One of the most difficult things about chronic pain is that there is no break. The body continually sends signals to the brain that say “OW”, and there is no rest on a physical level. If your chronic pain is lasting days, weeks or even months, you need some help. And if your chronic pain is coming from an illness level, it’s important that you seek medical help. In addition to that, naturopathic and/or functional medicine can also be very helpful in supporting an overall maintenance or health recovery.
chronic pain
What I would like to talk about is twofold. The myofascial component of pain, and also how the mind reacts to pain.
Fascia-If there is inflammation in the body, it often affects the fascia as pain or dysfunction of some sort. In the reverse, if the fascial body is tight, disorganized or unhealthy, it can also cause pain patterns. Because fascia interacts with all the living things in your body, it is important to address any myofascial issues that contribute to your chronic pain. The problem is that most people have never even heard of fascia. So they go on medications and travel the traditional route looking for answers. Sometimes- the answers are there. Sometimes not. Mostly, in my practice I receive clients who have found no resolutions anywhere. So what do we do? We begin a dialogue between my hands and the person’s fascia. The body tells me where to go. Whether there are tight sheets, torques, pulls, resistance or whatever- we work there until the soft tissues start to melt and re-vigorate. I look for more hydration, flexibility, motion and general health in the fascia. When this happens, compression and dysfunctional patterns disappear, leaving more flow and energy to help self-correct the physical body. The body eventually begins to feel more space and alignment, and voila- you can breathe again.
The Mind- It plays a huge part in how we respond to physical pain. It is true, that as human beings, we can suffer with physical pain. But there are other things that can make pain worst. And usually, believe it or not- when we ignore our pain- the pattern usually gets worst. Ignoring our bodies does not create better health. One thing that is helpful to do to relax pain patterns is to do a breathing meditation, Breathing with awareness helps to bring motion back into the body. Motion is vitality. On top of that benefit, when we start to notice our thoughts, and beliefs, we become more empowered in understanding how our mind is organized. When we experience our bodies, with gentle awareness, pain often softens and can actually subside. As we question our unhealthy thinking, the mind expands, and so does the space inside of us. I know, that sometimes it is easier to resist the pain- but that really doesn’t help long-term. Take some time each day to find the silence in the moment, the places in your body that are feeling good, or ask for loving kindness to fill you up. The mind’s relationship to pain is important. If you want to feel better, it is crucial that you start to explore other conscious choices.
I have worked with people on the table for close to 30 years. Chronic Pain is not the easiest thing to shift. But with a holistic approach, I have seen people get better, and heal. Looking at the foods you eat, your exercise schedule, how you think and act, along with your meditation practice can truly help. Finding a person to journey with you and support you through modalities like SomatoEmotional Release can be life changing.
Remember, that chronic pain can be a lonely place. Don’t leave yourself in that position. Get some help because your life is important.
Looking for a Local Manual Therapist to fit your unique issues?
The Columbus area is rather large. So you can count on a drive to get the best services.I know there are some large Corporations with many locations that offer less expensive, newly licensed people for a monthly rate. It’s hard to compete with that as a solo therapist. But what you will often find with massage therapists who work on their own long-term, is that they have built their practice on experience and knowing the best tools to therapeutically help people to feel better. We are still in business to stay because we offer the opportunity for real change and wellness. There is no quick turnover until we find a better place to go.
And finding the best Maual Therapist for you is a big deal. Each person has their reasons for wanting massage. Perhaps it is a SPA fluff job. But many people who are suffering and in pain actually prefer to be touched with expertise and good body listening and contact skills. Nothing feels better than to know that familiar touch that knows how to release and support the body in its own healing process. Building trust and a positive relationship over time, brings more awareness, self- empowerment, and better optimal alignment for movement.
I have been doing Manual Therapy for close to 20 years. My work has evolved through many trainings and years of hands on application. I am not going to go into all the techniques I employ, but will say, that as a Massage Therapist, I find great value and benefit in getting to personally know and understand what you are looking for as the primary objective. And primary though myofascial therapy, craniosacral therapy- my intention is to work with you moment to moment through self-discovery, releasing, and helping you to meet your health goals.
