Somatics for Chronic Pain Relief
Developed by Thomas Hannah, Somatics is a therapeutic movement method which works with your nervous system and your muscles, to help you release chronic tension and move with greater freedom.
Rather than stretching or strengthening, somatics works from the inside out using slow, mindful movement to help your brain recognise and release patterns of tension. Essentially, you’re learning to listen to and understand your body from the inside out and apply effective movement strategies to move with more comfort and confidence. You can also experience somatics in a therapeutic yoga class.
“If you can sense it and feel it, you can change it.”
– Thomas Hannah
Why Choose Somatics for Chronic Pain Relief?
If you’ve tried stretching, strengthening, massage or even physical therapy and still feel like your body is “always on”, somatics may be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s a gentle, non-invasive approach to healing that can help you feel more connected and in control of your body.
Somatics is a deeply personal experience that helps you rebuild trust in your own movement. Each session teaches you how to move better, relax more deeply and stay out of pain using targeted movement techniques.
The movement method doesn’t require any equipment and is usually practiced on the floor. It can also be adapted for chair and standing if required.
A typical session might include:
- A movement assessment to highlight areas of tension
- Being guided through small, gentle movements
- Awareness practices to encourage you to check in with how your body feels before and after movement
- Simple movements to take home and practice.
For the best results, you will need the committment and motivation to practice the movements given to you on a daily basis.
The Key Principles of Somatics
Somatics works by helping you retrain the way your brain and body communicate. Through slow, mindful movements and guided attention, you learn to release patterns of tension that may have been unconsciously present for years. These movements aren’t exercises in the traditional sense, they’re more like neuromuscular re-education, teaching your nervous system how to move with greater ease, efficiency and comfort.
1. Awareness
By paying attention to how you move and where you hold tension, your brain starts to notice patterns that were previously automated. These patterns are divided into the Stress Reflexes: The Red Light Reflex which causes us to draw in and protect ourselves, The Green Light Reflex which makes us driven and motivated and The Trauma Reflex which arises from physical trauma.
2. Re-connection
When working with somatics for chronic pain relief, you will discover Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA) – a state where the brain has forgotten how to fully relax or control muscles in the body, because we’ve learned to ignore the symptoms of habitual discomfort. Re-educating the brain through movement and sensory feedback rebuilds the body-brain connection.
3. Balance
Unlike stretching or forcing change, somatics uses small, deliberate or mindful movements to “wake up” underused muscles and “quiet down” those that are overworked. This process is called pandiculation and involves gently contracting muscles, slowly releasing the contraction and pausing to notice the difference. It helps your brain to relearn how to regulate muscle tension on its own.
Benefits of Somatics
When your brain and body are coordinated, everything changes. Somatics doesn’t just manage symptoms, it helps you uncover and undo the root cause of chronic tension. Through gentle, guided movement, it gives you long-lasting tools for comfort, mobility and self-awareness.
Regular practice of somatic movements can lead to:
- Lasting relief from chronic muscle pain
- Improved posture and body awareness
- Increased energy levels
- Greater coordination, flexibility and mobility
- A calmer nervous system and a reduction in stress and anxiety
- Restored breath capacity.
Unlike treatments that rely on someone else’s intervention, somatics empowers you to embrace independent self-care with tools you can use for life.
Conditions helped by somatics
- Neck, shoulder, hip, knee, foot and back pain
- Sciatica
- Joint and muscular pain
- Postural imbalances
- Trauma/accident recovery
- Tension headaches
- Frozen Shoulder
- Breathing problems
Cost and Locations
In-person sessions take place in the comfort of your own home or at a local studio/hall (additional fees apply).
In-person
Within 5 miles of St Albans. Additional fees apply to other locations
Six week course in-person: £450*
Includes:
- 1 x 1.5 hour assessment
- 5 x 60 minute sessions
- Video recordings of Somatic movements to practice.
- Support throughout.
Online
Via Zoom.
Six week course: £390*
Includes:
- 1 x 1.5 hour assessment
- 5 x 60 minute sessions
- Video recordings of Somatic movements to practice.
- Support throughout.
*Special Offer
£30 off if you book and pay for the whole six week course in advance. Payment plans available upon request.
Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Somatics like stretching?
No. Somatics is about undoing conscious tension and retraining your brain rather than stretching muscles.
Will it hurt?
The aim of the practice is to keep you out of pain, so if you are working correctly, somatics will not hurt.
How quickly will I feel results?
Some people notice relief after one session. However, everyone is different and this journey will be specific to you and the conditions you are presenting with. Remember it has taken a lifetime for your body to develop its habit patterns so it’s likely to take some time, practice and commitment to undo your chronic tension.
Can I still do somatics if I can't get down to the floor?
Yes you can. Somatics can be adapted for those who need a chair or prefer to stand.
Explore a more intelligent and sustainable approach to chronic pain relief
To arrange a booking, ask a question or have a free consultation with Denise to discover if Somatics is the right fit for you, use the button below to get in touch.
Other Ways to Work With Denise
