Strengthening From the Inside Out: The Key to Lasting Pain Relief

By Lauren Nester, BSN, RN, LMBT

So many of my clients come to me carrying pain and tension in their bodies. And while massage therapy provides incredible relief — soothing tight muscles, calming the nervous system, and creating space for healing — pain often has a deeper story to tell.

What most people don’t realize is that pain and tension are often signals from your nervous system, alerting you to vulnerability in your body. When an area is weak, unstable, or lacking proper mobility, your body instinctively goes into protection mode. It tightens the surrounding muscles, acting like armor to safeguard the area — but that protective response can lead to chronic discomfort and recurring pain.

Massage helps immensely by calming these defensive patterns and improving circulation and mobility. But to truly address the root of the problem, we need to go deeper.

The Real Solution: Strength, Stability, and Mobility

If your body feels tense, achy, or prone to injury, it’s often a sign that something deeper needs support. Sometimes it’s weakness. Sometimes instability. Sometimes limited mobility.

The empowering truth? Your body is incredibly responsive to change. When given the right stimulus, it can adapt, strengthen, and stabilize far faster than you might expect.

No matter your fitness level, the first step is simple: start small.

• Begin at the beginner level.

• Use modifications to prevent injury.

• Focus on form and function rather than perfection.

• Celebrate progress, no matter how “small” it feels.

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This isn’t about ego. It’s about healing. Don’t let pride or negative self-talk hold you back. The strongest thing you can do is choose to show up for yourself.

My Personal Journey

I know this firsthand because I’ve lived it.

I used to struggle with debilitating SI joint dysfunction. There was a time when stepping onto a curb hurt, and stairs were out of the question. At my heaviest, simply standing in place could cause pain.

But once I committed to strengthening my weaknesses, everything changed. Within just one week of consistent, focused movement, I noticed a difference. My mobility improved. My pain decreased. Today, my SI joint issues have nearly disappeared — and I didn’t get there by ignoring my body or giving up when it was hard.

I still hear that little negative voice sometimes — the one that whispers, “You can’t do this.” But now, I choose not to listen. I’ve learned what’s possible when you decide to take care of yourself.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re living with chronic pain, tension, or recurring injuries, I want to encourage you to take a deeper look. Massage is a powerful tool — but pairing it with strength, stability, and mobility work can transform your body and your life.

You are capable of more than you think. The body has an incredible ability to heal and adapt when you give it the right care. Show up for yourself. Start small. Stay consistent.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly things can change.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Relief?

Your body is always communicating with you — sometimes through tension, sometimes through pain, and sometimes through limited mobility. The key is learning to listen to what it’s trying to say. That’s where I come in.

During your session at R&R Therapeutics, we’ll do more than just ease your immediate discomfort. Together, we’ll work to identify the patterns your body has developed — areas of weakness, instability, or limited range of motion that may be contributing to your pain. By combining therapeutic massage with insights that support strength, stability, and mobility, we can create a powerful path forward toward lasting change.

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic tension, want to prevent injury, or simply wish to move and feel better in your body, this is the perfect place to start.

Your journey to strength and balance begins with one decision: to show up for yourself. Book your session today, and let’s take the next step toward helping you feel your absolute best.