Frequently Asked Questions

Colm Twist Movement

Can Somatics help me get out of pain?
Yes, if your pain is the result of unconscious muscle tension, and most chronic pain is,  Somatics can help you resolve your pain fast.

How many In Person 1-1 sessions will I need and how often will I need them?
Most common pain complaints can be resolved in 2-4 sessions spaced about a week apart.

How many Online 1-1 Sessions will I need and how often will I need them?
Most common pain complaints can be resolved in 3-5 sessions spaced about a week apart.

How often do I need to practice the Somatic movements?
In the beginning daily practice is recommended. Once you are pain free and moving and feeling better you can practice a few times a week to great effect.

What are the Benefits of learning Somatics?

  • Pain relief
  • Relaxation
  • Reduce stress
  • Relieve Anxiety
  • Freer breathing
  • Better movement
  • Improved posture
  • Deeper more restful sleep
  • Better mobility & flexibility
  • Better balance & coordination

What type of complaints can be resolved with Somatics?

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Jaw Pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Sciatica
  • SI Joint Pain
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Golfer’s Elbow
  • Tension Headaches
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Groin Strains
  • Psoas Pain
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries
  • Bursitis
  • TMJ

and more…

What’s the difference between Somatics, Hanna Somatics, Clinical Somatics?

“Somatics” is an umbrella term for a particular class of embodied movement practices such as Hanna Somatics, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique etc.

Hanna Somatics is a specific system of Somatic Education developed by Dr. Thomas Hanna PhD. Hanna couldn’t legally trademark the term ‘Somatics’ so he had to add his name to it to differentiate it from Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, and other Somatic practices.

Hanna’s work is the only method of Somatic Education that uses the technique of Pandiculation, and recognises Sensory Motor Amnesia and The Three Reflexes.

Clinical Somatics refers to the application of the hands on Somatics techniques.

I teach Somatics in the tradition of Thomas Hanna.

How is Somatics different from other modalities such as, chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, physiotherapy etc?
Education not Therapy: Somatics focuses on client education rather than a treatment based model. Therapy/bodywork is done TO you, where as Somatics is done BY you, with guidance, and hands on feedback from your practitioner.

You must be an active participant in the process, learning Somatic movements that you can use to continue to improve indefinitely. The goal is to learn how to be able to resolve any muscle pain/movements issues that you may experience, yourself!

The recognition of Sensory Motor Amnesia: Sensory Motor Amnesia is the root cause of many chronic muscular pain conditions. Muscles that are chronically contracted are tense, tight, tender and painful. These contracted muscles cannot be sensed clearly by the brain/central nervous system, and so in turn, can’t be used optimally. They also cause pain, discomfort and restricted movement. The goal of Clinical Somatics is to teach you how to take yourself from a state of Sensory Motor Amnesia to a state of Sensory Motor Awareness. This can only be done through self directed and initiated movement. This is achieved through the learning of, and regular practice of, Somatic Movements.

The recognition of Three Stress Reflexes: Stress reflexes are a universal phenomenon common to all humans (and even animals). Somatic Educators understand how they are triggered, how to identify them, the problems they can cause, and how to resolve them.

What about stretching?
Stretching does not resolve Sensory Motor Amnesia. When we stretch we are at the mercy of the Stretch Reflex. The Stretch Reflex is a protective automatic response mechanism built into the spinal cord. It is designed to protect our muscles from injury. Because it is a spinal cord reflex, the brain is not involved. As such there is no new learning for the brain during a stretch. No learning, no lasting change. Pandiculation engages your brain, bypasses your stretch reflex, works instantly, is more effective and feels better.

Does Somatics hurt?
If your muscles are very tightly contracted then initially there maybe a little discomfort when you do the movements, but this will subside very quickly as you gently contract and then relax the muscles in question. But aside from the scenario described, Somatic Movements do not cause pain and are pleasurable to practice. Somatic movements are designed to reestablish the normal movement patterns of the human body, as long as you move slowly and gently you will have no problems.

Should I have private sessions or come to class/workshop?
If you have a chronic muscular pain that you would like to address I recommend private sessions (either online or in person).

If you are just looking to improve movement or relieve general stiffness then a class/workshop is a great option.

The most effective strategy is to come for private sessions AND come to a class or workshop.

Remember you are learning, so the more opportunities you get to learn under supervision the faster you will progress!

Can I mix Somatics with other modalities?
It is not recommended to mix modalities for the duration of your private sessions at least. This allows you to make an honest assessment of Somatics in isolation from other methods. If you engage in two or three modalities at once it is difficult to ascertain which is conferring the most benefit and what the effects of each are. Commit to the process and evaluate it when you have finished.