Sharon Hartnett: Massage Therapist LMT
I have two locations: Primarily Johnstown, Ohio. And sometimes in Worthington.
If you are looking for therapeutic change, you have come to the right place!
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST-D, SI, BHSP, Hakomi Practitioner, SER Therapist
Today, I felt like writing an informal post about Hearts Meeting. A chat about how much I love my work. I am so fortunate that I get to wake up each day, loving my family, my home, and my interactions with life. It prepares me to be able to be in service in the work I chose. And I love working with people. Mostly because it opens my heart. And it opens other people’s hearts.
Hearts
In my work practice, I have clients come see me for a variety of reasons. Mostly people who are uncomfortable with something in life: their physical bodies, feelings, unclear thinking or relationships to the spiritual. I listen. I take in the story from a neutral place. And then I guide. My job is to facilitate the unfolding of my client’s own inner wisdom. For I am not actually the healer, but rather a facilitator of sorts. For over 25+ years, I have studied, worked and practiced healing techniques to help myself, those nearby whom I love, and my clients who want to connect with their Higher Purpose. People who want to feel at home in their bodies, their lives with heart and vitality. How I do that is by being Present with myself, my client and trusting the process of the energy dynamics. I center in my heart of hearts.
All of life has a stirring of energy. It lives throughout all of consciousness. I know this may sound a little far out for some. But I feel it in the presence of all living things. I feel it in myself, and especially when I connect from my heart to others. I may use energy healing, craniosacral therapy or Hakomi or such as tools, but what deeply matters is that we all are part of a sacred heart infinite web. Humanity is riding on just one small wave in the Universe, but everything is interconnected. We are interconnected. Yet we are also given this gift of discovering a sense of self. and while there may be many similarities between us, we each have a chance to write our own unique stories. In this, I find passion and heart. When I connect with my clients on the table, I love the brain and the body, but most of all-touching from my heart to another. It is so transformational and healing.
You don’t have to be a healer do this. We are all ordinary people, humble coming from the same Source. We all have the ability to heal the soul. It may appear otherwise, but the truth is that in the little things. we can make huge positive change. Choosing to love from your heart in any moment is a choice we can all make. Healing this planet, and all the people here is all about this and connecting to other hearts.
I finish now, with a heart full of gratitude for all my clients, as well as for the fullness in my life. And I wish you all the same.
As people age, the feet seem to get more and more neglected for many people. Except the women who treat themselves to pedicures often:) Yet think about how important our feet are. They move us about everywhere we go. If we have happy feet, it’s a lot easier to be happy people!
Feet
Foot care helps us to keep them healthy, and prevent pain and other foot issues.
Foot Care:
Beginning with hygiene, start by keeping your feet clean and dry. Towel them off well after a shower or bath, to prevent fungal infections. Also, by using a textured cloth, you can help promote good circulation and more efficient skin cell replacement.
Every now and then, after you finish with your cleansing routine, check your toe nails and skin, especially if you have diabetes. The feet can signal problems that can be seen by easy observation.
Soaks with a good scrub can be very comforting and refreshing to the feet. This can help to exfoliate.
Trim nails carefully. Ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable and lead to infection.
Choose well sized footwear. I have seen women come into my office whose feet are shaped like high heel shoes and in very odd shapes. Honestly. This is horrible for the feet as well as the posture.
Don’t share shoes or go barefoot in public places, especially shower. Dirty.
Stretch each foot with rollers, on steps, or 1/2 cylinders to help in the arches. When we walk, we are meant to have flexible feet.
Wiggle your toes and exercise your feet. I have noticed many seniors who have lost most of their awareness of their ankles and feet and can hardly move them.
Foot massage feels great. It can improve how you feel dramatically.
Don’t wait to long to see a physician if you have foot pain. It’s always better to be as proactive as possible when it comes to health.
People who come in for a Craniosacral Therapy Session are often looking for corrections to their bodies such as with balance, healthy motion and dialogue. What they often leave with is a sense pain relief, more freedom in movement, and a sense of better grounding.
What makes a session helpful to clients is that they feel like their concerns are heard and that their therapist can speak the same language verbally, but also with their presence and hands.
