My Journey With Pain + What’s Helping Heal. - The Aligned Hygienist
Yoga Therapy

My Journey With Pain + What’s Helping Heal.

          I’m experiencing back pain like I’ve never experienced before.

          Low back pain, neck and shoulder aches, and pain, hip pain, knee pain… I’ve had them all but they don’t compare to this time.

          It’s a stop-what-you’re-doing-and-listen-to-me kind of pain.

          So I’ve been listening and tuning in.

          Mind you–this is what I do. I help my clients get out of pain, dive deeper to explore what’s at the root of the pain, what’s not working and then create a life, body & movement that IS in alignment.

Hello, Universe… I hear you: time to re-align.

          And I want to be more open & share my journey with you–first, so I can be more transparent on here, and second because I think we can all learn from my experience.         

          As I continue to heal myself back to health, I’ve realized a few things.

          Our body needs love and attention.

          Our body gives us signs to let us know where it needs extra love & attention.

          Our body gives us signs that start small then get bigger & louder the more that we don’t listen.

          We all know this, right? 

          Well, the tricky part is in actually listening.

Listening and being open to the signs your body tells you is key. If you stop listening or you dull the sounds of your bodies voice, it continues to grow and expand until….

          BAM. You’re stuck on the couch with back pain.

          Our body holds wisdom but we only get access when we listen.

          I stopped listening. 

          I muted the sound of my voice and allowed the sound of my ego to take over.

          I let my ego push my body and didn’t give it proper rest and nutrition.

          So here I am, re-declaring this love for my body and all it does for me.

          I’m here. I’m connected. I’m tuned in. I’m listening.

Here’s what it’s saying for us all to enjoy: 

STOP IGNORING YOUR BODY.

          If you’re not taking care of your body on some level (exercise, nourishment, rest, etc) it’s time to lean in and listen. When you get a sign from your body, listen to it.

          Instead of listening to the gentle signs my body was giving me (achiness in my left shoulder, slight discomfort in my low back, increased feelings of overwhelm), I pushed them aside and tried to continue forward.

GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS.

          Once you start listening to your body and get better at responding, this part becomes easier.

          If I had taken the time two weeks ago to drop everything and listen to my body, I probably wouldn’t be here–writing to you in bed with a heating pad on my back. Stop putting your body last on your to-do list.

TAKE ACTION NOW.

          Stop putting your health last on your list and put it first. Start with one or two things you want to address & make it happen. Whether it’s daily stretching, using a foam roller or getting support, do it now.

          Because here’s the hard truth:

          If you’re not taking care of your body then don’t expect it to do the same for you.

          The more you show up for yourself + your health, the stronger you’ll be.

          Your body holds years of wisdom within it if you allow it to be free.

          So take a moment to pause right now and ask yourself these simple questions:

  1. Where have I been neglecting my body lately?
  2. What have been the signs that my body needs more love than I’m giving it?
  3. What’s one step I can take RIGHT NOW to start listening and leaning in more?

          And go do the thing. 

          I’m here for you and can’t wait to share how my story continues to evolve and inform me….

          If you’re feeling the call to lean in and take care of your body in a whole new way, I invite you to apply for Yoga Therapy work with me.

          The work I do with clients is simple yet powerful and transformative.

          We strip away the layers of what’s not working and what’s in the way–usually this includes area’s of pain, discomfort, overwhelm and stress, and we create new patterns that are in alignment and feel good.

          This process isn’t easy but it will forever change your life.

          And I’m here for you every step of the way.

          So whether it’s 1:1 Yoga Therapy work in Uncover Your Freedom, or you’re a Dental Hygienist who’s looking for support inside Foundation to Freedom, listen to the call.

          If the time is now, apply to work with me here and let’s connect.

          I’m proud of you for being here – thank you for sharing this journey with me.

xo Caitlin

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About the Author

My name is Caitlin, I’m a chronic pain survivor, Certified Yoga Therapist, Registered Dental Hygienist, and founder and CEO of Caitlin Parsons Yoga Therapy, a yoga therapy and wellness company. I recently made my dreams a reality by quitting my full-time job as a dental hygienist to pursue my passion and purpose helping others get back into alignment.

