FAQ

Understanding Our Logo: The Neuromuscular Restoration Concept Our logo represents the fundamental philosophy behind our neuromuscular restoration approach. It visually captures the complex relationship between the brain, nervous system, and muscular function that forms the basis of our methodology. The Brain-Body Connection At the center of our logo is the representation of the brain as the command center of all physical function. This illustrates our understanding that the brain doesn't just send signals to the muscles, but exists in a continuous feedback loop with them. Every sensation, movement, and experience of pain involves this intricate communication network. The Interconnected Cog System The interlocking cog design symbolizes how these systems work together as a unified mechanism. When one part of the system malfunctions, it affects the entire operation—much like how a misaligned cog disrupts an entire machine. This represents our comprehensive approach that looks beyond isolated or local symptoms to discover and address root causes. Neuromuscular Rebaring Just as rebar provides the internal structure that strengthens concrete, our approach reinforces and restores the neuromuscular connections that provide structural integrity to human movement. The "rebaring" concept in our logo signifies our commitment to rebuilding these fundamental connections rather than simply masking symptoms. The Factory Reset Principle The logo embodies our core philosophy of returning the body to its optimal "factory settings." Through targeted assessment and precise neuromuscular feedback stimulation, we aim to recalibrate the communication pathways between brain and body that may have become disrupted by injury, compensation patterns, or chronic conditions. Beyond Symptom Treatment Unlike approaches that focus solely on the site of pain, our logo reflects our understanding that symptoms often appear in locations far from their root causes. The interconnected nature of the design highlights how we trace issues back through the unique history of your neuromuscular system to identify and address all variables that ultimately manifested as unwanted sensation or dysfunction. This visual representation captures the essence of our unique methodology—combining neurological assessment with muscular restoration to achieve comprehensive, lasting results that conventional approaches often miss.

We exist because too many people are underserved in muscle wellness - both by limited modalities and by narrow client focus. Narrow Client Focus First, many practitioners work primarily with athletes - the easiest population to serve due to their responsive nervous systems, successful ability to compensate, and high pain thresholds. Unfortunately few practitioners work primarily with clients that are low threshold, sensitive, or have multiple vulnerabilities, leaving these clients with fewer options for delicate neuromuscular care. Limited Modalities Second, if you are here, you've likely tried up to 7 or more modalities without lasting relief. When traditional methods fail it is typically due to a failure to comprehensively identify root causes, connect all relevant variables, and address the foundational issues. We specialize in complex and sensitive conditions that other practitioners may not be prepared to address. We also take a holistic approach to discover and address the true origins of your unwanted sensations rather than just managing symptoms with quick fix approaches. Brandon and Shannon are the founders of Austin Muscle Restoration. Brandon’s passion for muscular well-being started as far back as he can remember and eventually collided with Shannon’s health journey. The current iteration of AMR was born of the interaction of these stories. Read our story to understand why we created a business to serve these underserved clients.

Brandon’s Story: Limited Modalities The more Brandon progressed his career in the fitness industry, the more his frustration grew witnessing existing rehab methods repeatedly fail to help clients overcome pain and movement limitations, preventing them from not only achieving their fitness goals, but interfering in their everyday life functions. Fueled by this pain, Brandon invested over $100,000 in pursuit of education to find novel, cutting-edge science based strategies to address complex neurological conditions. He has accumulated nearly 20,000 hours of hands-on experience developing his own innovative approach, which he calls muscular restoration - the attempt to reset a client’s neuromuscular functioning to “factory settings” to any extent possible. His unique methodology evolved—and continues to evolve—from his relentless pursuit of better solutions for clients who have not found relief elsewhere.

