University News
WIU to Host Japanese Judo Therapist
February 10, 2007
MACOMB, IL -- Judo Therapist and Kinesio Tape instructor Jun Hashio, who is visiting Western Illinois University from Japan Feb. 11-15, will present Kinesio Taping Therapeutic Techniques at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Brophy Hall 234.
According to Hashio, the presentation, which is open free to the public, will focus on the treatment of athletes through Judo therapy and Kinesio taping.
During his stay at Western, Hashio will observe athletic training classes and laboratory settings, as well as tour facilities in the kinesiology department, Beu Health Center and McDonough District Hospital's Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic.
Yasunobu Nakamura, WIU senior athletic training student, met Hashio last summer while working at Hashio's clinic in Japan. This working relationship led to Hashio's visit.
"Since Yasunobu is learning athletic training at WIU, I thought this was a great opportunity to observe athletic training in the U.S.," Hashio said. "Observing an advanced athletic training education program is going to be good motivation to improve myself as a therapist."
Self-improvement is an important aspect in Hashio's life.
"He always tries to improve his Kinesio tape techniques, the management of his clinic and his life," Nakamura said. "He never stops improving."
Hashio's first brush with a Judo Therapist, a healthcare provider certified by the Japanese government who utilizes therapeutic techniques, happened many years ago while skiing at a training camp.
"During the training camp, I was impressed by the massage techniques from a therapist," Hashio said.
After working as a computer engineer, Hashio decided to change his career as he wanted to be in a field where he could receive feedback from his clients in order to improve his techniques.
"I became very interested in becoming a therapist because they are evaluated directly by patients. I also wanted to take care of athletes like those who helped me while I was a skier," Hashio added.
He decided to become a Judo Therapist, as well as a licensed Kinesio instructor. In his therapy, stretchy rubber-made tape is used to help remove pain, swelling and bruises from his patients.
"I knew there were many Kineso tape treatment techniques, and I thought the quick therapeutic effect of Kinesio tape was going to be a great skill in athletic settings," Hashio said.
Nakamura will complete an internship with Hashio this summer. According to Renee Polubinsky, WIU athletic training education program director and internship coordinator, the internship experience is a valuable capstone opportunity for students.
"Having Mr. Hashio have such an interest in the education process of the athletic training students by coming to WIU's campus is really wonderful, " Polubinsky added. "We are delighted to have him visit our campus and the Macomb community."
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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