A Bridgnorth therapist is bringing an emerging evidence based chronic pain approach to Shropshire following specialist training linked to internationally recognised research in the field.

Katie Rothwell, founder of Katie Rothwell Therapies based in Bridgnorth, recently attended a masterclass in Manchester led by Howard Schubiner, whose work around pain reprocessing therapy, nervous system sensitisation and emotional awareness is attracting increasing global attention.

The timing coincides with this week’s UK release of Dr Schubiner’s new book, Unlearn Your Pain, and an interview recorded with Rangan Chatterjee “Feel Better – Live More” as part of his popular wellbeing podcast series.

According to the latest Health Survey for England published by NHS Digital, more than one in four adults now report living with chronic pain (Source: NHS Digital – Health Survey for England).

Katie, a former RAF Physical Education Officer who now works with people suffering persistent symptoms including fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, fatigue and long Covid, said awareness is growing around the role the nervous system can play in ongoing pain conditions.

Katie now incorporates elements of pain education, nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, nutrition, sleep and movement into her own BEAT Pain approach – Brain, Energy, Activity and Therapy – which she delivers through one-to-one sessions, group support and workshops.

“The science and understanding around chronic pain is evolving massively,” Katie said.

“More and more research is looking at how the nervous system, stress, emotions and past experiences can contribute to persistent symptoms, even when structural injuries have healed.

“People are often told they simply have to live with chronic pain, but many are now beginning to understand there may be more going on beneath the surface.”

Katie’s own experience with debilitating back pain first led her into studying the mind-body connection after conventional medical routes failed to resolve her symptoms.

“I was in the RAF as a PE instructor at the time and I suddenly found myself unable to even pick my child up because of the pain,” she said.

“My husband was serving in Afghanistan and I was effectively solo parenting while trying to cope physically and emotionally.

“I went through the usual medical pathways and was prescribed medication which left me unable to function properly. Eventually I started learning about pain education and the nervous system and it completely changed my understanding of chronic symptoms.”

She said many of the people approaching her feel exhausted after years of searching for answers.

“A lot of clients come to me feeling frightened, stuck and unheard,” Katie said.

“Many have spent years believing their body is broken or damaged beyond repair, when often the nervous system itself has become highly sensitised and overprotective.

“Once people begin to understand that pain does not always equal damage, it can be incredibly empowering.”

Katie said clients have reported improvements in confidence, mobility, stress levels and day-to-day functioning through the approach.

Katie added that she hopes to work more closely with businesses and organisations across Shropshire as awareness grows around the links between stress, burnout, nervous system overload and persistent health conditions.

“There is a huge conversation now happening around workplace wellbeing and the impact chronic stress can have on the body,” she said.

“I’d love to connect with more businesses who genuinely want to support the health and wellbeing of their teams in a proactive way.”

Katie stresses that clients should always seek appropriate medical advice to rule out underlying conditions before exploring chronic pain support approaches.

For more information visit https://katierothwell.co.uk/

Katie Rothwell of Katie Rothwell Therapies in Bridgnorth.