Shannon's personal journey transformed AMR's mission. Shannon struggled with numerous autoimmune conditions, including fibromyalgia and systemic lupus, that eventually led to total disability and chronic unresolved pain. By 2014, the medical and body work communities had nothing left to offer, sentencing her to a probable death by 2020, prescribing nothing more than ongoing chemo, steroids and pain meds to manage her symptoms. Brandon, with a heart and mind for health restoration, helped her design a healing plan rooted in holistic lifestyle modifications and muscle restoration. Working with Brandon and Stephen, she restored her health, becoming symptom free by 2016! After a stage 3 cancer diagnosis and year long cancer treatment in 2018 left her starting rehabilitation from zero, again these approaches restored her to an active, pain-free life she enjoys today. Shannon’s experience was the catalyst that pivoted AMR’s focus to serve those with chronic illness and complex conditions—populations often overlooked and underserved by practitioners.

Our unique Muscle Restoration System is not based on one paradigm or certification. Rather, our MRS combines 40 years of experience across multiple scientific disciplines. We are muscle, joint, and biomechanics experts with mastery certifications in dozens of methodologies. We have also created our own unique muscle restoration techniques. You will not find other practitioners practicing exactly as we do. You will also find that we develop an individual plan for each client, so no two muscular systems are identical. Our Key Principles: 1.) No Pre-determined Protocols - We recognize that identical symptoms often have different root causes in different people. We customize a restoration plan to your unique presentation of objective, subjective and historical data. 2.) We Don't Directly Treat Pain - Pain is often a symptom, signaled by a feedback loop between the body and brain and strength of pain signaling does not exactly correlate with extent of mechanical or structural dysfunction. Additionally, a physical site of discomfort is often not the root cause of that discomfort. If you have been to multiple practitioners who are directly addressing the physical site of your discomfort, it may be that the site of your discomfort is not the area requiring intervention. Your body is made up of at least 650 muscles and each of those muscles have specific jobs. When one or more muscles stop working appropriately due to stress (mechanical, surgical, mental/emotional, chemical), your body may limit your movement or divert work elsewhere - what we call “compensation.” If this compensation pattern is chronic, the muscles picking up extra work start to fatigue or weaken and eventually ache or “ask your brain” to send pain signals in an effort to take a break. We can't test every muscle, but we can assess many of them including respiratory/breathing screenings, ocular/eye screenings, ear/auditory screenings, tongue/jaw screenings and pelvic floor screenings (not invasive). Our methodology is to discover your compensation patterns, and give your body physical feedback to reboot muscles that are “offline.” Once compensation ceases, fatigued muscles are able to relax and release tightness and stop pain signaling. 3.) Total System Assessment - We evaluate your entire muscular system, never assuming the painful area is the true source. Our thorough initial assessment reveals which muscles aren't "showing up for work.” The ankle sprain you had at 18-years-old? Yes, that may be the cause of your chronic neck and back pain at your age of 43. The concussion you had when you were 8 years old? Yes that may be the cause of your vertigo and left side weakness at your age of 68. Your frozen shoulder? Yes, it may be linked to mental/emotional stress. Your plantar fasciitis at age 37? Yes, it may be due to the whiplash injury you sustained at age 18. Your new shoes? Cause of your new back pain. Ditto your new pillow. Your medical botox? Yes, it paralyzed a muscle setting off a compensation pattern leading to migraine. And yes, these are all real client cases! 4.) History Matters - As you know from above, all muscle system stress —even from decades ago—such as ankle sprains, concussions, surgeries, and infections can cause today's problems. Do not leave any data out of your paperwork. In our experience, your oldest injury often sets the stage for your current issue. We connect these dots to solve your puzzle. 5.) Understanding Pain - Pain is your brain's warning system to protect your body. It may exist separately from physical or structural injury. We do not address medical or structural issues directly. Our role is to discover where you have lost appropriate output and give you body feedback to reinforce appropriate brain-body connection. By restoring appropriate neuromuscular functioning, your brain senses restoration of strength and stability and sends by messages to relax warning signals, such as pain and tightness. 6.) Specializing in Complexity - We excel at resolving muscular chaos from autoimmune conditions, concussions, surgeries, and traumatic injuries. Of course, bodies are complex and we may not be able to fully restore your functioning or turn off your pain, especially if you have significant trauma to your structure, nerves, etc. We will also pursue every avenue available to progress you as far as possible. 7.) Is the Process Painful? Our process is gentle and is not invasive and is not typically not painful. Shannon will explain the risks of the process after your evaluation if you continue to intervene.

