October 2025: Connecting the Dots: When Pain Is Just the Messenger

Welcome to 'The Vibrant Life' – a monthly newsletter where muscle health takes center stage, alongside movement, wellness, nutrition, and all the elements that contribute to a strong, vibrant you.

Connecting the Dots: When Pain Is Just the Messenger

Have you ever had pain that just wouldn’t quit, no matter what you tried?

I recently worked with a lifelong runner who had right Achilles pain that forced him to stop doing what he loved most. Despite his extensive experience with pacing, strength, cross-training, recovery, and everything else runners rely on, the pain persisted.

He’d tried it all—MRI, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, massage, stretching, ice, rest. He even switched to other workouts to give his tendon a break. But each time he attempted even a gentle run, the pain came back.

After four MAT sessions, he began adding short, light run/walks. But during his last visit, he mentioned the pain had returned after increasing to five miles.

Finding the Root Cause

During our assessment, I found several hidden imbalances:

• His hips were misaligned.

• His left heel was locked from an old surgery.

• His left shoulder was hiked—a subtle issue he’d noticed but never considered related.

As we worked through each area, the Achilles pain eased. Surprisingly, once we corrected the shoulder imbalance, the Achilles pain disappeared entirely.

Why the Source Isn’t Always the Pain

This was surprising at first, but once I explained how the body communicates and compensates, it clicked: the Achilles wasn’t the source—it was the messenger.

I could write a book of stories like this. The issue people feel isn’t usually the root cause—it’s often just the symptom. Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) help uncover those hidden links so we can address the real problem, not just chase the pain.

The Body’s Hidden Connections

Our bodies are remarkable—connected in ways we can’t always see. They’re constantly talking to us. Sometimes we just need to listen differently.

If you’re curious whether MAT could help you uncover the source of your pain, reach out with your questions—or book a session when it feels right.

New: 30-Minute Urgent Sessions

For existing clients experiencing a flare-up or a recent injury, I now offer focused 30-minute urgent sessions on Tuesdays. These are designed to provide short-term relief and guidance to help manage symptoms until your next full session.

Final Thought

If you’ve been chasing stubborn aches or nagging pain, maybe it’s time to look beyond the pain point. Sometimes the real issue is hiding elsewhere—and MAT can help uncover it.