Trauma Healing | Developmental and Relational Trauma | Somatic Therapy
Consultant psychologically informed Chartered Physiotherapist | Somatic trauma therapist | Clinical specialist in integrated medicine.
BSc(Physio) MCSP MAACP MHCPC EMDR CST SEP NATP | HCPC PH46080 | CSP 52922 | Over 36 years in practice | Wokingham, Berkshire
Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain and exhaustion can have roots that a muscle-by-muscle approach does not reach. Fibromyalgia involves widespread pain, fatigue and sensitivity that often flare with stress and effort.
I’m a psychologically informed Chartered Physiotherapist and somatic trauma therapist in Wokingham, looks at the nervous system, protective patterns and life history behind the symptoms, not only the painful areas.
Why treating the symptom is not enough
Treating each painful area can bring relief for a time. But when the nervous system is on high alert, it amplifies signals, and the pain can return or move. Exercise and rest advice can also leave you boom-and-bust if the underlying alarm is still running.
We will explore the roots of your symptoms
We explore what was happening around the time symptoms began, and the long-held patterns of bracing and over-coping that many people with fibromyalgia recognise.
We will track how your body responds and this gives us the information about how to restore nervous system harmony.
There is connection between trauma and nervous system dysregulation and inflammation and immune activity in the body. Autoimmune issues are heavily linked with trauma. Mind / Body (somatic) based trauma therapy works to resolve not only cognitive but the unconscious / nervous system and immune / inflammatory responses.
We will explore the roots of your symptoms
Your symptoms are real. Working at your nervous system and energy level, we combine seated work which trains the nervous system dysregulation, it may or may not involve gentle hands-on work, movement, pacing and conversation, and we review what is helping as we go. It is difficult for people to envisage what a session might look like as they assume it’s either talk based or touch and bodywork based. There is an interesting place in addition to this most have never explored – Somatic Experiencing® therapy.
Possible symptoms
What people tell me:
- Pain that moves around, or is everywhere
- Deep tiredness that sleep does not fix
- Brain fog, and sensitivity to noise, light or touch
- Flare-ups after effort, stress or a difficult week
- A feeling that your body has become unpredictable
Frequently asked Questions
Can you help with fibromyalgia?
I work with the nervous system, protective patterns and life history behind fibromyalgia symptoms, using hands-on work, movement and conversation. Many people find life becomes more manageable.
Is fibromyalgia connected to trauma or stress?
My clinical experience and evolving research evidence points towards trauma (which is really anything overwhelming to our system), stress and early adversity (ACE scores) appear to be part of the picture. It is one of several factors, and I look at all of them.
I have very little energy. Can I still come?
Yes. Sessions will take into consideration the energy available. The work is always very slow and gentle and may involve working on the treatment table if sitting is too difficult. It is always paced to what you can manage.
A space for your healing journey
Whilst I recognise that your system may not “feel” safe – I recognise that and work with it in the session and, over time, create a space in which you can feel an ever increasing sense of internalised safety.
Rodger Duckworth sees clients at The Grange Health in Wokingham, Berkshire, and works with people from Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Winnersh, Binfield, Swallowfield, Hurst, Twyford, Henley-on-Thames, Sonning and the surrounding area.
Sessions are available in person or online.
The Grange | 15 Rectory Road | Wokingham | RG40 1DJ | 0118 978 6149
Whenever you are ready
A first message does not commit you to anything. Reception will help you find the right time.