Tag: somatic healing

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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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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..