From Pain to Possibility

In this episode, I'm offering guidance on how to transition from a 200-hour teacher training to therapeutic practices. I emphasize a return to clarity and authenticity rather than chasing dramatic breakthroughs. I discuss the nervous system's protective patterns and advocate for compassionate, precise movements to foster safety and transformation. The episode blends biomechanics, neuroscience, and presence, offering tools for deeper understanding and application of therapeutic yoga.

In this episode, I outline the transformative journey that yoga teachers go through, from their basic training to mastering advanced therapeutic practices. I introduce what I call the "second arc" of development, where I break down five stages that help enhance skills in biomechanics, nervous system awareness, and therapeutic problem-solving. I emphasize the importance of moving beyond a rigid, rules-based approach to teaching and instead adopting a more intuitive, collaborative style. I encourage teachers to hone their observational skills, adapt their practices, and embrace the complexities of teaching to create a supportive and empowering environment for both teachers and students.

In this episode, I'm speaking to fellow yoga teachers who might feel a bit stuck after their initial 200-hour training. These feelings of limitation can be frustrating, but they can be important milestones on our journey to becoming therapeutic yoga teachers. I break down this growth into five stages: Awareness, Assessment, Adaptation, Attunement, and Application. Each is a blend of technical skills and emotional growth, all aimed at helping us support students dealing with pain or movement issues more effectively. I truly believe in the power of embracing vulnerability and committing to lifelong learning. So, if you're looking to deepen your practice and make a bigger impact, I'm here to offer guidance and encouragement.

In this episode, I outline some effective yoga teaching strategies for students dealing with osteoporosis. I emphasize creating a safe and supportive environment, moving away from traditional alignment-focused methods toward a more intuitive, presence-based approach. I also highlight the importance of compassionate communication and how creating a grounding connection can make a big difference. My goal with this episode is to empower yoga teachers to help their students reconnect with their bodies and enhance their well-being while managing osteoporosis.

In this episode, I go into how osteoporosis can really affect both our physical health and how confident we feel in our bodies. I talk about why it's so important to build movement confidence and reconnect with ourselves, especially through yoga, to help us trust our bodies again. I introduce the idea of an "internal GPS," or the sensory motor loop that's key for our brain and body to communicate well. I share some practical tips to boost proprioception and interoception, clear up some common myths about osteoporosis, and talk about my "Yoga and Osteoporosis" program. My goal is to help you feel empowered to improve your bone health and overall well-being through mindful movement.

In this episode, I explore the deeper meanings behind those nagging symptoms like back pain and shoulder tightness. I stress how important it is to recognize and name the symptoms, understanding them as survival strategies instead of malfunctions. By fostering awareness and patience, I guide you to transform your pain into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This episode offers a compassionate approach to healing, urging you to shift your perspective to better connect with and support your body.

In this episode, I examine the complexities of the rotator cuff, challenging some common myths and stressing a holistic approach to shoulder health. Based on over 30 years' experience, I explain how shoulder pain often comes from compensatory patterns instead of just isolated muscle weakness. I touch upon the need to look at whole-body movement and how the nervous system plays a role in pain and coordination. Plus, I share details about an upcoming workshop designed to help both professionals and individuals enhance their movement patterns and ease shoulder pain

In this episode, I chat about how my programs empower yoga teachers, movement educators, and healthcare practitioners to effectively manage and reduce physical pain in their clients. I dive into the common challenges we face, like feeling stuck or unsure about helping clients with complex pain issues. I highlight the importance of understanding the nervous system and movement patterns, and share some amazing success stories from program graduates who have achieved remarkable results while inviting you to explore my transformative certification programs.

In this episode, I explore how our bodies talk to us through pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. I stress how crucial it is to pay attention to those subtle hints before they blow up into bigger problems. I introduce what I call the "cycle of endurance," where we often push through little discomforts, which can lead to more serious issues down the line. I encourage you to see these moments as chances for growth and to build a kind and understanding relationship with your body. By tuning into these signals, you can help your body heal and recover, turning pain into a journey of self-discovery and better health.

In this episode, I introduce the idea of "precision that lands" to help ease physical pain and how crucial it is to apply what we know in a way that our bodies can actually absorb, instead of just piling on more effort. I share stories from successful clients to show how getting a grip on body mechanics and clearing out interference can really make a difference. By zeroing in on spots like the glutes and shoulders, I encourage you to take a closer look and get to the root of the issues, promoting a more nuanced take on pain and movement.

