Heidi Hadley is a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator & Somatic Movement teacher. She started her career in mainstream medicine in the field of Neurophysiology. In 2001, Heidi started her private clinical practice in health, wellbeing & movement.
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to a diminished quality of life. Traditional methods of pain management, such as medication and surgery, may not always provide lasting relief. This was the issue I encountered over the years in Clinical Practice until I qualified and started using Clinical Somatic Movement within my clinical practice. It is a powerful approach to pain relief that addresses the root causes of chronic pain and promotes long-term healing. In this article, I explore the transformative effects of Clinical Somatic Movement, featuring insights from my own clinical experience, as a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator, Somatic Movement Teacher, and the founder and creator of Total Somatics. An international online membership serving people globally.
Understanding clinical somatic movement
Clinical Somatic Movement is a holistic approach that focuses on retraining the nervous system to release chronic muscular tension, improve movement patterns, and alleviate pain. Unlike conventional therapies that treat symptoms, Clinical Somatic Movement addresses the underlying causes of pain, often related to habitual muscle contractions, stress, trauma, adaptations, and poor movement patterns.
Key benefits of clinical somatic movement
Pain relief: By addressing the root causes of muscle tension, Clinical Somatic Movement can provide significant pain relief.
Improved mobility: Restoring proper movement patterns enhances flexibility and range of motion.
Better posture: Reducing chronic tension leads to improved posture, alignment, and shock absorbency through the spine.
Enhanced body awareness: People develop a heightened sense of body awareness both internal and external, to how their body moves in their surroundings, allowing for better self-care and injury prevention.
Heidi Hadley: Clinical somatic educator, somatic movement teacher & founder of Total Somatics
I am the founder and creator of Total Somatics, an online membership actively teaching and serving people globally within the field of Clinical Somatic Movement. With years of experience as a Clinical Somatic Educator and Somatic Movement Teacher, I have helped countless individuals globally achieve pain relief and improved well-being through Total Somatic Movement, Mindset & Mindfulness techniques and principles.
I also use my global platform to teach people through my podcast, Somatic Movement & Mindset, which is available on all podcast platforms. My podcast is also available on my Total Somatics website, click here to visit my podcast. I also teach through my YouTube channel, Total Somatics. click here to visit my YouTube channel.
My journey
My journey into Clinical Somatic Movement began after I experienced the limitations of conventional treatments for muscle tension, poor posture, and recurring injuries from a history of sports-related injuries. My own struggle led me to explore other therapies, ultimately discovering the transformative power of Clinical Somatic Education within the field of Thomas Hanna. I qualified as a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator and Somatic Movement Teacher within the teachings of Thomas Hanna. I continued to study with further qualifications involving additional embodiment practices, trauma therapy, and Mindfulness teachings. My passion for helping others inspired me to create Total Somatics, an online membership serving people globally and dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to take control of their pain and overall health with Total Somatic Movement, Mindset & Mindfulness techniques, and skills.
Photos of me teaching Clinical Somatic Movement Internationally
Transformative experiences with clinical somatic movement
Through my work with Total Somatics, I have witnessed numerous inspiring stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through Clinical Somatic Movement using Total Somatics practices and principles.
Chronic back pain relief
Robert, a 48-year-old Lawyer, suffered from chronic back pain for years. Despite trying various treatments, his pain persisted. After attending several Clinical Somatic Movement sessions with me, Robert learned to release the chronic tension in his back muscles. Through guided Clinical Somatic Movements and increased body awareness. he experienced significant pain relief and regained his ability to perform daily activities without discomfort. He now practices Clinical Somatic Movement regularly because as time has progressed, he has experienced further health benefits, such as regulating his nervous system during highly stressful periods, healthier joints, greater flexibility, improved posture, and deeper, good-quality sleep.
Overcoming neck and shoulder pain
Johanna, a 44-year-old high school teacher, dealt with debilitating neck and shoulder pain due to poor posture and stress. I introduced Johanna to specific Clinical Somatic Movement techniques that released tension in her neck and shoulders. She was amazed how releasing muscle tension away from her neck and shoulders had a huge effect on her area of pain. She learned that her pain was being addressed globally with a Total Somatics approach. I also taught her Total Somatic Mindfulness & Mindset skills to manage stressful periods during her day. Within a few weeks, Johanna noticed a substantial reduction in pain and improved posture. She now incorporates Total Somatic Movement, Mindset & Mindfulness techniques into her daily routine to enjoy the many benefits she has experienced.
To understand in greater detail the reasons behind pain and limited movement, click here to read my article.
The science behind clinical somatic movement
The effectiveness of Clinical Somatic Movement lies in its ability to address the nervous system's role in muscle tension and pain. When muscles are chronically contracted, the brain develops a habitual pattern that perpetuates tension and pain. Clinical Somatic Movement uses a process called pandiculation to reset these patterns.
Pandiculation explained
Pandiculation involves three key steps: contraction, release, and complete rest. By consciously contracting and then slowly releasing the muscles to the end of their natural range of movement before they turn into a stretch, followed by complete rest, helps to break the cycle of chronic tension and restore natural movement patterns.
To read in detail the process of Pandiculation, click here to read my article.
Embrace the power of clinical somatic movement
The transformative power of Clinical Somatic Movement is evident in the countless individuals who have found relief from chronic pain and have improved their quality of life. Through my rewarding work as the founder and creator of Total Somatics, more people are discovering the benefits of this powerful yet gentle and innate approach. By addressing the root causes of pain and promoting body awareness, Clinical Somatic Movement offers a sustainable solution for long-term pain relief and overall well-being.
Explore the world of Clinical Somatic Movement and unlock the potential for a pain-free, balanced life. Visit Total Somatics to learn more about my approach and start your journey toward lasting pain relief today.
Heidi Hadley, Certified Clinical Somatic Educator
Heidi Hadley is a Certified Clinical Somatic Educator & Somatic Movement teacher. She started her career in mainstream medicine in the field of Neurophysiology. In 2001, Heidi started her private clinical practice in health, wellbeing & movement. She is the founder & creator of Total Somatics International®, an online membership designed to reduce pain, improve posture, increase mobility, develop mindfulness and allow you to resume or continue with the activities you love to do. She is the presenter of the podcast, Somatic Movement & Mindset. Delving into the fields of neuroscience, pain, mindset, mindfulness, habits and how to use your brain and body to create lasting healthy changes.
