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Chronic Pain as a Form of Trauma

By Devon Hornby, LMT, ABT

Chronic pain isn’t just about the original injury or condition—it’s often about the body’s adaptation to it.

Whether the cause was physical or emotional, our nervous systems respond to pain or threat by creating patterns of protection: tension, guarding, altered movement, or shutdown. Over time, these protective patterns can become fixed, even long after the original event has passed.

This is why chronic pain can linger for years—even after healing has technically occurred. The body is still behaving as if the danger or injury is present.

In this way, chronic pain is a form of trauma. It’s not the event itself that causes the lasting impact, but the way our system holds onto it.

The work of healing, then, is not just about treating tissue—it’s about gently unwinding these fixations and helping the body realize the threat is no longer here.

Through body-centered therapies like manual therapy, somatic education, and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, we create the conditions for the body to return to the present moment, where healing becomes possible.

When we listen to the body—not try to override it—we open a path to deep, sustainable relief.

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Quick, Lasting Relief from Pain—Without Weeks of Treatment

Manual Therapy That Gets You Moving Again
From Devon Hornby, LMT, ABT

When you’re in pain, you want real relief—fast.
My manual therapy sessions are designed to address both acute and chronic pain effectively, often helping clients return to their workouts, jobs, or daily activities after just one session.

With over 30 years of experience in Asian bodywork, shiatsu, and manual therapy, I work with precision and presence to release tension, reduce pain, and restore natural movement. Whether you’re recovering from injury or managing chronic discomfort, my hands-on approach goes beyond symptom relief to support real, lasting change.

Clients have described this work as “life-changing”—and quick to work.

“I have been going to Devon Hornby for Asian bodywork for more than 20 years, with consistently excellent results. He is unsurpassed in his dedication, skill, professionalism, and genuine interest in the wellbeing of his clients.”
— Kathy C.

Common issues I treat include:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Shoulder and hip tension
  • Workout-related injuries
  • Headaches & jaw pain (TMJ)
  • Sciatica and nerve pain
  • Postural strain and chronic stiffness

No weekly sessions. Just results.
If you’re ready to get back to what you love—without pain slowing you down—let’s work together.

👉 Book or learn more at devonhornby.com

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The Gentle Power of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)

Chronic pain and stress often go hand in hand, affecting both body and mind. As part of my ongoing training in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST), I’m offering BCST sessions—either as stand-alone treatments or integrated into your regular manual therapy. Unlike traditional bodywork that focuses on muscles and connective tissue, BCST works with the nervous system, helping to release deep-seated tension and restore balance from within.

Why Try BCST?

  • Deep Relaxation: Shifts your body out of “fight or flight” mode, creating space for true healing.
  • Pain & Tension Relief: Gently unwinds chronic pain patterns, including headaches, TMJ, and sciatica.
  • Emotional Release: Supports processing of stress, trauma, and emotional patterns that contribute to pain.
  • Enhances Your Current Therapy: Complements massage and manual therapy for deeper, longer-lasting relief.

Who Can Benefit?

If you experience:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Migraines & headaches
  • TMJ dysfunction
  • Sciatica & back pain
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Autoimmune-related pain
  • Stress-related tension or trauma

BCST may be the missing piece in your healing journey.

What to Expect

  • Gentle, light touch while fully clothed, often at the head, spine, or sacrum.
  • A deep sense of relaxation—some feel warmth, tingling, or emotional shifts.

Since I’m currently in training, I’m offering BCST sessions at a reduced rate and am also happy to incorporate it into your regular manual therapy sessions. If you’re curious, reach out and let’s explore how BCST can support your healing process!

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Understanding Trauma: Beyond the External Event

Trauma isn’t defined merely by the external event but by how our nervous system perceives and responds to it. According to Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald, trauma responses, including anxiety, are protective and adaptive mechanisms. They serve as signs of the human will to survive, even though they may cause distress. ​

Subtle Origins, Profound Impacts

Trauma can stem from experiences that might seem minor or go unnoticed. Emotional neglect, bullying, or financial instability are examples of subtle experiences that can lead to significant psychological effects. These experiences can result in long-term emotional and psychological scarring, often without the individual realizing the connection to their past. ​

The Body Remembers

Trauma’s impact isn’t confined to the mind; it often manifests physically. Chronic stress, muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue can be linked to past trauma. These physical symptoms are the body’s way of holding onto unprocessed emotional experiences. ​

Healing Through Awareness

Awareness serves as a foundational step in trauma recovery. By cultivating a conscious connection to our bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts, we can begin to process and integrate traumatic experiences. This mindful presence allows individuals to recognize and understand their responses, paving the way for healing.​

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathwork, have been shown to help individuals stay grounded in the present moment, reducing the overwhelming effects of trauma. These practices encourage a gentle observation of one’s internal experiences without judgment, fostering a sense of safety and self-compassion. ​

Additionally, somatic approaches, which focus on bodily awareness, can be instrumental in trauma healing. Techniques like body scans and movement therapies help individuals reconnect with their physical selves, releasing stored tension and promoting a sense of embodiment. 

Incorporating these awareness-based practices into daily life can empower individuals to navigate their healing journey with resilience and self-understanding. By acknowledging and honoring their experiences, they can move towards a state of integration and well-being.​

If you’re interested in exploring specific mindfulness or somatic techniques to support trauma recovery, check out my website, contact me, or book an appointment..

