The Evolution of Working with Fascia: 30 Years of Healing Through Manual Therapy

By Sharon Hartnett, Certified Diplomate Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio

Fascia is a silent communicator in the body—holding posture, protecting organs, and storing the effects of physical and emotional stress. As a manual therapist practicing in Columbus, Ohio for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand how addressing fascial restrictions can help people feel more whole, more at ease, and more connected to themselves.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or trauma, fascia-focused therapy offers a gentle yet powerful path to healing. My approach blends structural work, emotional awareness, and subtle touch—drawing deeply from the work of Dr. Ida Rolf and Dr. John Upledger, pioneers in fascia therapy and craniosacral healing.

What Is Fascia and Why Does It Matter?

Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that wraps around muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. It supports and separates different parts of the body while helping maintain shape and alignment. When fascia becomes tight or restricted—often due to injury, poor posture, or emotional stress—it can lead to pain, dysfunction, and disconnection.

Manual therapy focused on fascia helps restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall wellbeing.

Inspired by Ida Rolf: Restructuring the Body Through Fascia

Dr. Ida Rolf, founder of Structural Integration, taught that the body functions best when it is aligned with gravity. Her method involved methodical work through the fascial layers to reshape and reorganize the body’s structure.

From Rolf’s teachings, I learned:

• Fascia adapts to physical and emotional patterns over time.

• Structural misalignments often reflect unresolved trauma or chronic stress.

• Deep fascia work can help clients feel more grounded, open, and free in their own bodies.

This laid the foundation for my early years in manual therapy—helping clients find a new relationship with their posture, pain, and sense of self.

Craniosacral Therapy and the Wisdom of Listening: Dr. John Upledger

Later in my career, I was drawn to the subtle, healing power of Craniosacral Therapy as taught by Dr. John Upledger. His approach introduced a gentler, more intuitive way of working with fascia—especially around the nervous system and cranial membranes.

From Upledger’s work, I discovered:

• The craniosacral rhythm reflects deep inner health and can guide healing.

• Light, skilled touch can help release emotional trauma stored in fascia.

• The body holds an “inner wisdom” that can lead the healing process when met with respect and presence.

Craniosacral therapy became the heart of my practice, especially for clients dealing with anxiety, migraines, TMJ, and post-traumatic symptoms.

A Personal Evolution: Blending Structure, Stillness, and Somatic Insight

Over the past three decades, I’ve integrated tools from Structural Integration, Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and trauma-informed care. Each session is tailored to the individual—guided by what their body needs that day.

In my practice, I’ve seen fascia work help:

• People release old pain that conventional therapies couldn’t resolve.

• Clients reconnect with their bodies after trauma or illness.

• Nervous systems shift from fight-or-flight into deep calm and clarity.

Fascia is not just physical—it’s emotional, energetic, and deeply intelligent. And manual therapy, when practiced with presence and care, becomes a doorway to healing on all levels.

Fascia Therapy in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re looking for craniosacral therapy or fascia-based manual therapy in Columbus, Ohio, I offer a safe and welcoming space to explore healing. Whether you’re dealing with pain, stress, or a desire to feel more connected to your body, I bring over 30 years of experience to help support your journey.

Ready to Begin?

Visit www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com to learn more or contact me directly to schedule a free phone consultation. Let’s work together to help your body remember what it already knows: how to heal, how to feel, and how to be whole again.