In this episode, I advocate for a transformative approach to movement, focusing on the brain-body connection instead of just correcting techniques. I discuss how building awareness and connection can lead to lasting improvements in how we move and feel overall. I share some practical tips for teaching and practicing movement, emphasizing the importance of clear cues, hands-on guidance, and meaningful exercises. I encourage you to rethink how you approach movement, focusing on connection rather than perfection, to help reduce pain and improve your relationship with your body. Link to this episode:  https://functionalsynergy.com/beyond-correcting-movement-307/

In this episode, I explain the many roles of the glutes beyond just strength and power and discuss how the glutes connect with the nervous system, highlighting why safety and stability are so crucial. I introduce ideas like "danger in me signals" (dims) and "safety in me signals" (sims) to show how our nervous system impacts glute activation. Finally, I talk about my upcoming program, "Power of the Glutes," along with my therapeutic yoga and yoga therapy certification programs. Link to episode: https://functionalsynergy.com/glutes-more-than-strength-306/

In this episode, I explore the idea of "unlearning versus retraining" to help manage and reduce physical pain. I talk about neuroplasticity and motor control, sharing my own journey of overcoming chronic pain by retraining my movement patterns. I explain how the nervous system replaces old habits instead of erasing them, and I advocate for making gradual, pain-free movement adjustments. I also offer practical steps to reinforce better movement patterns, helping to build an understanding of how to alleviate pain and improve functionality.

In this episode, I discuss how yoga rehab and functional movement can help ease physical pain, with a focus on understanding movement patterns rather than sticking to traditional alignment cues. I chat about the usual hurdles yoga teachers and therapists face and advocate a more dynamic approach to asana, shining a light on how important the nervous system is in movement. I'm all about boosting proprioceptive awareness and encouraging movement variability, and I share some practical tips to help reduce pain and improve functional movement.   Episode Link: https://functionalsynergy.com/bridging-yoga-with-rehab-pt-functional-movement-304/

In this episode, I talk about my three-month series for private one-on-one clients, sharing how it's structured and the benefits it brings. After my maternity leave, I moved away from one-off sessions and realized how crucial it is for clients to commit and follow a structured plan for real healing. This episode is packed with insights on how dedicated, personalized care can lead to lasting pain relief and better overall well-being.   Link to episode: https://functionalsynergy.com/the-3-month-series-303/

In this episode, I begin a new series where we'll explore various strategies to help both clients and practitioners address and overcome pain. I'm drawing from my own experiences and I want to inspire you to see that managing pain doesn't have to be complicated—it can actually be pretty straightforward and totally doable if you know what approach to take.   Episode Link:  https://functionalsynergy.com/everyday-wins-the-tangible-side-of-nervous-system-magic-302/

In this episode, I dive into the idea of "seeing the matrix," which is all about understanding the complex layers of how we move, experience pain, and heal. I focus on noticing how our bodies compensate when something isn't quite right. I use the biopsychosocial model to look at physical, emotional, and psychological health. I introduce three main tools: the Metric of Movement, the Client Commitment Blueprint, and the Body Sensing Mapping Tool. These tools are designed to help both professionals and patients on their healing paths. I encourage taking a holistic approach, building stronger connections with our bodies, and aiming for a future of better well-being. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:  https://functionalsynergy.com/seeing-the-matrix-why-pain-isnt-the-problem-its-the-clue-301/

In this episode, I explore the journey to becoming a certified yoga therapist, focusing on alleviating physical pain. With over two decades of experience, I emphasize the importance of building a healing relationship with clients. I outline a structured, four-step approach to pain relief: establishing a supportive connection, addressing brain-body communication, refining movement, and strengthening functional capabilities. This episode is particularly valuable for yoga teachers, massage therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists interested in integrating therapeutic yoga techniques into their practices for more effective pain management and recovery.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:  https://functionalsynergy.com/4-steps-to-becoming-a-certified-yoga-therapy-pain-relief-expert-300/

In this episode, I introduce the Functional Synergy Toolkit, a set of 16 concepts and tools designed to revolutionize pain management and healing. I emphasize the importance of a relational approach, where trust and understanding between the practitioner and client are paramount.  Key tools I discuss include the Healing Helix, Client Commitment Blueprint, and Body Signals Mapping. These tools help clients tune into their bodies and foster a compassionate, integrative healing journey. I invite listeners to explore these concepts further and join my Therapeutic Yoga Intensive for a deeper understanding. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/299