The body is vastly complex. No human understands its complexity or we would be able to address all limitations. Add to this fact that every neuromuscular system has its own story to tell. Every system has a unique history of mechanical, biological, chemical, mental-emotional, and environmental stress. We cannot predict nor promise exact outcomes. We can only commit to examining every historical and current variable that we have identified that might be impacting your neuromuscular health and creating a comprehensive plan to address those variables. This is why we have such a comprehensive evaluation, and why we offer so many unique screens and tools. Read more about our evaluation, unique screens, and tools here.

We work with a wide variety of clients, typically between the ages of 12-90. We often work with entrepreneurs, CEOs, musicians, physicians, surgeons, veterinarians, attorneys, dentists, corporate executives, computer programmers, hair stylists, busy moms and dads, small business owners, dancers, artists, retirees, bodyworkers, performance artists, weekend warriors, retired professional athletes, and athletes in middle school, high school or college looking for scholarships or to play professional sports. What are the most common conditions we see? We specialize in the complex, catastrophic, and complicated. We commonly see clients with the following conditions: ACL Tear (we also evaluate athletes for ACL tear vulnerability) Antibiotic, Vaccine & Drug Reactions Autoimmune Disease Back or Neck Pain Balance and Instability Biohacking Neuromuscular Upgrade Requests Cancer and Post Cancer Complications Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Hand / Wrist Pain Catastrophic, Complex, Complicated Injury or Pain Chronic Inflammatory Conditions Chronic Pain Degenerative Disk Conditions Edema Ehlers-Danlos (EDS) and Hypermobility Fibromyalgia Frequently Fall or Turn Ankles Frozen Shoulder Hip Pain Inflammatory Joint Conditions Pre and Post Knee or Hip Replacement (pre-work improves recovery) Lupus Lyme Disease Migraine and Headache Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Muscle “Knots" and Tightness Muscle Atrophy Muscle Wasting or Weakness Nagging Pain Neck Pain Neuropathy or Nerve Pain (can be a result of inflamed muscles) Neuromas Ongoing pain or movement limits Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Overuse or Repetitive Injury (programmers, athletes, any repetitive movement) Parkinson's Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Personal Training Plantar Fasciitis Pregnancy Pain or Discomfort Pre and Post Pregnancy Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome Scoliosis Shoulder Impingement SI Joint or Tailbone Pain Sports Injury Sports Injury Prevention Sports Overuse & Repetitive Strain Sports Performance Stroke Structural Issues Surgical Injury and Recovery TBI or Concussion TMJ and Jaw Pain Traumatic Injury Unresolved Past Injury Vaccine & Drug Reaction

Many of our clients do not live in Austin! We offer individualized muscle restoration plans for clients all over the United States. Contact Shannon ASAP to discuss what a plan for you would look like!

We have a one of a kind wellness studio with tools that have been thoughtfully and methodically chosen for specific reasons. You will not find our mix of equipment anywhere else. In order to offer Austin a one-stop-muscle-shop for muscle health including muscle restoration, biohacking, balance work, performance advantage, personal training, post stroke exercise, and medial and corrective exercise, we created a studio with tools unique to every type of goal. As one example we invested in the full line of MedX CORE TRAINING equipment. MEDX Core Line with Lumbar Extension: The Game Changer for Your Back and Core Health, featured in the book Crooked Frustrated with traditional core exercises that aren't reducing your pain or improving performance? The MEDX Core Line may be the missing piece you've been seeking. As descendants of advanced medical rehabilitation equipment, MEDX machines truly isolate core muscles like no other exercise can. Clinical studies show they aid recovery from spinal surgeries, help prevent the need for surgery, and dramatically improve core muscle performance. Read about the scientifically proven benefits of the MedX machines in the meticulously researched book: CROOKED Outwitting the Back Pain Industry and Getting on the Road to Recovery by Cathryn Jakobson Ramin. What Makes MEDX Different? True Isolation: Locks your hips in a fixed position so only targeted muscles work Friction-Free Movement: Provides smooth, precise, and safe resistance Medically Validated: Backed by clinical research for rehabilitation outcomes Available at Austin Muscle Restoration: Lumbar Extension Trunk Rotation Trunk Flexion 4-Way Neck Restoration Leg Press Whether you're dealing with chronic back, hip, or neck pain, or want to enhance performance in golf, running, cycling, or tennis—MEDX offers precise, progressive strength development that conventional exercises simply cannot provide.