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How to Meditate for Beginners: Simple Instructions



1. Take a Comfortable Meditation Posture

For this practice it is best to sit on a chair or cushion. Find a seated posture that is simple and comfortable. Starting in a chair could be good, as this will minimize physical distractions as you’re beginning to meditate. If you wish to meditate sitting on a cushion make sure you are comfortable. Make sure your spine is straight, as this supports a settled and wakeful mind. Your eyes are open and your gaze is slightly downwards in a relaxed manner.

2. Mindfulness of Breathing

The next element is mindfulness of your breathing. This means to place simple attention on the sensation of each breath moving in and out of your body. This should be gentle. You don’t have to focus hard or “concentrate” on your breathing, the way you might concentrate to take a test. Instead of “concentration,” mindfulness is more like how we pay attention to riding a bike: we notice riding the bike in a simple way, while also having space for relaxation and appreciation of our body, mind, and environment.

3. Let Thoughts Arise Naturally

As you are sitting with a good posture and noticing your breathing, thoughts will arise continually in mind. You can simply let them come and go, without trying to push them away and also without engaging with them. For example, if you wonder what you’ll have for lunch, simply notice the thought—without trying to stop it, and also without going into a further visualization of the food you have at home, restaurants in the area, and so on. Simply let thoughts come and go, without trying to push them away and without engaging with them.

4. Return to the Breath When the Mind Wanders

This leads into one of the most important meditation tips for beginner practitioners: expect your mind to wander, and don’t be upset or discouraged when this happens. As you meditate, you will find that your mind starts to wander and you become distracted by thoughts. (An example would be noticing that your attention has been occupied by imagining the restaurants in the area.) This is completely normal! Simply notice when your mind has wandered, and gently bring your attention back to your breath. When you notice that your mind has wandered, gently bring your attention back to your breath. If you like, you can label each thought “thinking” as you return to your breath.

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Tai Chi, Mindful Movement, and Healing Trauma

Trauma affects both mind and body, often leading to chronic tension, emotional distress, and disconnection from oneself. Mindful movement, such as Tai Chi, offers a gentle yet powerful way to release stored trauma, restore balance, and cultivate well-being.

Mindful Movement and Trauma Recovery

Trauma can leave a lasting imprint on the nervous system, resulting in stress, hypervigilance, or dissociation. Tai Chi’s slow, intentional movements help regulate the nervous system, calm the mind, and enhance body awareness. By focusing on breath, posture, and fluid motion, practitioners release tension and develop a renewed sense of safety in their bodies.

Key Benefits for Trauma Healing

  • Regulates the Nervous System: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress.
  • Enhances Body Awareness: Encourages a deeper connection to bodily sensations and tension patterns.
  • Builds Emotional Resilience: Cultivates patience, focus, and emotional regulation.
  • Fosters Empowerment: Restores confidence and a sense of control over body and emotions.

Conclusion

Tai Chi and mindful movement provide a holistic approach to trauma healing. By integrating gentle motion, breath awareness, and mindfulness, these practices help individuals reconnect with their bodies, fostering resilience and lasting well-being.

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Mindfulness, Embodiment, and Healing: A Path to Wholeness

In today’s fast-paced world, many people find themselves disconnected from their bodies, overwhelmed by stress, and struggling with unresolved emotional pain. The practice of mindfulness and embodiment offers a powerful pathway to healing, providing individuals with the tools to cultivate awareness, reconnect with their bodies, and foster deeper well-being.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing conscious attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves observing thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations with openness and curiosity. Through mindfulness, individuals develop the ability to step out of habitual patterns of stress and reaction, gaining greater clarity and emotional balance.

Embodiment: The Missing Link in Healing

Embodiment is the practice of fully inhabiting one’s body, cultivating a deep awareness of physical sensations, movement, and energy. Many people live in a state of disconnection from their bodies due to trauma, stress, or societal conditioning. By engaging in embodiment practices such as breathwork, movement, and somatic awareness, individuals can begin to release stored tension, access deeper layers of emotional experience, and restore a sense of wholeness.

The Role of Embodiment in Healing

Healing is not just a mental or emotional process; it is also deeply rooted in the body. Physical and emotional trauma can become trapped within the nervous system, leading to chronic tension, pain, and emotional blockages. Embodiment practices help to unlock these patterns, allowing for a natural process of release and integration.

Some effective embodiment practices for healing include:

  • Breath Awareness: Conscious breathing techniques help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote emotional balance.
  • Somatic Movement: Gentle movement practices like yoga, tai chi, or dance encourage fluidity and reconnection with the body’s natural rhythms.
  • Body Scanning: Bringing awareness to different areas of the body to notice and release tension.
  • Grounding Exercises: Techniques that focus on feeling connected to the earth, fostering a sense of safety and stability.

Mindfulness and Embodiment as Empowerment

One of the most profound benefits of mindfulness and embodiment is the sense of empowerment they bring. When individuals develop a deep awareness of their internal experiences, they gain the ability to respond rather than react to life’s challenges. This self-awareness fosters resilience, emotional regulation, and a greater sense of control over one’s well-being.

Mindfulness and embodiment offer a holistic approach to healing, bridging the gap between mind and body. By cultivating present-moment awareness and reconnecting with the body’s wisdom, individuals can release stored trauma, reduce stress, and foster deep emotional and physical healing. In embracing these practices, we step into greater self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to live with authenticity and presence.