Can I do strenuous activities or exercise right after a session?
No, strenuous activity right after a session is not recommended.

Allow 24 hours so your brain can consolidate the new learning.

A brisk walk however is very helpful to integrate the reduction in muscle tension that occurs during a session.

It is common to feel quite tired after a private session, so clear your schedule and if possible have an early night.

Can all ages do Somatics?
Yes, the movements are safe, gentle and performed slowly, making them achievable for anyone. As long as you can get up and down off the floor you can do Somatics. If you can’t get up and down off the floor, the movements can be done in bed to start with although this does make them somewhat less effective. There are also seated version of the most important movements.

Do you need specific equipment to perform Somatics?
All you need to practice Somatics is a quiet room with adequate floor space, a comfortable mat or rug to lay on and in open, inquisitive mind!

Got a question that hasn’t been covered here? Let me know, I’m happy to answer it.

Yes I have a question!
"The Somatics workshop had the perfect amount of information and the perfect amount of doing the movements. I feel like a new woman!"
Lisa W.Washington
"You are an exceptional teacher. Your understanding of the material is obvious through your crystal clear cueing. You are able to explain somewhat complicated concepts in a succinct manor where by anyone without any knowledge of there anatomy can follow along easily."
Garda M.New Brunswick
"This has given me more confidence in myself to move forward”
June C.Seattle
"I’m always tight, and twisted in my left back, and I got to let it go! Thank you, thank you!"
Nancy M.Alberta
"I’ve had back issues on and off for the past 5 years or so and no physio, physical therapist or osteopath could resolve it. I came across Colm whilst listening to a podcast and everything he spoke about resonated with me so I decided to book a session with him. After a few simple and gentle exercises I genuinely couldn’t believe the difference in the quality of my movement. Since my one and only appointment, and with me staying consistent with the simple routine my back pain has all but disappeared. I’m genuinely bowled over by how effective Somatics has been for me."
Daniel C.Dublin
"Working with Colm one-on-one has changed my life! He has taught me so much about how to relieve my pain and ways to integrate somatics into my life, fine tuned just for me -- using tons of humor and patience. These sessions have worked where other modalities did not -- physical therapy, acupuncture, exercises, you name it, I tried everything and they all had failed where somatics with Colm has succeeded perfectly for me. Also working with Colm was WAY more fun. Very empathic and understanding of my individual needs, these one-on-one sessions have been a goldmine allowing me to look forward to a future where I am pain-free and able to do whatever i want to do! I can't imagine what life would be like without easy access to this training -- and I hope I never find out!"
Janice A.New Jersey
"To try to resolve my postural problems I tried 3 years of Chiropractic,Osteopathy,Sports Massage, Rolfing, Egoscue and any other modalities that you can find. Unfortunately none of them gave me much relief until I stumbled upon Somatics. After just 3 sessions I realised it was possible to get my alignment back completely and hope returned after a very long time. The only downside of Colm’s teachings is that I didn't find him years ago. I could have saved lots of money, time and bundles of frustration. If you want to feel better reach out and try just one session....it makes such a difference!”
Alesa O.Milan
"Somatics has helped me see life from another perspective. I was surprised that such simple movements could resolve my pain, increase my flexibility, and even improve my quality of life. Highly recommended!"
Mariel C.Dublin
"After two months being unable to walk correctly due to back pain and left knee pain I am now greatly improved after two in person one to one sessions. I am moving freely despite being in my mid sixties. I haven’t had this free movement in years! I would recommend Somatics to anyone with body movement issues. A great service, keep up the excellent work."
Brendan L.Dublin
"I had been doing Somatics for a while, following videos on YouTube, but doing an online 1-1 session with Colm really made a difference. He was very good at finding the movements that could address my problems and he was very thorough during the session, making sure I did all the movements properly, paying attention to every detail. I realised I had not been doing some of the movements properly. After only one session my body felt more relaxed and I feel I improve every time I repeat it on my own. Colm is always available to answer any questions I would have after the session. I would really recommend doing at least one live session with him, a great investment for your wellbeing."
Eric S.Ho Chi Minh
"After three sessions I feel more balanced, upright and less tense. I have learned how to get instant relief by practicing some basic movements. I’m also now engaging all the muscles in my body rather than putting excess strain on just a few. These movements can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Highly recommended."
Stephen S.Dublin
"I had a recent shoulder injury and some niggling older problems. I find myself much freer now and I'm back playing tennis and enjoying my other activities."
Liz B.Dublin
"I attended Colm after an injury to my lower back which left me in severe pain. After 3 sessions there was a remarkable difference. What really helped is how he explained each movement and exercise, he made the complex very simple. He also taught me a series of Somatics Movements to practice at home which have helped my recovery significantly."
Ruth G.Dublin
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