Finding Relief from Chronic Pain: Donna Adair’s Journey and the Power of Craniosacral Therapy
Living with chronic pain can feel like carrying an invisible weight that never lifts. Donna knows this firsthand. For more than 20 years, she navigated life with pain caused by broken bones, endocrine dysfunction, a near-fatal allergic reaction, and trauma—both emotional and physical. Despite countless visits to doctors and specialists, the standard medical model let her down, leaving her with a sense of hopelessness and a prescription bottle that felt like a life sentence.
But the human body is resilient, and so are we. Over three decades, she developed highly specialized skills to help others find relief from pain and dysfunction—because she never wanted anyone else to feel like there was no way out.
Her approach—what she calls Advanced Bodywork—combines years of knowledge in functional task analysis and performance, bio-mechanical and bio-dynamic modalities, neurology, craniosacral therapy, and visceral work. This holistic blend helps clients experience less pain, improved movement patterns, better sleep, decreased anxiety, and an overall sense of well-being.
Understanding Craniosacral Therapy
A cornerstone of Donna’s practice is craniosacral therapy (CST)—a gentle yet powerful treatment that addresses the bones and soft tissue of the skull and their relationship with the sacrum through the dura of the spine. CST is unique because it follows the deep rhythms within the body’s system that nourish the nervous system and the fascia—the connective tissue that wraps around every structure in the body.
Unlike other forms of bodywork, CST is the only approach that focuses on the delicate dance between the bones and soft tissues of the skull and their relationship with the pelvis via the spine. This work goes beyond just easing physical tension; it has profound effects on the whole body, including stress reduction that can alleviate headaches and associated body aches.
A typical CST session involves sustained, precise contact to release compressions where the plates in the skull join, as well as tension in the soft tissue surrounding these plates. The goal? To restore the fluidity that feeds and regulates the nervous system, supporting the body’s own self-healing capabilities.
Why Craniosacral Therapy Matters
Craniosacral therapy is based on the idea that the body has inherent self-healing abilities. By releasing tensions and restrictions in the craniosacral system—even the ones you don’t realize you’re carrying—this therapy helps the body’s natural healing processes take the lead.
Because CST works directly with the spine and the central nervous system, it has the potential to correct both physical and emotional patterns anywhere in the body. Clients often find that this gentle approach not only eases pain but also improves sleep and mood by promoting a more regulated nervous system.
What to Expect During an Advanced Bodywork Session
Each Advanced Bodywork session is designed to be thorough, personalized, and deeply restorative. Here’s what a typical two-hour session looks like:
Intake (10 minutes)
After you complete your intake forms, we’ll review your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any specific areas of concern.
Assessment (25 minutes)
This involves “listening” for motility by placing her hands on different parts of your body while you stand, sit, and lie down (supine). Both visceral (organ) assessment and craniosacral therapy assessment are included. I also check your range of motion, both passively and actively, to understand how your body moves and where restrictions may lie.
Treatment (90 minutes)
This is where the real work begins. Treatment may include:
Visceral work on the sphincters and organs to release restrictions and promote balance
Neurological reset and retraining to help the nervous system find a new baseline
Craniosacral therapy to release deep tensions and support the body’s self-healing processes
A Journey Toward Healing
Chronic pain can make you feel like you’re at a dead end—but there is always hope. Craniosacral therapy is one of the many tools I use to help people find relief, restore balance, and rediscover what it means to feel well. Whether you’ve been dealing with pain for years or you’re just beginning your journey, know that healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk that path alone.
If you’re curious about how craniosacral therapy can help you, reach out to schedule a session or learn more. Let’s work together to uncover the path to your own best health.