FAQ
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are microscopic knots in the individual muscle fibers that make up the tissue that is your muscles! When they gather up in one area, they can create pain locally or in other areas of the body through a phenomenon called 'referred pain.' In addition, loss of a certain amount of accessibility to a muscle with trigger points can create problems with other muscles, causing temporary loss of a joint's ability to move freely through range & local weakness that can become systemic. For more information, see the page entitled, "Resources" - neuroscience is dope!
What are trigger points caused by?
Trigger points are caused by a number of things. Overuse of a muscle, overload of a muscle, prolonged postures such as sitting at a desk a certain way or driving in the car, improper footwear, structural asymmetries, or incorrect body mechanics. For more information, see the page entitled, "Resources."
How do you release trigger points?
Muscle fibers are gradually released with the use of joint movement & compression, manual cross-fiber friction, specialized massage gun vibration, & EPS. Use of hands, feet, elbows, knees, & sometimes sit bones are the tools I use to work into the muscle! If you're interested in releasing your own trigger points, see the page entitled, "Self Care Vids."
Does trigger point therapy hurt?
Trigger point therapy shouldn't hurt. Like any good massage, the tissues should be warmed with broad compression before honing in on hard areas that contain trigger points. That being said, there is a certain amount of "therapeutic pain" that is necessary, but it should never cross the threshold of "too much to relax into." I am always aware of nonverbal cues, but I also check in with you during the session if I'm unsure what you're subjectively feeling.
Do you do traditional Thai?
No, I do a blended form of bodywork called Coaching the Body® created by the brilliant Chuck Duff, who found that using Eastern Thai yoga positions with specific pressure on trigger points & incorporating the use of neuroscience led to long-term results. Traditional Thai uses Thailand's spiritually-based sen (energy) lines. In comparison to traditional Thai, CTB® is clinical & has a very Western feel. I do not consider myself to be an energy-worker; I look at the body in a more functional way. Still, my practice is holistic, meaning I look at the body as a whole - one part affects the other; in addition, I understand the body to not only be affected by physical stressors, but also emotional & mental.
What should I wear to a Thai session?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing for movement of limbs & access to skin on legs, arms, neck, & shoulders.
How do I know if I need a Thai or table massage?
Both can be beneficial, depending on your needs & preferences. Table massage is great for post-workout soreness & relaxation, but also offers therapeutic release of trigger points; it is limited in terms of movement, space, & tools, with the exception of lubricants that allow gliding & kneading compressions. Thai is done on a floor mat that allows for more body positions & incredible access to deep glute/hip & adductor muscles, which are super important; they connect to your pelvis & affect your core stability & mobility big time! In the end, you can't really go wrong with either. If it's your first time, my general recommendation is go with Thai if your more urgent needs are in the lower half of the body or you have a very specific problem; go with table if you like the idea of your back being the main event, want to relax more, or have post-workout soreness! Please do not come in super sore for a Thai massage; you will not enjoy it.
Do you work on the entire body?
Every session is customized. Depending on your needs & preferences, I may work on a specific problem the majority of the time, or I may do a full-body massage. In terms of Thai, namely, I will likely make the session either a lower or upper body focus. For table, I tend towards full-body relaxation. This is because the Thai positions take more time & deeper layers of muscle are accessed, which cannot be rushed.
How many sessions will it take to get results?
This is totally variable. Factors such as personal goals, specific needs, frequency of initial sessions, & consistency of self care come into play here. After your first session, you will feel immediate relief, but how long that change lasts depends on what the underlying causes of pain might be & how extensive the problem is. Once I know what you're coming in with, I can give you a better estimate of how many sessions it may take to create lasting change. Keep in mind that releasing everything isn't always the answer, though I wish it was! Strengthening & lengthening is the other component of a healthy muscular system. I often recommend my clients to Pilates instructors, Gyrotonic® with myself, personal trainers, my mentors, & other specialized practitioners. Sometimes it takes an army!
Are your methods the best?
While I think highly of my work, absolutely not! In no way do I guarantee or even suggest that my methods are the best, most helpful, or superior to anyone else's practices. Bodywork is a very personal thing & finding a modality that resonates with you, let alone someone you feel you can trust is half the battle. As I say, I use the tools in my toolbox to achieve a desired outcome, but at a certain point, I often refer out because my expertise & methods are limited as well. Healing is a journey. I will be grateful to be a part of yours, in whatever form that takes. Although I am bias in the sense that I think everyone should experience Thai at least once in their lives; I have found it to be life-changing & just... well... one of life's gifts.
Can you tell me what the source of my pain is?
While I cannot diagnose a condition, as I am not a doctor, I can help you sort out possible underlying factors that play into your level of pain. Sometimes those reasons are more obvious (i.e. you fell), but oftentimes pain sneaks up on you, causing confusion of where it's coming from. Normally, pain is caused by a combination of things such as the ergonomics of your desk setup causing poor postural alignment, the repetition of lifting objects (or kids) with or without proper body mechanics which is causing overload on poorly conditioned muscles, the way you sleep, or doing an activity you enjoy that puts strain on your joints. There are so many reasons... our goal is to weed them out so you can feel empowered rather than reliant!
I have frozen shoulder! Can I do a session?
Yes! Absolutely. I work on frozen shoulders; this work can help so much for the improvement of this condition. The sooner you can get in, the better! The longer you wait, the more you risk this condition worsening.
My doctor told me I have
-itis. Can I receive bodywork?
Yes! Please come in. Any condition that ends in -itis is a symptom; not a diagnosis. Inflammation does not always mean injury. Nine times out of ten, you're going to find that whatever it was, goes away after doing this work.
Torn rotator cuff ??
Yup! You guessed it. Even this can be worked on & improved, if not fixed. Even if you've had imaging done & can visibly see there is a tendinous tear, the muscles themselves will have trigger points, causing more pain. Chances are the tear was caused by trigger points to begin with & the tendon became "frayed." Even if we do the work & the pain doesn't improve significantly or it doesn't fully go away, it's better to try than not at all. Above all, avoid shoulder surgery before trying other means. Surgeries are permanent & can cause more harm than good long-term. Better to exhaust all your options before resorting to knives. End soap box.
By the way, who are you & how do I know I can trust you?
Good question! I am a technically trained dancer from Indianapolis who moved to St. Louis in 2015, started out performing in a modern/ballet (contemporary) dance company, became certified in the GYROTONIC® Exercise Method, & in 2020 started my bodywork journey. I received my massage license in 2024 from A Gathering Place in O'Fallon, Missouri. The Coaching the Body® program took me two years to complete & technically was the start of my massage work. I am a motivated perpetual learner who loves helping people get out of pain and feel better. I hope you will give it & me a chance!
Wait! You didn't explain the Gyrotonic thing...
You're right! Gyrotonic® is a low-impact form of exercise focused on functional movement (think things you'd do in everyday life) through the use of weighted resistance on specialized equipment. If you've heard of Pilates, then you're in the right domain - just think of circles instead of lines. Hands-on, imagery/verbal cues, occasional demonstration, & props are used in addition to the special machine to create a sense of deep awareness in your body. This method is made to improve joint health, posture, stability & mobility of the joints, & core strength + connection. It has the potential to rehabilitate post-surgery & repattern your most intuitive neural pathways to prevent future injury. Conditioning your body is very important as an athlete or as an aging adult & this modality helps to elevate your health over time! Though it does take perseverance, it is excellent for keeping your body young so you can continue to do what you love for years to come.
Didn't answer your question? Please reach out to rachelm.brown90@gmail.com.
I will get back with you ASAP!