Is healing pain really as complex as it's often made out to be? While the current drumbeat in the rehabilitation world is that pain is complex, that statement often leads to a lot of resignation for many professionals, which trickles down to clients.       Yes, there are layers and work to do, but is it actually complex? I don't think so. When I help someone sense into themselves and into their own rhythm, remarkable change is possible.      Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/298

Have you ever felt stuck on your journey as a yoga therapist? Do you find yourself second-guessing your skills or looking for answers outside of yourself? In this episode, we explore the evolution of the yoga therapist and the key phases of growth from doubt to mastery.     Join me as I share my insights from 30 years of experience in helping people reduce and eradicate pain. Discover the three key phases of growth that every yoga therapist goes through, and learn practical strategies to move from uncertainty to mastery.      Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/297

Do you believe that pain management is the only option for dealing with chronic pain? What if I told you that it's possible to reduce or even eliminate pain entirely? In this episode, I challenge the mainstream narrative around pain and offer a new perspective.     Join me as I unpack why solely managing pain may be limiting, and how tuning into our bodies and nervous systems can create profound shifts. By the end of this episode, you'll have a new framework for understanding pain and practical tools to start exploring a pain-free life.     Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/296

It's a pleasure to welcome back to the podcast Claire MacEachen, a graduate of my IAYT-accredited yoga therapy program and an accomplished yoga teacher. Today, she is sharing her journey to becoming a healer.   Tune in to learn how Claire evolved to become a confident health professional. She's also sharing how she forms healing connections with her clients and the ways in which she provides them with movement awareness.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/295

As part of my mini-series, Safety in Selling, today's episode features a Yoga Nidra practice designed to help you achieve self-regulation and reconnect with your body. But there's a twist: this practice is business-focused.   Find a safe place to settle in as I guide you, step by step, through this 20-minute Yoga Nidra practice to help you relax and down-regulate your system. This includes setting an intention for your business and using the method of opposites to explore your thoughts and feelings about it.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/294  

Today, I'm talking about imposter syndrome and the bundle of thoughts and beliefs that come with it, hindering your ability to sell yourself in a calm, steady manner. Fear and doubt are the biggest culprits—pushing you into a sympathetic fight-or-flight response when leaving your comfort zone.   Listen in as I share actions you can take outside of my program to support the sales process and move forward with a down-regulated nervous system. This includes simple steps, such as practicing non-sales conversations and engaging with others to build connections.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/293

In the next part of my mini-series, Safety in Selling, I'm speaking with two previous guests of the From Pain to Possibility podcast, Nona Jordan and Karin Rossi—current members of my certification final module. And you guessed it: we're talking about getting comfortable with selling.   As both Nona and Karin share, increasing and refining your technical skills is always the first step in the sales process.    We're also exploring how my concept of pain-free range of motion can be applied to selling. The idea is to start small and take incremental steps to offer your services to more patients.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/292

Today's episode is especially powerful because it includes a special guest: Lory Newmyer. She's here to share her experience in selling—and doing so by calming her nervous system.   We begin our conversation by discussing Lory's unique background and her decision (and discomfort) in transitioning from a free yoga teacher to a paid yoga therapist. Lory shares how she shifted her mindset from selling a product to providing others an opportunity to invest in their well-being.   Tune in to hear Lory open up about her ability to calm her nervous system—a skill she learned as a teacher—and how she has used that state to sell herself comfortably.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/291

Welcome to part two of my mini-series, Safety in Selling, designed for health professionals who want to seamlessly integrate yoga into their practices while embracing a sales process that feels aligned and authentic.   Tune in and learn what it means to create a sales process that feels safe, empowering, and confident—not by “chasing the yes,” but by understanding and grounding yourself in the thoughts and emotions that arise. You'll discover how to embody safety while guiding clients to say yes naturally.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/290

Today, I'm tackling a different topic—one that many health professionals may find somewhat uncomfortable: selling. But here's the thing: whether you like it or not, in order to garner clients, you have to go through a sales process.   To help, I'm launching a new mini-series designed to help you sell your service of supporting people in reducing and eradicating physical pain. Listen in to hear why, now more than ever, people need the ability to down-regulate their systems and how you can help them by effectively showcasing your professional abilities.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/289

In this episode, I'm welcoming back Austin Chason, a graduate of my IAYT-accredited yoga therapy program. Austin is sharing how he has continued using yoga to support his mental health and how we can all broaden our perspectives on healing.   Tune in to discover how we can help clients become more mindful of the stimuli they're exposed to and explore the benefits of creating stability to avoid overwhelming the nervous system. This episode is packed with insights to help you and your clients build a stronger foundation of resilience and resources.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/288