Now I use my personal and professional experiences with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, and injury recovery to help women step back into their own alignment – in their bodies, minds and throughout their lives. I help empower women to create balance in their bodies and minds so they can access greater levels of freedom in their lives inside my monthly membership program (Aligned), group coaching program for hygienists (The Aligned Hygienist), a Yoga + Coaching Program for Dental Teams, and private yoga therapy coaching.

I love to share my knowledge and expertise on mindfulness and therapeutic yoga for back pain through my blog and social media platforms as well as guest appearances on other inspiring and like-minded podcasts.

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Client Success Stories

Cary

“I started working with Caitlin because I was tired of being in pain all the time and had learned about yoga therapy from a friend. I had such bad hip pain, it hurts to sit down, get up, exercise and walk around. The pain moved down my leg sometimes and up into my low back.

Now I feel amazingly strong, am able to actually bend down and reach my shoes so I can tie them! I gained an immense amount of strength in my hips as well as have learned many things I can do on my own to keep going in the right direction.  I really enjoyed the one on one time!  And the fact that Caitlin came to my house was amazing. I had no excuses to not show up for myself and the results paid off! I have already recommended Caitlin to my friends and will continue to do so.” – Cary

Ania

“I started working with Caitlin because I had recently gotten surgery from a brain tumor. I had very little mobility in my shoulder and arm. I was concerned that the lack of mobility, discomfort and reduced strength would increase chances for more pain and injury. Working with Caitlin was amazing, I would recommend her personal approach to anyone. She is dedicated to her work, has great knowledge and communication. Caitlin does a wonderful job guiding you back to your body and yourself.” – Ania

Russ M.

“I started working with Caitlin because I had chronic low back pain and regular flare-ups. I was told by multiple doctors that I would always be in pain and my posture would never improve unless I had surgery. The pain got so bad that I couldn’t play volleyball anymore, which created a negative spiral in my mood, energy and throughout my life. The results I got with Caitlin was amazing. I no longer have chronic pain or chronic acid reflux which I was on medication for.  I’m much healthier and happier now than I ever have been!”  – Russ M.

Donna

“I started working with Caitlin because I had neck pain, shoulder pain, neck congestion and ringing in my ears. I was working a lot, taking care of my family, and I was beginning to spiral downwards in a state of stress and pain. With all of that, life became a chore. I wanted to learn how to take care of myself so I could live a happy life and take care of my responsibilities from a place of joy, not dread. I wanted to get my neck to a place where it wasn’t painful and tightening every time I was stressed.

Now I no longer have neck pain or tightness, I’m stressed and ear ringing has greatly reduced. My body feels so much better as a whole. Caitlin helped me find peace. Caitlin has an innate sense of knowing how to tailor each session to fit how I’m feeling in my body and what I need. Caitlin helped me change the way I react to stress; now I’m more mindful of my reactions and the way I take care of my body. I’m stronger in my body and mind now which has positively affected my entire life.” – Donna M.

Hayley

“I started working with Caitlin because I was completely disconnected from my body because of a genetic disease, having constant, chronic pain, extreme trouble sleeping and anxiety living in my own skin. I wanted to feel better- I wanted to have less pain and have a better quality of life–building strength and reconnecting with my body were a bonus. Working with Caitlin exceeded my expectations- I sleep so much better now and my pain has improved significantly. I’m less anxious and have practices to help when my symptoms flare. I’m more grounded and embodied, I have a daily yoga practice that continues to build on the foundation Caitlin helped me create.

