What is Somatic Re-education?
Somatic re-education (also known as ortho-bionomy) is gentle, non-invasive bodywork that allows the body to return to proper alignment through positional release. It was developed by Arthur Pauls, DO, in 1976 and is based on Lawrence Jones’ work in spontaneous release by positioning, a non-forceful manipulation that exaggerates the position of the problem to encourage spontaneous release. This osteopathic technique is especially effective for patients who spasm easily or are sensitive to pain.

 How can it help?
Rather than using force to move bones back into position or muscles to let go, somatic re-education allows the body to complete neural messages by being placed in a position of comfort, in the direction the body wants to go. There is no thrust or impulse to force the manipulation. Once the neural messages are complete, the patient experiences more ease of motion, better blood flow, and greater comfort. This type of treatment can be a comfortable alternative to other manual treatments for the musculoskeletal problems that often accompany breast cancer and its treatment.

 What happens in an appointment?
There are a variety of practitioners who provide somatic re-education including osteopaths, naturopaths, chiropractors and massage therapists. What can be expected in an office visit will vary depending on the type of practitioner you choose, but in general the treatments use movements that are loose, gentle, and subtle.  Range of motion is explored to find the ease of motion, improve the elasticity of motion, and remind the body what it already knows and increase that awareness. Natural spiral motions are tracked to locate imbalances and suggest movements to re-establish balance. Trigger points are engaged gently to allow for release, often accompanied by the slight sensation of a pulse, heat, or change in breathing. Fixed areas are gently rocked to locate areas of motion that can be slightly exaggerated, allowing for more motion and release. All motion is subtle, allowing for self-healing and balance.

 Number and length of appointments?
The length of individual treatments will vary depending on the diagnosis made by the practitioner and the number of areas of the body to be treated. Conditions may resolve in as little as one treatment or may require a series of treatments.