Is Your Pain from Sensitization?

How Barefoot Massage Helps Manage Pain — Insights from Plano’s The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage

How to Recognize a “Stuck Alarm System” and What You Can Do About It.

You’ve tried stretching. Strengthening. Maybe injections or physical therapy. You’ve been told your scans look fine, but… the pain is still there. Sound familiar?
If so, it might be time to consider a different cause--not damage, but sensitization.
At The Heeling Hut, we work with clients every day whose pain has outlasted the injury, whose symptoms don’t “make sense,” and who feel like no one’s really listening. What they often need isn’t more fixing—it’s a nervous system reset.
Let’s talk about pain sensitization, how to recognize it, and how barefoot massage can help your system calm the heck down.

What Is Sensitization?

Sensitization happens when your nervous system becomes hyperalert.
After an injury, surgery, or even emotional stress, your brain becomes more protective. That’s normal. But sometimes, instead of calming back down, your system stays on edge. It becomes overreactive—even to things that aren’t dangerous.
This is called central sensitization, and it means your pain system is turning up the volume, even when there’s no real threat.
Think of it like a smoke alarm that goes off every time you make toast. The system means well—but it’s too sensitive.

Signs Your Pain Might Be from Sensitization.

Not sure if this applies to you? Here are some common signs:

• Your pain has lasted longer than expected after an injury or surgery
• You’ve been told everything “looks normal” on scans, but it still hurts
• Pain seems to move around, or flare up without a clear reason
• You feel sore or achy even with light touch or gentle activity
• Traditional treatments haven’t helped—or made things worse
• You feel like your body is “overreacting” but don’t know how to calm it down
• You’re exhausted, frustrated, or anxious about your pain
  

​If this sounds like you, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Sensitization is a well-documented process in the nervous system. And it’s reversible.

What Can You Do About It?

The goal with sensitization isn’t to fix broken tissues—it’s to soothe a protective nervous system and create new, safe experiences for your brain.
Here’s our process for soothing your body and mind to calm a hyper-vigilant system. 

Safe, Consistent Input

Our barefoot massage provides deep, soothing pressure that your brain can interpret as non-threatening. Over time, this helps “retrain” your alarm system to chill out.

Education = PowerUnderstanding your pain helps reduce fear, which is huge for calming the nervous system. We share bite-sized, science-backed insights during sessions if you’re curious—no pressure, just support.


Nervous System NourishmentWe create an environment that signals safety—not just physically, but emotionally. This includes slow touch, soft lighting, supportive conversation, and zero judgment.


Repetition Builds New PathwaysLike training a new habit, rewiring pain pathways takes consistent, positive experiences. That’s why regular sessions—combined with movement, sleep, and gentle mindfulness—can be so effective.


You’re Not Broken. You’re Sensitized.And that means your system can change. Pain from sensitization doesn’t mean your body is weak or damaged—it means your brain is trying too hard to protect you.
As experts, we’re here to help it feel safe enough to back off.


Ready to Calm Your Nervous System and Reclaim Your Body? 
Are you located in or around Dallas, Texas? We’d love to support you on your HEELING path. Barefoot massage offers a grounded, science-informed way to reconnect with your body and rewire your pain responses—gently, respectfully, and effectively. 
​Learn more and book online at www.theheelinghut.com

About the Author

Hillary Arrieta is the barefoot boss behind The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in East Plano. She’s on a mission to stomp out stress and tension with her signature blend of barefoot massage, Ayurvedic vibes, and just the right dose of science-backed healing. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or book your session here.