We've created Austin's comprehensive muscular wellness center, specializing in everything from complex rehabilitation to elite performance training. We believe muscular wellness requires lifelong maintenance, with resistance training being non-negotiable for longevity, bone health, and metabolic wellness. Our Comprehensive Services Muscle Restoration - Our signature specialty for anyone with pain, tightness, or chronic conditions, helping clients regain the ability to train their muscle systems. Medical & Corrective Exercise - Specialized training for those with ongoing medical conditions such as autoimmunity or stroke recovery. Core and Pelvic Floor Specialist - Complete MEDX equipment line and specialized training for these often overlooked areas. Neuromuscular Biohacking & Sports Performance - Preventative work addressing compensation patterns and performance optimization before injuries occur. Elite Personal Training - Best-in-class training with constant customization to your daily energy and movement capacity Health Coaching - Support for holistic wellbeing beyond just physical training. We offer 3x the range of muscle wellness services from isolated muscle restoration, integrated muscle restoration, and next-level personal training (ongoing training with continuous corrective exercise). We also offer specialized services for oculomotor issues, respiratory function, concussion recovery, pelvic floor rehabilitation, autoimmune conditions, stroke recovery, biomechanics, and injury prevention.

Brandon's Approach to Treatment "My goal is not to provide temporary relief repeatedly. That's a 'groundhog day' scenario I don't engage in. Instead, I aim to return your body to how it was meant to function, with benefits building over multiple sessions.” Most clients see meaningful improvement in movement and pain reduction in about 10 sessions. Typically, we recommend starting with weekly 60-minute sessions for 10 weeks, though some clients choose more frequent sessions initially for faster results. After the initial 10 weeks, we'll discuss next steps based on your progress and goals. Some clients need only those 10 sessions, while others with chronic or severe issues (autoimmunity, traumatic injury) may benefit from continuing weekly for several months to a year. We always consider your budget and availability when planning treatment frequency. What to Expect It's difficult to predict your specific treatment plan before your evaluation. Our clients range from those who achieve desired results in 1-3 sessions (returning annually for maintenance) to those with complex conditions requiring weekly sessions for a year or more. The average client comes weekly for 1-3 months before gradually extending time between sessions. We strive for transparency about the time and financial investment necessary, and find that clients who follow our recommendations achieve the best outcomes.