This episode is short and simple, designed to connect you to your body and breath. Tune in to bring awareness to nearly every part of your body while simultaneously embracing a simple intention, or sankalpa. Even more than that, you'll see how that intention resonates within you before enjoying the rest of your day feeling renewed and refreshed.   Find a safe and quiet place where you can sit or lie down as I guide you, step by step, through this 20-minute body scan and breath awareness practice to down-regulate your nervous system.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/287

Today's episode is the second and final part of my Neck Relief Toolkit, where I share the two key compensatory patterns I most often see in clients with neck pain. Even if you're not a health professional, I guarantee that understanding these will improve your rehab journey.     Listen in to hear how simply bringing awareness of these two patterns to your clients can help them change how their tissue functions, regardless of age. I'll also provide detailed examples of how to do just that (even over video calls), along with ways to calmly and compassionately help clients cultivate their own curiosity.     Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/286

Welcome to part one of my two-part series on reducing and eradicating neck pain. In today's episode, I explore two essential tools to add to your toolkit when treating clients with neck issues.     Listen in as I break these tools down to their foundational core so you can immediately implement them in your practice. I'll also share why I don't name muscles when asking a patient to display movement patterns and why I often start with leg movements when treating a patient's neck pain.     Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/285

Today's episode is extra special because I'm sharing yet another one of my trademark tools, which is especially effective in helping people reduce and eradicate physical pain. This tool is called the Success Matrix, and it's essential for bringing awareness to your clients and treating the root cause of pain—rather than just the surface-level symptoms.      Tune in to learn how the Success Matrix helps patients understand their own anatomy and biomechanics so they can become active participants in their rehab while also empowering them to make incremental gains. It's a nurturing process that will help you build a healing relationship with clients.     Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/284

Do you ever stop and really feel what's going on inside your body? Developing a deep, intimate connection with your inner physical experience is the essence of interoception, and it holds immense power for reducing and even eradicating pain.     Tune in this week as I dive deep into the concept of interoception and share practical examples of how I help my clients develop this crucial skill. You'll learn why interoception is the foundation for becoming your own body whisperer, and how it can lead to breakthroughs in pain relief and physical performance.     Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/283

Today, I'm excited to dig into three key questions I ask when working with clients and observing their movements. These questions are fundamental to how I help people reconnect with their bodies, reduce compensatory patterns, and embody the feeling of well-being.     Tune in to discover the power behind these simple yet effective questions, along with specific examples of how to use them to help clients enhance neuromuscular patterning and achieve significant progress.     Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/282

Today, I'm excited to address something that many teachers and health professionals tell me they struggle with: getting their clients to follow their rehabilitation programs. Since I haven't had a noncompliant patient in more than 20 years, I'm proud to share my insights.     Tune in to this episode as I offer my keys to helping clients engage in their programs, including cultivating a "power with" relationship (as opposed to "power over") that empowers them to pursue their rehabilitation goals while making significant progress.     Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/281

Today, I'm joined by two inspiring soon-to-be graduates from my IAYT-accredited yoga therapy program: Linda Spalding and Diane Stanton. Both chose to pursue their certifications later in life and are now successfully connecting with like-minded, similarly aged clients.     Join us for their uplifting stories, as they share the key elements they're currently focused on in their practice—from the vocabulary of movement to healing dialogue, and even adding playful elements to keep sessions youthful. Their message is clear: it's never too late to pursue what you love.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/280

Do you or someone you know struggle with migraines? Have you tried countless remedies, yet still find no lasting relief? Imagine being able to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines without relying entirely on medication.   In this episode, I'm joined by Maria Hykin, a yoga therapist trainee with firsthand experience in battling migraines. Maria shares her transformative journey, discovering a unique approach rooted in therapeutic yoga that goes beyond simply addressing the pain.    Tune in as Maria provides practical tips and powerful insights for anyone seeking migraine relief and a better quality of life.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/279

Today, I'm excited to be joined by Lesley Ann Wernsdorfer, who graduated from my IAYT-accredited yoga therapy program in October 2022. Lesley Ann is sharing her incredible story, including the crossroads she faced during the pandemic and how my teachings resonated with her deeply from the beginning.      Listen in to our conversation as we discuss the distinction between pain management and eradication, guiding clients on their movements, uncovering their limitations, and coping mechanisms. We also talk about the relationship between skin and pure movement—a topic you won't want to miss.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/278

