The pain isn't all in your head...the posture is!

What is Hanna Somatics?

This is a system of mind-body training for people suffering from all sorts of joint and muscle pain.

Is it a therapy like massage or physical therapy?

No. All therapies require that you depend on the therapist for your treatment. Hanna Somatics teaches you basic principles that you can use on your own, by yourself.

How many lessons do I need to be free of pain?

How many lessons it takes to teach you how to help yourself depends on several factors:
Hanna Somatics is not for everyone. Those who want to continue going to a therapist and having something “done” to them will find it hard to take control of their condition, and will find that it takes longer to learn the basic principles.

• Your commitment to practice at home daily, even if you feel great very soon, will hasten your progress.
• The severity of your condition also determines the rate of healing. An accident or injury 40 years ago will have deep-seated compensatory programs in your body that will require at least five sessions.
• Structural changes like bone loss, muscle tears and surgery will lengthen the time it takes to see improvement, and in some cases, limit the amount of improvement you can expect.
• Complications in your health may limit the rate of your progress.
• Your attitude will also influence your improvement. Optimism and hope will go far to insure at least some success, no matter what the odds.

How long does a lesson last?

About an hour.

Can you combine Hanna Somatics with other disciplines?

I sometimes find that Somatics and acupuncture give results faster when working with very old and stubborn conditions. Somatics does not mix with massage, however, and should be done on separate days.

Is there a book about Hanna Somatics?

Yes, it’s called “Somatics” and is written by the founder, Thomas Hanna. You can find it in most bookstores and on the Amazon website. It retails for about $18, and is fascinating reading, as well as instructive in some of the daily movements recommended.

For more information on Hanna Somatics, I refer you to the website of the Association of Hanna Somatics,