We've created a specialized space where everyone can experience the benefits of resistance training—an essential component of lifelong health and muscle maintenance. Who We Serve Those needing core and pelvic floor strengthening Weekend warriors avoiding injury or recovering from recurring injuries People intimidated by commercial gyms or previous training experiences Beginners concerned about judgment or lacking experience Those preferring privacy while working out Clients who prioritize feeling good over appearance-focused training People seeking alternatives to extreme or trendy workout environments Anyone wanting truly customized, personalized training Our Approach At our private personal training studio, you'll find certified muscle system specialists whose expertise extends far beyond standard training certifications. We offer specialized focus in biohacking, sports performance, injury prevention, stroke recovery, autoimmune disease management, chronic illness adaptation, and core restoration. You don't need to participate in our Muscle Restoration work to access personal training. We're simply a no-judgment, no-shame alternative wellness space where your workout is genuinely tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Brandon O'Connor - The Muscle Doc Is a BRO - kind of Don't be fooled by his initials, BRO (Brandon Robert O'Connor). While he loves cars and sports, he also loves to talk about pop culture, especially movies and TV shows! Obsessive Noodler Brandon obsesses over client outcomes. He will noodle extensively over difficult cases, signing off into "Brandonland" where he can think through every data point to connect dots and discover potential new insight and out-of-the-box approaches. Cat Daddy Really, he loves cats. He and Shannon have three rescues with their eye on a fourth. His cats are his kids so be sure to show him your cat photos! Bio Our "muscle doc" is dedicated to finding novel solutions to difficult problems, as his top belief is that no one should have to live in chronic pain if any solution is available. Brandon’s top value for to ensure that every client is heard and treated with compassion. As our neuromuscular specialist, he is one of the world's most experienced muscle specialists. You won't find more than half a dozen like him in the world. Brandon's always wanted to be a fitness professional, but became increasingly pained by watching clients with complicated conditions fail to find relief. Believing everyone must resistance train for optimal muscular, metabolic, bone and mental health, he embarked on a journey to find the most effective modalities to help clients continue to exercise, or simply live normal lives. When Brandon watched his wife Shannon decline into disability, first from Systemic Lupus/Fibromyalgia and then from advanced cancer, he pivoted his practice to serve the underserved - those with highly complex or compromised neuromuscular conditions. With more than 20 years and 20,000 muscle restoration client hours, if you are losing hope for recovery and tired of being passed off, Brandon is the partner for you. Specialties Expert in complex, catastrophic, chronic or complicated neuromuscular issues Experienced in looking beyond the obvious - has tools for noninvasive screens for spinal curvature, posture issues, respiratory compromise, pelvic floor dysfunction, oculomotor and vestibular dysfunction, concussion recovery, and more Expertise in repetitive injury which may include sports motions, typing or coding, driving, sitting, baby/toddler hip holding, lifting, and more Prefers partners who want to work with him as their partner in wholistic wellness and recovery.

Stephen Dansevich - The Sensei Loves a Latte Fueled by sugar-free vanilla lattes. Stephen believes coffee is divine nectar that cures almost anything—just don't serve it iced! Biomechanics Buff Resistance training scientist obsessed with exercise physics. To Stephen, proper form isn't just important—it's rocket science. Client Focused Specializes in precision-calibrated training, customizing every exercise to each client's unique needs and goals. Occasionally pauses for cat video breaks! Bio Our zen master who values fitness inclusivity, Stephen ensures everyone feels welcome without judgment. As our biomechanics black belt, he delivers world-class bespoke training for athletes seeking scholarships, weekend warriors, gym novices, and those with chronic conditions or stroke. With unique expertise in the most minute and precise function of joint mobility, Stephen's gentle joint practice passively encourages muscle contraction, ideal for neurological compromise, stroke recovery, post surgical and bone fracture recovery. Stephen's fitness journey began with personal struggles, including overtraining and anorexia. An empathetic trainer changed his life, inspiring his mission to help others develop healthy exercise habits. Trinity University graduate (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) with extensive professional certifications, including certifications as a muscle system specialist, a medical fitness specialist and medical corrective exercise specialist, a stroke recovery specialist, and a mastery certified resistance training specialist. Specialties Expert biomechanics and joint mobility specialist and elite personal trainer. Excels with clients needing precision focus—stroke recovery, balance issues, chronic illness. High school athletes learning scientific training principles. His teenage clients didn't nickname him "The Sensei" for nothing! Prefers partners who are commented to focus and consistency in training!

