Do I "press and guess"?

Nope. I ask a lot of questions and formulate a few ideas of what could be happening. Then I seek to verify or rule out my hypotheses by watching how you move, and testing specific components of the nerves, muscles, and joints. Palpation is helpful but only provides part of the picture and can take years to develop expert skill.  

Do I do massage?

Nope. I use a variety of techniques to mobilize soft tissues but I combine it with many other manual techniques and as always, exercise. Clients sometimes really want a massage but I explain that sessions with me are better spent addressing what is contributing to the soreness or tightness and truly resolving it. Massage does have amazing benefits so I am always happy to collaborate with a massage therapist to maximize a client's recovery.

Do I teach everyone the same basic exercises?

Nope. The exercises themselves may sometimes be basic but the key is knowing when to prescribe them. I use my examination findings, and the client's goals and their current level of function to help me create a specific program and plan for every client. Exercise prescription is far more complicated than it seems and is influenced by a wide range of factors. Plus, like I often say, you need to master the basics first (and some of them are a lot harder than they look!)

(October 17 2020)