How language shapes healing, pain, and self-trust

Language as a Lens

The words we hear about our bodies matter.
I’ve worked with countless athletes and clients who’ve been told things like:
“You’re imbalanced.”
“You’re dysfunctional.”
“You’re going to get injured if you don’t fix this.”

Those words don’t just vanish after the appointment ends. They echo. They shape how people see their bodies, how much they trust themselves, and what they believe is possible for their healing.

The Science of Story

The nervous system is always listening. When we hear words that frame us as fragile or broken, the body responds as if it’s under threat—muscles guard, tension rises, and pain often lingers.

Neuroscience shows us that the stories we repeat literally change the wiring of the brain. Language doesn’t just describe our experience—it directs it. This is part of what’s known as neuroplasticity. Similarly, theories like embodied cognition remind us that words are not abstract—they live in the body. Call yourself “weak” long enough, and your system begins to move as if that’s true.

On the other hand, when language communicates possibility—“Your body is learning,” “You’re building new patterns,” “This is an opportunity to grow”—the nervous system registers safety. Safety opens the door to healing, balance, and resilience.

Holding the Story in the Body

The body holds on to stories, just like it holds on to memories. That isn’t always a bad thing—our systems are built to protect us. But sometimes those protective patterns get stuck. It’s like a crying baby: the nervous system calls out, not to annoy us, but to be acknowledged. When we meet it with reassurance—“I hear you, I see you, and we’ve got this”—the body softens, and pain often follows.

This is why self-talk matters so much. The way we speak to ourselves is one of the most important tools we have in supporting healing.

Reframing “Deficits”

As clinicians, we have a responsibility to frame the narrative carefully. Deficits aren’t life sentences. They’re invitations. What looks like “weakness” is often just an area waiting for new strength. What’s called “imbalance” might be an opportunity to learn movement in a new way.

When we approach the body with a growth mindset, the nervous system hears: “You are capable of change.” And from there, healing isn’t just about pain relief—it’s about rediscovering trust in yourself.

What This Looks Like in Practice

In real sessions, this might sound simple, but it’s powerful. Instead of telling an athlete, “Your hips are unstable, and you’ll get injured if you don’t fix it,” I might say:

“Your hips are still learning how to share the load with the rest of your system—we’ll train that together.”
Instead of labeling a back as “dysfunctional,” I might say: “Your back is protecting you right now. Let’s show it that movement is safe again.”
And rather than focusing on “poor strength,” I might say: “This is a chance to build new capacity. We’ll start small, and every step will add up.”

These subtle shifts change everything. The nervous system stops bracing for failure and begins to trust the process of growth. Clients feel less broken, more empowered—and that belief alone becomes part of the healing.

Closing Reflection

The words we carry shape our experience of pain, our nervous system’s response, and our capacity for healing. When language shifts from “broken” to “becoming,” the body responds with openness instead of fear.

At Yamamoto Wellness, I believe care should honor not only the physical, but the stories and language we carry within us. If you’re ready for an approach that speaks to the whole person—you’re in the right place.

The Words We Carry