Caitlin is incredible, she validated me and helped me work on my whole self. She customized everything to work specifically for me. I 100%  recommend working with Caitlin. She believed that healing was possible and she held that vision for me and brought it to each session, and eventually I believed and embodied it too. She helped me find the power in every single baby step towards a more whole and healthy life, and I am completely transformed by it. This work isn’t the quick fix, it’s deep, holistic, soul-led healing.” – Hayley

Joan

“Working with Caitlin was the best thing I ever did for myself. I thought that I would always have pain because I’ve done so many things to try and help but they haven’t worked, until yoga therapy with Caitlin. Now I am living with less pain, my posture has improved, I am getting stronger, and my clothes are getting looser.” – Joan

Kim Ponzio

“Before I came to Caitlin, I was taking Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis like clockwork. I would skip going to the pool or out with my family after work due to the pain in my body. I was very depressed and isolating myself from activities that I really enjoy doing with my family and friends. I had pain on a daily basis in my lower back, shoulder blades, hips and left knee. Some days I had so much pain and inflammation in my body I felt like I couldn’t make it through the day.

Since starting FTF I am slowly starting to get control of my pain and inflammation through the online program one-on-one sessions with Caitlin. Inflammation is decreasing, I’m sitting up taller and I’m more aware of my posture both at work and in my daily routines outside of work. I am no longer having to take Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis and I am able to walk longe distances without pain in my knees. “

Russel

“I never thought I would get out of back, knee, and postural pain. I also have a curvature in my back that I have been told most of my life cannot be changed. When I came to Caitlin, I wasn’t playing my favorite sport and I was miserable at work. Even doing simple things was really painful. Caitlin completely personalizes her services based on your needs. She takes considerable time to answer all of my questions and targets my sessions for exactly what I need that day and what my goals are. Caitlin always asks me what is going on and listens really well. She is a wealth of knowledge about yoga, human anatomy, and how humans should move. No two sessions are the same. We changed the way I move while doing simple things like sitting in a car or at my desk, putting dishes away and bending over to clean dog poop so that my back is protected from re-injury. I am healing my back partly to return to playing volleyball. I now understand how to be in my volleyball stances and movements so that I can avoid injury when I get back to playing. I am already standing up much straighter and feel more confident. I never thought I would feel this good in my body and I am so wow-ed by Caitlins mastery of her craft.” – Russel

Dan Greco

“Caitlin really knows how to curate yoga program for sustainable strengthening. My shoulders and core used to be weaknesses but after a few sessions I see my posture has improved and the range of motion in my shoulders. She’s caring, fun, and a pleasure to work with. I’d recommend her to anyone interested in trying yoga therapy.”

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Tracy Ring

“Caitlin is fantastic. I’ve gone to many of her classes, specifically those with a focus on healthy backs. I’ve worked with her as a therapist on issues I have with my neck and shoulders from work. She’s patient, attentive and offers focused one-on-one sessions. The exercises I’ve done really help me combat the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day, highly recommend working with this lovely and professional woman!!”

Senior Administrative Assistant

Aly

“Caitlin has helped me grow and learn a lot about myself. She helped me realize the strong power of breath when I was over stressed and unaware of my mental needs. Caitlin helped me focus my energy, both good and bad, on my breath. With every deep inhale and cleansing exhale, I felt my stress and anxiety lessen and lessen. Eight years later, my main mantra is to ‘just breathe.’ It has literally changed my life. Along with the power of breath, Caitlin has helped me keep a constant awareness of how I physically hold myself. Not only has my posture changed, but I have also become stronger and my confidence has increased. I recently began running and was having pain in my hip and side leg. Through working with Caitlin, my pain subsided. She put together an easy to follow yoga sequence that helped my muscles and ligaments heal. I fully trust in Caitlin as a yoga professional, and recommend her gentle way of teaching to anyone.”

Dental Hygienist & Photographer

Jade 

“This program has been so amazing for my pain. In just one class, my neck and shoulder tension released more than it has in years. This program has been so instrumental in managing and controlling my stress. It’s so easy to be “on the hamster wheel”. I look forward to my yoga time and meditation and have noticed a huge difference in my pain level. My family has even noticed my calmer demeanor. I couldn’t believe how much my pain was linked to my stress.”

RDH
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