Shawn has an office in downtown Naperville and visits clients in their homes as well.

 

Shawn has been performing MAT for over five years and holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He has worked with clients ranging from six to 90. Many of his clients have chronic pain and have not found a solution, while others simply wish to start exercising but don’t know where to begin. Shawn is also certified in the Resistance Training Specialist Mastery program, the highest level of biomechanics and exercise mechanics training in the country. He brings a high level of compassion and patience to his work.

Credentials and Education:

• M.S. – Counseling Psychology
• MATCS – Muscle Activation Techniques Certified Specialist
• RTSM – Resistance Training Specialist – Mastery

 

Client Comments about Shawn:

"After trying everything under the sun, including chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture, I finally found Shawn and M.A.T. I was most impressed with the science behind the technique and Shawn's knowledge of the body. I highly recommend Shawn and M.A.T."
Kimberly Farah, Artistic Director of Moves Dance Studio

 

"From a young age, when I was involved in competitive gymnastics, to my current physical activity of running, pilates and yoga practice, I am familiar with injury and the aches and pains of daily living. Several years ago when I saw a chiropractor for the first time, he took x-rays of my back and asked if I had ever suffered a spinal fracture! My more recent back injury was severe enough to halt all physical activity and seek medical attention. At that time x-rays showed a stage 4 spondylolithesis of L4 and L5 and instablility in flexion and extension of my spine. It was suggested by Shawn True that I get an MRI and make an appointment to see a neurosurgeon. Seeking an alternative to surgery, I began work with Shawn using the M.A.T. technique of reactivating long-dormant muscles to provide a more stable foundation in my spine. I then followed up with Anna Albrecht and her unique application of Pilates to reinforce my muscles and increase my power and control. Having been through traditional physical therapy in the past, I had been frustrated with the lack of progress made in previous attempts to stabilize my back. I now realize that stabilization begins with the reactivation of muscles designed to do the job of stabilization, instead of just “strengthening” muscles arbitrarily where the already strong muscles get stronger and the weak stay weak. After working with MAT techniques for the past 5 months, a more recent set of x-rays showed the spondylolithesis at a stage of 1.5 and Dr. Shea (neurosurgeon) recommended no surgery at this time. While running may not be in my future, I am reintroducing lost activities that I love and enjoying a stable, pain-free back!"
Karen Koval

 

"I have known Shawn for many years as my massage therapist. While training for a marathon I began experiencing knee pain, Shawn recommended M.A.T. instead of massage. The science behind it made sense to me as my muscles were stressed and not working properly and thus my knee was taking the burden. After one session with Shawn and M.A.T., my knee pain went away. I continued to receive regular M.A.T. during my marathon training and remained pain and injury free till the end. I am a True believer now."
Moyra Gorski, R.N.

 

"Shawn has used his training in M.A.T. to help many of my patients. I have consistently seen great results after a short treatment program with M.A.T. Shawn has proven to be a great practitioner, and has intimate knowledge of human body biomechanics."
Dr. Brian Anderson DC, CCN

 

"As an Athletic Trainer I know how important it is to an athlete to get back on the field quickly. With only a few weeks to go before I ran a 5K race, I experienced an injury. Shawn helped me get back on the road, and I was able to run my race."
Jason Hall A.T.C.

 

"Shawn True spoke to the staff at the Personal Training studio where I train. The second I heard what he had to say, it made sense to me. I had been having nagging low back aching for months and with Shawn's consistent attention and expertise, I can say the ache has subsided. In addition, Shawn is kind, energetic, and possesses a high emotional intelligence. Feeling well, body and mind is very important to me and Shawn supports that for his clients."
Susan Newman C.P.T.

 

"I play Division I college soccer although after having ACL surgery on both my knees, I played in considerable pain. My mom told me about Shawn so I went to see him. This past fall was the first season in years that I have played pain free. Thanks, Shawn!"
Laura Murphy

 

"I was first diagnosed with hip bursitis 5 years ago. After physical therapy, I still encountered pain in both hips. When just walking became painful, I was referred to Shawn. I could tell a difference after the first session. Now I have more range of motion and walk without pain and I just see Shawn for tune-ups."
Julie Murphy

 

"Shawn and the MAT techniques helped our cross country program tremendously this fall. He helped our athletes understand their mechanics, explained the reason for injuries, and provided valuable treatment. We were able to sustain high level of training and competition. Shawn did a great job of following up and providing information even after treatments. This is a great addition to any athletic program!"
Mahesh Narayanan, Head Coach of North Central College Women's Cross Country Team

 

"I had a complex injury and went the doctor route and through physical therapy. But I kept complaining of nagging pain and the feeling that something just wasn't working right in my lower leg. The doctors looked at me like I was nuts and although my physical therapist was great, he was stumped too! I did my research and found MAT therapy. What an eye-opening experience! After my second visit I was convinced I had found my answers. And after only four visits, I turned the corner in my recovery and I'm doing things that I thought I might not ever do again! Go to Muscleactivation.com and read up. I'm practically a case study for them. Everything they say there is true about over working the good muscle in efforts to gain more strength (which is standard Physical therapy) but you have to make sure the entire muscle group/chain etc. is working or all is for naught! I can't believe how well it worked! Even if you have permanent nerve damage (like me), you can get tools to help you regain what you have left and my specialist even helped me with a scar tissue problem I had (which most probably can). MAT is definitely is the next generation for injury rehab."
Debbie Syler

 

"I compete in triathlons and mountain races and stay very healthy and for the most part, injury free. After competing in a mountain race in Alaska I had injured my quad and could not even bend my knee 90 degrees. I had no idea what I was going to do to help myself so I could continue training for my Half-Iron man that was coming up in a few weeks. Remember I could not even bend my knee 90 degrees and at the end of the ONE session I could bring my heel all the way to my butt without pain. Thanks to Shawn I was able to continue my training and completed my Half-Iron man finishing 6th in my age group! His expertise and expansive knowledge of the body and mechanics make me comfortable to refer clients of mine to him for help."
Stefanie Farris NSCA CSCS

 

"While training for the Boston Marathon, I had a nagging hamstring pain and significantly reduced flexibility on the left side of my body. I visited a Physical Therapist who diagnosed my symptoms as a common running problem that required simple strenthening exercise. I performed the exercises as suggested and did not see improvement. An active lifestyle is my livelihood and I knew that I couldn't continue with marathons and triathlons without repairing my injury. That's when I found Shawn True at Science Fitness. Within the first session Shawn was able to identify the root causes of my pain using M.A.T. We spent three, hour-long sessions strengthening the weak/injured areas and now I have my flexibility back and can run pain-free."
Adrienne Saeger - Triathlete