Today is a very special episode as I welcome Laurie-Anne Lemothe back to the podcast. A current trainee and soon-to-be graduate of my yoga therapy accredited by IAYT program, she is here to share her experiences working with neurodivergent clientele.     Listen in to hear Laurie-Anne describe the role of environmental stimuli—including the health professional—when treating a neurodivergent client, the success she's had with her most recent patient, and how she's used teachings from the IAYT program in her practice.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/277

Continuing my mini-series on reducing and eradicating physical pain, today I'm talking about core stability. It's a topic I've addressed in previous episodes, but I think you'll be surprised to hear how I'm discussing it here.     In this episode, I'm sharing how, whether in your own healing journey or when helping clients, that wired alertness may be impeding rehabilitation. Find out why hypervigilance has this impact and how core stabilization can ease your mental and emotional state so you can heal.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/276

As I continue my mini-series on reducing and eradicating pain, today I'm exploring how stillness and quiet can be highly effective in our healing journeys. These quiet moments are deliberately restful pauses that we can strategically incorporate into our day or week, allowing us to connect with our bodies.    Tune in as I discuss the many benefits of these still moments, including reduced cortisol levels, improved brain function, lower blood pressure, and more. I'll also share how to achieve these quiet states so you can access them whenever you need.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/275

A key component of Western medicine is standardization, and when trying to standardize the intangible—like a patient's pain—it becomes much harder to navigate. That's why I've developed the gradient scale, which bridges left- and right-brain function with body experience.     Listen in to learn why this tool is so successful at reducing and eradicating pain, as it allows people to make embodied connections. In this calm, connected state, clients are more able to recognize novel insights, which are important and significant for the healing process.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/274

In today's episode, we delve into the art of becoming comfortable with the intangible aspects of pain, which often lacks obvious physical causes. I'll be sharing my proven process for treating clients and guiding them on their journey to pain relief.     Tune in to learn about these four key concepts, including throwing out the traditional pain scale and instead honoring a person's subjective experience through active listening. I'll also be exploring the actual work of rehab, which isn't about increasing sets and reps.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/273

Continuing my conversations with trainees and graduates from my Therapeutic Yoga Intensive, today I'm speaking with Lisa Workman, a kinesiologist and yoga therapist who, in just one year, has built a thriving business.     Listen in as Lisa discusses in-depth her pursuit of professional autonomy, including what is required to overcome the fear of “jumping ship,” how to build self-confidence, as well as the technical side of building a successful yoga therapy business.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/272

Today, I'm talking about a concept that is key to reducing and eradicating pain. It's so powerful that it's often one of the first ideas I teach health professionals who attend my programs and workshops. However, it truly needs to be experienced to understand how powerful it can be.     Listen in as I explain why this is so integral to the rehabilitation process, including how these movements address any gripping or bracing patterns that have become part of a client's stabilizing force. I also share how mastering such movements improves results—both physically and mentally.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/271

Despite feeling productive, you may notice a sense of depletion creeping in. This is the perfect time to come back to your body and relax, which is exactly what this practice will do: bring you back into yourself and help reboot, reconnect, and re-inspire you by settling into a more nourished state.     Take a moment to settle into a safe and comfortable space as I walk you, step by step, through this 20-minute Yoga Nidra practice to settle your overworked brain.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/270

It's such a privilege to bring Susan Morrison back to the podcast for another conversation about her experience in the recent Therapeutic Yoga Intensive, specifically how she has applied the concepts learned in that program to her own practice and clientele since graduating.     Listen to hear about concepts such as the healing helix, a client's compelling reason, and meeting patients where they are. We're also addressing a patient's range of motion and how to expand that range to reduce tension and compensation patterns to promote healing.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/269

This practice will have you connecting to your breathing and to your sankalpa, or intention, which manifests as a single-sentence affirmation. In addition to bringing awareness to your body and its sensations, we will also be exploring emotional opposites.   So find a safe space to listen as I walk you through, step-by-step, the instructions of this 20-minute R&R Sleep Meditation. And stay tuned for more practices in the weeks to come.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/268

Today's episode is the next in our mini-series on bone health and osteoporosis, and it's a special one because returning to the podcast is our good friend Ruth Ann Penny, the veteran educator and teacher of therapeutic and functional yoga for older adults.     Listen in as we discuss the health professional-client relationship, how that relationship impacts the healing process, and ways in which professionals can treat such patients without relying on a script.     Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/267