I went to the Somatic Systems Institute in June, 2009. I have scoliosis, and have had back pain my entire life. After two sessions, I was pain free. AND I have remained pain free since then. I am amazed that this method of pain relief isn't more well known, it is simple to learn, easy to practice on a daily basis, and the difference is astonishing!!!!!
The change in my posture is amazing. Before my Somatics sessions, when I was standing "straight", my right shoulder drooped, which threw off my entire body, enough to be clearly visible in photos over the last 30 years! I always attributed this (as well as constant lower back pain) to having scoliosis, as did the primary care doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors and orthopedic surgeon that I consulted looking for relief.
Now when I stand up straight, both shoulders are level, because the muscle spasm that was pulling my shoulder down was released with Somatic exercise. If I try to put my shoulder back into that drooping position to show someone how I used to stand, it actually hurts. The best way I can describe my experience with Somatics is that I always wanted a new back, and after two sessions, I truly feel like someone replaced my creaky, old back with a new, improved one! I used to spend an hour weeding in the garden, and then two hours laying in bed in pain. Now I can spend three hours in the garden and not have any pain. I can truly say that Somatics has had an extremely positive impact on my life!
