Tell us a little about yourself and Barefoot Rehab.

I’ve suffered with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation all my life. At times, it’s been really hard to get out of bed. Barefoot Rehab is an attempt at helping others who are suffering so I can help myself.

What differentiates Barefoot Rehab from other places that offer physical therapy?

Barefoot Rehab specializes in helping people who have had pain over 6 months and seen at least 3 doctors or therapists without relief. We get these individuals permanent relief by addressing the most common cause of chronic pain that almost no other doctors are talking about: adhesion. We’re also proud to diagnose people accurately and comprehensively, which unfortunately, is not so common these days.

Over the past 2 years, we’ve start attracting patients from all across the United States and our first international patient from South Africa is set to visit us in the next few months.

Can you explain to us what an adhesion is and how it leads to chronic pain?

Fascia is like spider-webbing that surrounds all of our muscles, organs, nerves, and bones. When we have trauma or we over use muscles, the body spits out excessive amounts of this fascia called adhesion. This adhesion prevents muscles from lengthening and contracting and glues up nerves so they can’t floss and stretch. This gluey stuff causes all kinds of havoc present. Just imagine someone putting superglue into the gears of a bike or into the engine of a car and you can imagine what might go wrong.

In your professional opinion, what is the best way to treat chronic pain?

I’m very biased because it’s what we do, but it’s adhesion release. We have over 100 success stories on our YouTube channel of people who had no answer until they had their adhesions removed.

Can you tell us about any success stories that you have had with your clients?

Over the past 2 years, we have an 80% success rate for people who sign up for a case with us. 1 out of 5 patients end up being refunded between visits 5-8 if they or the doctor decides that the adhesion removal is not working.

What is your advice for people who are newly diagnosed with chronic pain?

1. Do not give up. There is ALWAYS an answer.

2. Address your lifestyle holistically. Sleep, diet, movement, relationships, time in nature, sunlight exposure, etc – it all heads up to health and how you feel. If you feel good, it’ll be easier to go after fixing your chronic pain.

3. Find allies to lift you up emotionally and to address puzzle pieces of your chronic pain.

What is your advice for doctors and other medical professionals on how to effectively treat chronic pain?

Again, I’m quite biased. There are probably less than 40 adhesion doctors across the United States. This isn’t even close to enough. We need more doctors and therapists trained in adhesion release. Barefoot Rehab is planning on helping to train doctors and therapists in the next few months!

Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about?

I literally found out 30 minutes ago that one of our patients who we tried to help is no longer alive on her “chronic pain journey.” After reading her husband’s FB post, I can only assume she had suffered enough and commit suicide. I just told 2 staff – one of them started balling. I’m asking myself, “Where did we go wrong?” We told her that her pain was not musculoskeletal. I did psychedelics with her to go after her childhood trauma. I texted with her a few times since she discharged herself to just say hi.

It wasn’t enough.

The only thing that’s coming to mind right now is:

1. We need to be willing to feel deeply (physical and emotional pain) in order to heal.

2. We need to surround ourselves with others who can help to “hold” all of our pain.

I didn’t do a good enough job for Meg. Now, she’s an angel on my shoulder so that I can do better for others.

Takeaways:

• A common cause of chronic pain is adhesions within the muscles. Adhesions prevents muscles from lengthening and contracting.

• Don’t give up on looking for answers. Healing is going to involve making some lifestyle changes.

• Establish a support system for yourself. Find people who can help you “hold” your pain.

Big thank you to Dr. Christopher Stepien for doing this interview with me. He is a great resource to those with chronic pain. I hope that some of you will look into this type of treatment. If you are interested in learning more from him, check out his website http://www.barefootrehab.com. You can also find him on Instagram @barefootrehab. Keep hanging onto hope guys!