Holistic Care: Understanding and Easing Pain Through Connection
- Kip Yates
- Oct 31
- 1 min read

At Massage Refresh, I believe that wellness begins with understanding the body as a whole—body, mind, and spirit working together. Pain has an uncanny ability to disrupt our daily routines, but by exploring the mechanisms and behaviors associated with it, we can begin to adapt our perspective and more effectively lessen its impact on our lives (Massage Therapy Journal, Fall 2025).
Pain serves an important evolutionary purpose—it’s an adaptive trait that helps protect us and guide our behaviors for survival (MTJ, Fall 2025). It’s also highly individual. Pain and ticklishness share the same nociceptors, which means what feels painful for one person might feel ticklish to another
That’s why listening, observing, and gathering as much information as possible are essential parts of my approach. Each person’s pain experience is unique, and understanding those differences helps tailor every session to your specific needs and comfort level.
A holistic approach to pain management focuses not only on easing discomfort but also on addressing your overall experience—your recovery goals, behavioral patterns, and emotional well-being. It’s about building a community of care centered on empathy, understanding, and collaboration (MTJ, Fall 2025).
At Massage Refresh, each session is more than just relief—it’s a step toward awareness, balance, and lasting wellness.






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