work! I felt like I had a brand new leg! Thanks to Dean for helping me get back on stage again!
- Julie Hanson, Christine Daae of “The Phantom of the Opera”
New York, New York
After some intense shoulder problems began to interfere with my job as a cardiac surgeon, I sought doctor’s advice and physical therapy - neither of these helped, however, and I found myself facing surgery. I heard about Dean through some friends, and decided to see him. Just one visit with Dean took care of my problem and saved me from a surgery which could have ended my career permanently.
An epidural anesthetic during emergency surgery left me paralyzed. Later I was diagnosed with a very painful condition called paraplesia. Top doctors in the state told me medication was the only thing that could be done for the pain, yet I found them ineffective. My psychologist suggested I see Dean. After the very first session, most of the burning subsided, and (with weekly sessions) in a short time I became pain free. Because I sit in a wheelchair, the muscles in my legs tighten and shorten. Dean’s technique stretches the muscles in a way they would normally if I were able to walk. I encourage anyone who is in pain and has no hope to speak with Dean.
I was feeling desperate. Every time I started making progress at the gym an old shoulder injury flared up. I would have to take time off and would lose all that I had gained. I’d come to the conclusion surgery was the only way I would attain my goals. A friend at the gym recommended Dean. I decided I had nothing to lose. I’m a dentist so shoulder surgery would dramatically impact my practice. After my second appointment with Dean my shoulder felt great and no longer effected my workouts. Other than diet and exercise I consider my appointment with Dean to be one of the most important things I do for my health. I’ve told Dean I think it’s unfortunate that what he does is called massage therapy because it is so much more. I think of what he does for me as surgery without the incision and dissection.
Dean is a true professional. His depth of understanding of the body and his training give him a unique ability to isolate a problem and cure it. Whenever I am in Michigan I go out of my way to make sure my trip includes a curing or a tune up session with Dean.
At the time of my shoulder injury, I was owner of eight Subway restaurants. I became unable to move my arm which greatly interfered with my ability to do my job well. After 8 years of therapy sessions which brought few results, I had a session with Dean. After just this one session with Dean I regained complete use of my arm. The myofascial technique brings recovery - Dean’s a miracle worker!
A congenital birth defect created structural problems which, over time, led to problems with the muscles in my back and legs. As pain literally prevented me from walking across a small room, I tearfully recalled the doctor’s words: “you may never get any better.” Eventually I met Dean and began to experience the freedom from daily pain his unique technique brings. Along with the treatment, Dean has helped me understand why, structurally, I experience different problems. I’ve never heard the words, “you’ll never get better” from Dean, and I know I walk today because of his special techniques. He is a gifted healer.