Co-regulation is a term commonly used in parenting books and podcasts to describe the
role of the parent in teaching their child how to manage emotions. It refers to the way a
parent, by staying calm and emotionally regulated themselves, can help bring a
distressed, dysregulated child back to a state of emotional balance. The amazing thing
is that the parent doesn’t need to say or do the “right” thing — their calm, grounded
presence alone can help the child experience and learn what regulation feels like. Over
time, and with repetition, the child develops the ability to self-regulate and grow into a
well-balanced adult.
Interestingly, this concept of co-regulation extends beyond parenting. As adults,
whenever we seek help from an expert — a physiotherapist, mechanic, artist, engineer,
or ski instructor — we’re often subconsciously influenced by how calm and confident
they are in their area of expertise. Their regulation becomes our reassurance. The more
composed and grounded they are, the more confident and capable we feel in receiving
their help. This calm presence enhances outcomes, regardless of the field.
Understanding this principle has transformed my approach to physiotherapy. I’ve come
to realize that I can only truly help patients with injuries or pain in areas of the body that
I’ve come to understand and master myself — not just technically, but emotionally and
physically. In many ways, we are only as effective as the teachers or therapists who
support us.
As a physiotherapist, I experience this connection on a physical level. When I place my
hands on a patient, I can often sense when their tissue is dysregulated. By bringing my
calm, regulated presence to that area, I can offer support that allows the tissue to find
its way back to balance. Sometimes this simply means holding the tissue. Other times, it
means moving with it, following its cues as it works its way back to homeostasis. This
often involves acknowledging the emotional, cognitive, and sensory memories held in
the tissue — because the body, mind, and spirit all need to regulate together.
From a neuroscience perspective, this process can be understood as helping to
“uncouple” neural tags — separating painful physical sensations from the emotional or
cognitive patterns that have been bound to them.
This more recent, somatic approach to treatment — which I’ve brought into my practice
at Red Cedar Physiotherapy — has created powerful change for many of my patients.
They often express amazement at how much better they feel and move, despite how
subtle the treatment itself may seem. The body is incredibly gifted at healing — it just
needs the right environment and support.
I’ve also found great success combining this approach with the work of other physio’s
at Red Cedar, especially those who offer home exercise programs or Gunn IMS-based
physiotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach is incredibly valuable when treating long-
standing pain or injuries.
If you’re in Revelstoke and this style of physiotherapy resonates with you, I’d love to
support your healing journey. Book an appointment with Naomi at Red Cedar Physiotherapy.
