Everyone’s initial response to insult and injury is the same: we tighten up. Some of us, however, release that reaction quickly; others of us retain it -- and suffer the effects mis-labeled as "aging" or "injury".
This reaction is the secret origin of much, perhaps even most of the stiffness and pain of aging, injuries, back trouble and headaches.
What makes the effects of ageing on movement mysterious is that they appear gradually and without our connecting them to their causes (residual post-injury tension and stress). They persist because brain-conditioning doesn't age; as a form of learning, it tends to become more ingrained as we become "set in our ways". The pains and stiffness of aging don't heal because their causes persist. Brain conditioning is a large part of aging. That is a large part of why pain and stiffness persists and gets worse, whatever part genetics may play.
Chronic pain and stiffness limits our lives by draining us of vitality. We become less active and we become less attractive. Our lives shrink.
So, to recover the agility and comfort of youth, two things are necessary: to erase the conditioning affecting our brain and muscular system and to reclaim control of our own bodies. To do wo is possible for nearly anyone, once they are shown how.
Somatic Education works by improving brain function, which controls movement. Patterned movement maneuvers refresh bodily-awareness and improve control of movement. Improvements consistent with age-reversals of ten to twenty years are common. Athletes can enhance their performance and reduce the likelihood of future injury. The elderly can improve their mobility and balance.
Somatic education helps prevent sports injuries and overuse injuries, and ameliorates post-surgical pain and the residual of old injuries. Back trouble and work-related injuries respond well, in most cases. Usually eight or fewer sessions, which include clinical techniques and self-help instruction, are sufficient.
The approach has been used successfully in both hospital settings and private practices.
