Today I’m joined by Gwen Bernardo, my personal myofascial release therapist and the founder of Performance Myofascial Release. She’s a myofascial release therapist and pain reduction specialist who helps people release fascial restrictions so they can move, live, and mother with less pain and more freedom.

If you’ve ever thought:

“Why am I always in pain?”

“Why do my headaches never fully go away?”

“Is there anything I can do for my C-section scar, clogged ducts, or pelvic pain?”

“Will I ever sleep again with this snoring partner next to me?”

…this conversation is going to blow your mind (gently, in a nervous-system-safe way 😉).

What we cover in this episode:

▶ What is fascia, really?

Gwen explains fascia as the body’s connective tissue network – running from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, wrapping around muscles, organs, bones, and more. When it gets restricted (from injuries, surgery, stress, or even emotions), that’s when pain, tension, and “mystery symptoms” show up.

▶ Myofascial Release (MFR) vs. massage, PT, and chiropractic

We talk about why a massage can feel great… for a day… and then your pain returns. True MFR:

Uses NO oils or lotions

Does not glide around the body

Involves sustained pressure in one spot for 5–15 minutes

Works directly with fascial restrictions for deeper, longer-lasting changes

▶ Pregnancy: more space, less pain, easier births

How MFR can help pregnant moms:

Creating more space in the abdomen and pelvis so baby has room to move

Helping balance the pelvis, which may support a smoother vaginal birth

Gently addressing discomfort as ligaments loosen and posture changes

▶ Postpartum: C-section scars, episiotomies & pelvic symptoms

We dive into:

How scars behave like a root system under the skin

Why a “pretty” scar on the outside can still cause major issues underneath

Client stories where releasing C-section scars helped with headaches, back pain, and pelvic symptoms

▶ Mastitis & clogged ducts

Beyond “just massage”: Gwen explains how specific myofascial techniques for breast tissue can:

Help clear clogged ducts

Support mastitis recovery

Be taught as self-treatment so moms can help themselves at home

▶ Babies, toddlers & little bodies

Gentle MFR can support:

Torticollis

Latching issues from jaw tension

Babies & toddlers who snore, grind their teeth, or seem uncomfortable in their bodies

Gwen shares the story of a 2-year-old whose loud tooth grinding and snoring dramatically improved after just a couple of sessions.

▶ Snoring partners & exhausted moms

Yes, she works on snoring! We talk about:

Fascial restrictions in the jaw, tongue, nose, and head

Why gadgets don’t always work if the underlying tissue is tight

How myofascial work can sometimes lessen snoring (and maybe save some marriages and sanity in the process)

▶ How many sessions does it take?

We talk realistic expectations:

Why she often starts with six sessions

The “I won’t say no to the miracle” stories

And why your history (how long you’ve been in pain, surgeries, injuries) matters

▶ A message of hope

If you’ve been told:

“There’s nothing else we can do.”

“It’s all in your head.”

“This is just how it is after kids.”

Gwen wants you to know:...