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  • WHAT IS CLINICAL SOMATIC EDUCATION?
  • SOMATIC MOVEMENT CLINIC
  • PRIVATE LESSONS
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Chronic pain, joint degeneration, recurring injuries and poor posture are often caused by the way in which we use our bodies – the way we sit, stand, and move. For example, if we spend too much time hunched over a computer, we may develop rounded shoulders, a head-forward position, and tension and pain in the upper back and neck. Somatic movement exercises teach us to notice destructive movement and postural patterns and to replace them with better patterns. It does so by engaging the nervous system in an active learning process that consists of slow, conscious, focused movements. The somatic exercises can be helpful for pain caused or worsened by chronic muscle tension including various types of back pain, knee pain, hip pain, shoulder pain and frozen shoulder, sacroiliac dysfunction, and many others. The method was developed by Thomas Hanna (see his book Somatics: Reawakening the Mind’s Control of Movement, Flexibility, and Health, 1988).

​Most of the somatic exercises are done on the floor though some are done standing or in a chair. For those unable to get up and down from the floor, exercises can be done entirely in a chair. All exercises are done very slowly and consciously. They are not intended to build strength or flexibility but, rather, to release chronic muscle contractions. They may complement medical interventions but are in no way a substitute for medical care. You will always be counseled to follow the advice of your physicians. Students usually find Somatic Movement lessons to be very relaxing.
The Somatic Movement Clinic offers personalized instruction within the context of a small group. It consists of six weekly one-hour classes, a weekly email with your personalized practice assignment, and handouts to help you remember how to do the movements you learned. This is how it works:
  • First, you should contact Susan ([email protected]) with a brief description of the issue you would like to address. She’ll let you know whether or not the Somatic Movement Clinic may be helpful in your situation.
  • Next, you should understand that near-daily practice is important for making progress with this method. Be honest with yourself as to whether or not you will be able to practice the easy and gentle assigned movements for 20-30 minutes on at least 5 days per week throughout the six-week clinic. If not, you should probably not sign up for the clinic at this time. Practice requires no equipment except, possibly, a small pillow or folded towel.
  • If the method seems promising and you are prepared to practice, you can sign up for the next available clinic. You must sign up for the entire six-week clinic.
  • At each session (limited to 6 students), students will all do the same exercises. The sequence will include movements that address overall body patterns as well as individuals’ specific needs.
  • After each session, you will receive an email with your homework for the week. It will include those exercises from the group session that are specific to your issue. The email will include handouts for each of the exercises you personally have been asked to practice.
  • During the week, you will practice your assigned exercises on at least five days. You will be asked to jot down any difficulties or insights that you encounter, and to share these with Susan by email ([email protected]) before the next session.
  • Each week, the group will learn several new exercises, and your homework assignment will be adjusted based on your home practice experience.
All private lessons are currently held on Zoom. A series of private Somatic Movement lessons is the most effective way to address specific pain and postural issues. The goal is to identify a sequence of exercises tailored to the student's specific needs. Once learned, the exercises can be done independently for sustained benefit. Practice is essential. You should not take private lessons unless you are prepared to practice the exercises for about half an hour at least five times a week. Handouts are provided to help with remembering the exercises. Those interested in taking private lessons should contact Susan by email to determine whether or not their condition may be helped by Somatic Movement. If the method is appropriate for you, a series of 3-6 weekly lessons is recommended as a starting point. Benefits, if any, are often observed within the first few weeks.