Melanie Echanique - The Motivator Sucker for Rainbows Former zoologist who brings scientific expertise and rainbow-bright energy to every session. Loves dog, birds - well, lots of things - and spreads joy naturally! Problem Solver Approaches each unique body with scientific curiosity and respect, uncovering personalized paths to recovery others might miss. Master Motivator Meets you exactly where you are and designs programs to help you meet your goals - bringing unwavering positivity to help you reconnect with activities that bring you joy! Bio Our science nerd with heart, Mel has more than a decade of personal training and group fitness expertise. She also brings her 17 years of experience in animal training and science education to her role. Her unusual background combined with her natural curiosity for how things work lends to a welcoming, energizing experience while fueling her ability to alter her approach to challenges as needed. Marathon running was a saving outlet for Mel after her personal journey through addiction recovery, gifting her with unique insight into the healing power of the mind-body connection. Mel has a genius for helping others find their own sense of freedom and mind-body connection through movement and exercise. Mel’s programs are designed to foster true mind-body connection. She treats clients like family, mapping achievable steps toward your goals with scientific precision and genuine compassion. Mel wants to hear your story. if you are looking for a mindfulness-based, science-backed approach to muscle restoration and fitness goals, Mel is the partner for you. From pre-natal care to postural correction to chronic pain management, Mel designs core-focused programs that create true mind-body connection. She treats clients like family, mapping achievable steps toward your goals with scientific precision and genuine compassion. Specialties Core-focused fitness programming Specialist in Pre/post-natal corrective exercise, postural alignment, corrective exercise and acute or chronic pain Mindful progression toward specific goals Perfect partner for those with specific goals, pelvic floor/core focus, and commitment to consistency and mindful movement

Book Worm Will recommend books mid-conversation and order your suggestions before you finish speaking. Olympic Softie True empath who communicates in GIFs and could medal in Olympic crying. CEO = Chief Empathy Officer. Loves Clients, Loves to Talk Limits studio time to prevent talking your ear off—she gets that excited about clients! Bio As Brandon's wife and business partner, Shannon handles everything from booking to billing. But she's not just running the business—she's living proof of its effectiveness! After battling six autoimmune diseases including Lupus and Fibromyalgia, plus Stage 3 cancer that left her disabled in 2014, Shannon personally experienced the transformative power of AMR's approach. This journey inspired AMR to specialize in the underserved - other clients like her - as well as inspired her to become a Radical Health Restoration Coach while managing AMR operations. Drawing on 25+ years as a psychologist, adjunct professor of psychology, corporate trainer, and currently certified health practitioner and life coach, Shannon brings deep expertise to both business operations and client support. Specialties AMR operations manager and primary client contact Certified life and Christian coach Certified autoimmune health practitioner

Yes! You may purchase an evaluation without a package. An evaluation with Brandon is $299 and an evaluation with Mel or Stephen is $199. To understand the value of our evaluation, please review FAQ. While we do not offer any intervention during your evaluation, we will provide you with valuable insights tying together the historical, subjective and objective variables that uncover potential root cause(s) of the issues you seek relief from. You will walk away with a physical copy of your objective body limitations that you may keep or share as you desire. You will also receive recommendations for interventions, even if you do not continue with us.

Yes, absolutely. We encourage partnership packages at a discount because the majority of our clients have complex or chronic conditions and we emphasize that restoration is a commitment and not a quick fix. We need time to serve our clients and enact our restoration plans without the pressure of a quick fix mentality. We do offer per session pricing. We do have clients that do not require intensive partnerships. Children, teens, young athletes and clients with acute or simple conditions may only require a few sessions. If we believe you do not need intensive restoration, we will recommend a custom pay per session plan for you. We have clients that simply need to experience the evaluation, and sometimes a few initial intervention sessions, without further commitment. We offer a price per session fee structure for these clients. Price per Session for Brandon Evaluation $299 Intervention Sessions $275 each Price per Session for Mel Evaluation $199 Intervention Sessions $150 each * For personal training, session pricing ranges from $100-$130/session. Subscription discounts are available. Price per Session for Stephen Evaluation $199 Intervention Sessions $150 each *For personal training and corrective exercise, session pricing ranges from $75-$150/session. Subscription discounts are available. We also offer further discounts for stroke survivors. Ask about pricing discounts at your free phone consultation.

We are not medical providers. We are practitioners of alternative wellness modalities. This means we are not legally able to contract with insurance companies. We accept cash, checks, credit cards and many types of HSA/FSA card plan payments. If you have insurance with alternative wellness benefits, or health savings funds, you may be able to file for reimbursement. We can provide you with paid invoices for our services for your personal reimbursement or tax purposes. We cannot provide any medical code or diagnostic information for legal reimbursement connected to lawsuits or insurance reimbursements. We can always provide you with verification of paid sessions by request.