My Journey to Understanding Chronic Pain and How You Can Break Free

My Journey to Understanding Chronic Pain and How You Can Break Free 

For many of us, when we experience pain in our bodies, it’s easy to assume there’s something wrong—either a mechanical issue, a medical condition, or an injury that needs treatment. And, for many, that assumption is accurate. In those cases, seeking out medical help as soon as possible is essential. It allows us to tap into the body’s natural healing abilities and get back to feeling like ourselves.

But what happens when you’re doing everything right—visiting specialists, following treatment plans, taking medications—and the pain persists, often getting worse over time?

This was my experience.

In 2009, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a condition that caused widespread pain throughout my body. Despite countless tests, treatments, and medications, no one could pinpoint a clear cause. I felt lost, frustrated, and defeated. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a different approach - one that addressed the mind-body connection - that I began to heal. 

I found a brain retraining programme which helped me reset my mind-body connection. This process empowered me to release the tension, trauma, and stress that I had unknowingly been holding onto. Through this, I fully recovered, and I’ve been pain-free ever since. This experience changed my life and led me to help others who are struggling with chronic pain.

Today, I work with clients who are facing the same frustrating cycle of pain that I once did. They’ve seen multiple doctors, and undergone various treatments, and still, the pain lingers. The common thread I’ve found in these cases is that many of my clients are holding onto past trauma, stress, and unresolved tension in their bodies. While this is never intentional, these emotional and psychological burdens can manifest physically in ways that feel like chronic pain or illness.

The Mind-Body Connection 

It’s essential to understand that the mind-body connection is far more powerful than we often realise. Our bodies are constantly responding to our thoughts, emotions, and past experiences—often in ways that are unconscious. Over time, these unresolved emotional experiences can create patterns of tension, stress, and discomfort in the body. What starts as a subtle discomfort can eventually become chronic pain if not addressed.

This is why I believe that the traditional approach of purely medical or mechanical solutions doesn’t always provide lasting relief for certain types of pain. Emerging research, supported by the work of figures like Dr. Gabor Maté, Bessel van der Kolk, Dr Bradley Nelson and Anthony William, shows that stress, trauma, and emotional experiences can be stored in the body. This leads to physical pain and illness that cannot always be traced back to an injury or medical condition.

What I’ve Learned and What I Now Offer to My Clients 

From my personal journey and through my work with others, I’ve learned that healing chronic pain often requires a shift in how we think about our bodies and our experiences. It’s not just about finding a quick fix, but rather understanding the deeper emotional and psychological factors that contribute to the pain. 

When I work with clients today, we focus on recognising the emotional and mental patterns that contribute to their pain. Through coaching, therapy, and specific techniques designed to release physical and emotional tension, we create space for healing to happen.

So far, every client I’ve worked with has experienced a reduction in pain, and many have seen their pain completely dissipate. It’s not a magic cure—it takes time, commitment, and the right support—but the results are profound.

Tools to Release Tension and Stress 

Once the pain starts to ease, the next challenge is learning how to maintain healing. It’s about developing an awareness of when we’re holding onto tension and stress and learning how to release it before it turns into physical pain again.

Here are a few simple techniques that can help you identify and release tension in your body:

1. Body Scan: Take a moment to check in with yourself. Close your eyes and mentally scan your body, noticing any areas of tension or discomfort. Often, we carry stress without even realising it until we pause to check-in. 

2. Breathing Exercises: Breathe in deeply, expanding your chest and belly. As you exhale, focus on releasing tension from your body. Try a longer out-breath to really let go of the stress.

3. Visualisation: Imagine a wave of light and calmness washing over you, gently carrying away the tension and stress from your body and mind. Picture it leaving your body, taking the heaviness with it.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release each muscle group, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. This helps identify areas where you’re holding tension and allows you to consciously relax those areas.

Next Steps for Healing 

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or tension and you’re ready to explore how the mind-body connection may be playing a role, I’m here to help. In addition to the techniques mentioned above, there are various resources available, including guided audios, videos, and coaching sessions to help you on your journey. 

A fabulous resource book is The Painful Truth by Monty Lyman.

For those who need further support, alternative therapies like cranial osteopathy, reiki, or acupuncture can also be helpful in releasing tension and supporting the healing process.

Pain is not something we choose to endure—it’s a signal from our bodies, asking us to listen. By understanding the deeper connections between our emotional well-being and our physical health, we can begin to release the tension we’ve been holding onto and open the door to lasting healing.

If you’re ready to start your healing journey, I’d love to connect with you and explore how we can work together to release what’s holding you back.