Nerve Damage & Recovery | Understanding Nerve Injuries & Healing with Body Mechanics - Copy
Understanding Nerve Injuries: Healing, Hope, and the Power of Body Mechanics
Nerve injuries can be some of the most life-altering medical experiences a person faces. They affect not only movement but also sensation, stability, and quality of life. For many, nerve damage brings with it pain, uncertainty, and the fear of lost function. But the truth is: healing is possible—often far beyond what conventional medicine predicts.
In this post, we’ll explore the different types of nerve injuries, their impact on the body, and what recovery can look like. Drawing from both science and lived experience, Krista Shirley—founder of The Yoga Shala and creator of the Body Mechanics Method—offers education and hope for anyone navigating this difficult journey.
What Happens When Nerves Are Injured?
Nerves are the body’s communication system, carrying signals between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. When injured, they disrupt movement, sensation, and even basic functions. Unlike muscle or bone, nerves regenerate slowly and inconsistently, making recovery challenging.
Common effects of nerve damage include:
Chronic neuropathic pain (burning, tingling, or shooting)
Motor dysfunction (weakness, paralysis, or loss of control)
Sensory deficits (numbness or altered sensation)
Postural imbalances and secondary injuries
📺 Learn more in Krista’s educational video:
👉 Watch the Full Video on YouTube
The Three Main Types of Nerve Injuries
Medical science classifies nerve damage using Seddon’s classification, which includes:
🌱 Neuropraxia – The mildest form; a temporary conduction block, often caused by compression or mild trauma. Recovery is usually complete.
🌿 Axonotmesis – More serious; the nerve fibers (axons) are damaged, but the connective tissue remains intact. Recovery is possible but slower.
🌳 Neurotmesis – The most severe; the nerve is fully severed, often requiring surgery. Even with intervention, recovery is limited.
Peripheral nerve injuries (compression, lacerations, stretch injuries, or neuropathies like diabetic neuropathy) further complicate the picture. Recovery depends on injury type, severity, and intervention.
📘 Want to start your healing journey now?
👉 Download the 7 Ways to Heal Guide
Krista’s Story: Beating the Odds
In 2018, Krista sustained a devastating shoulder injury that led to multiple surgeries, nerve damage, and the loss of key muscle function. Doctors told her she would never regain movement in her left arm and encouraged her to apply for disability.
Instead, Krista turned to meditation, journaling, yoga, and body mechanics—developing her own rehabilitation strategies when the medical system had no answers. Over years of disciplined self-practice, she regained function, rebuilt her strength, and returned fully to her career.
Her experience became the foundation of The Body Mechanics Method, a personalized system that bridges yoga, biomechanics, neuromuscular retraining, and fascia-based movement.
How Body Mechanics Supports Nerve Recovery
Body Mechanics isn’t about “pushing through” pain—it’s about restoring function intelligently. Sessions address the nervous system and movement patterns together, helping clients repattern how their body works.
What you’ll explore in a session:
Breath-led movement to regulate the nervous system
Postural alignment to reduce compensations
Functional movement for stability and strength
Tools for pain management and daily support
💫 Many students recovering from nerve injuries or chronic pain find this approach gives them their first real sense of progress.
👉 Book a Private Body Mechanics Session
A Community of Healing at The Yoga Shala
At The Yoga Shala, we believe that healing is possible for everyone—with the right guidance, patience, and community. Whether you’re starting your journey after an injury or simply seeking to reconnect with your body, there’s a place for you here.
🌸 If you’re brand new, we invite you to join us with our New Student Intro Special. This is the best way to experience our classes, meet our teachers, and begin moving toward healing.
👉 Claim Your New Student Intro Special
Final Reflection
Nerve injuries can change your life—but they don’t have to define it. With education, self-advocacy, and consistent practice, recovery is always possible. Krista’s story reminds us that the human body has a profound capacity to heal, even when the odds seem stacked against us.
✨ Begin your journey today:
Healing takes time, but every breath, every movement, and every act of self-care brings you closer to resilience, strength, and peace.
