Episode overview

Peter Stuart has spent decades working with people whose pain did not resolve through conventional treatments. In this conversation, we unpack why “doing the right thing” often is not enough, especially when fascia, trauma, and the nervous system are ignored or misunderstood.

We talk about fascia as a communicative, responsive system rather than inert tissue, why aggressive techniques can backfire in chronic pain, and what it actually means to listen to the body rather than impose change on it. Peter also speaks candidly about the emotional and relational dimensions of manual therapy, and the responsibility practitioners have to educate, not just treat.

This episode is for therapists questioning their methods, patients stuck in cycles of treatment without progress, and anyone interested in a more nuanced, humane model of healing.

What we cover

• What fascia is, and why it matters more than most training programmes admit
• Why chronic pain persists even when anatomy looks “fine”
• Light touch versus force, and why subtle input often creates deeper change
• The role of trauma, safety, and perception in physical healing
• How therapists can work with the nervous system instead of against it
• Why patient education is not optional if you want lasting results
• The relational and empathic skills manual therapy actually requires

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peter Stuart and Fascia

01:31 Understanding Fascia: Anatomy and Function

05:28 The Impact of Fascia on Healing

07:52 Gentle Touch Myofascial Release Explained

09:37 The Shift from Traditional to Holistic Approaches

16:06 Therapist Education and the Need for Intuition

18:59 Burnout in Therapists: Finding Balance

28:31 Trauma Beyond the Dramatic: Understanding Accumulated Stress

33:13 The Importance of Rest and Cycles

35:51 Volunteering and Community Connection

39:19 Understanding Chronic Pain and Trauma

43:42 The Role of Emotional Release in Therapy

51:54 Empowering Therapists and Clients for Change

About the guest

Peter Stuart's seminars

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Episode Credits
Produced, Edited and Mixed by Chris Forbes
Artwork Design by Utterly Create
Music is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org

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