In my experience, for the best results, the therapist is listening from moment to moment as to what the body is saying. As a client, I can really feel the difference when I am touched as to the quality of connection. So when I work, and teach other therapists, I offer this teaching as one of the most important guide posts to providing a valuable session.
Once this criteria is met, techniques come into play that can help the body to self-correct in the most gentle way. With Craniosacral Therapy, the touch is so light, that it feels like a whisper on the skin that nourishes and promotes efficiency and wellness. This is why it is such a wonderful therapy for ages from infancy to working with seniors. Almost all people can receive this type of work easily.
A trained Craniosacral Therapist will check the motion of how the cerebrospinal fluid is moving through the Craniosacral System (CSS). What he or she will feel are the flexion and extension phases that are constantly providing information to the therapist about any restrictions or dysfunctional patterns in the system itself, or with fascia and other parts of the body.
Once the pattern expressions are presented, the therapist listens, follows, and encourages gentle changes to help with symmetry, amplitude, rate and quality. This can have a great impact on how the CSS functions. When the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) can flow freely, it allows the nerves to function more optimally. Without getting into too much detail, the clients often feel more balanced, at peace, and more centered after a session.
CST
I have been a Massage Therapist and Bodyworker for about 20 years. In the last 10 years, I have refocused much of my work into the field of Craniosacral Therapy, SomatoeEmotional Therapy, Brain Work and Visceral Manipulation because the effects are profound and yet the touch so tender and precise.
I have learned so much at the Upledger Institute because I value their contribution to the wellbeing of so many people across the globe. One man, Dr. John Upledger, explored into an unknown frontier and brought this science based medical work to hands on practitioners to bring health and joy back into individual lives. I have seen dramatic changes for people with chronic pain and energy issues, to people recovering well from TBI’s and concussions, back and and neck pain relief, fibromyalgia relief just to name a few conditions.
I don’t think that anyone can quite explain what a session is like. Yes, I could say that you come in fully clothed and you are touched this way or that. But hardly anyone expects how great they feel by the end of the session. This work goes beyond a gentle one hour treatment. Its reaches go deep into the cells along with the mind connection there. It simply is bliss. And the changes continue to happen for days, and often times longer.
As with most types of massage and bodywork, each client is unique. And each will have a different experience. One person may feel huge shifts the first time, and others- well it may take them some time to really relax. But most often they do, and people often discover new sources of tranquility, energy and a sense of Self.
So that is my take on Craniosacral Therapy at this point in my practice. I love the work. I love practicing it, and I love receiving it. It has helped me on so many levels: physically, emotionally, in my heart and with spirit. And I have been blessed to help others with it.
If you would like to learn more, or have some questions about Craniosacral Therapy, I do offer a free 15 telephone consult. I love to share this work, and hopefully I have educated and imparted an idea of how it can help you. I haven’t found one person yet who hasn’t found some benefit in CST.
About one year ago I quit the drive into Columbus, and opened up my Massage Practice in Johnstown, Ohio.
My hope was that I could serve the local area with work that will relieve pain, support optimal movement and flexibility and help people de-stress. I have loved working out on the farm, surrounding by fresh air, the sounds of farm animals, and in the community where I live. My practice is growing and I really enjoying helping people. This weekend, I am holding a free Craniosacral Therapy open class to those who want to learn the techniques to work on themselves and their partners. It’s important for me to share the benefits of the work that I find to be so helpful.
If you live in Johnstown, New Albany or closely, stop in to try a session of Craniosacral Therapy. It is gentle and can be applied to any age group. It focuses on relieving tension within the head and along the spine. What this means for you is that when your central nervous system and fascia is freed up to work it’s best, you’ll feel so much better and most likely happier. Clients have found the work to be relaxing, and have been surprised to have their pain symptoms clear up with these light touch techniques. We have a warm, clean and comfortable place for you to enjoy the work.
If you have tried other therapeutic approaches that don’t work, this may be the best route for you.
For more information on Craniosacral Therapy Massage, check the website: www.upledger.com You’ll learn that this work was developed by Dr. John Upledger, and has been taught to practitioners across the globe.
