Unlocking the Secrets of Somatic Movement: A Journey to Pain-Free Living
Have you heard of somatic movement? It's gaining popularity in the fitness and wellness world, with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Gisele Bündchen, and Naomi Watts embracing this mindful way of moving. But despite its recent rise in fame, the somatic movement has deep roots and has been evolving for decades. When I was around 12, I noticed one of my teachers always moved with an effortless grace. Curious, I jokingly asked if he was sneaking up on students to catch them misbehaving. He laughed and explained that he used to have chronic back pain but had overcome it through the Alexander Technique. This method, pioneered by Frederick Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor, originated from his discovery that better posture improved his voice projection. Eventually, Alexander began teaching others how to relieve pain and even coached prominent figures, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in public speaking. Alexander's teachings inspired Moshe Feldenkrais, who expanded on this work to develop the Feldenkrais Method. Feldenkrais's unique approach to movement later influenced Dr. Thomas Hanna, a neurologist who revolutionized the field by addressing how habitual neural patterns create chronic tension and pain. Hanna's work birthed Somatic Education, a system designed to "reset" the nervous system and restore muscles to their natural resting state.

Understanding the Science: How Somatic Movement Works

At its core, somatic movement addresses the neural patterns that govern muscle tension. Dr. Hanna introduced the concept of Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA), a condition where the body "forgets" how to relax certain muscles due to subconscious adaptations. He identified three primary reflexes contributing to SMA:
  • The Landau Reflex (Green Light Response): This reflex, emerging in toddlers, activates the extensor muscles of the back to propel the body forward. When overused, it leads to chronic tension, creating the "sway-back" posture seen in many adults.
  • The Startle Reflex (Red Light Response): Triggered by stress or perceived danger, this reflex rounds the shoulders and contracts the body inward to protect vital organs. If sustained, it results in a hunched posture.
  • The Trauma Reflex: The body adopts compensatory postures to avoid pain following physical injuries. Even after healing, these postures can persist, causing imbalances and discomfort.

Why Does It Work?

Hanna's exercises focus on pandiculations—slow, mindful movements involving full contraction followed by relaxation. These movements mimic the natural stretching patterns of animals like cats and dogs, which "reset" their muscles dozens of times a day. Research suggests these movements recalibrate the nervous system, particularly the alpha-gamma co-activation loop, restoring proper muscle tone.

My Experience with Somatic Education

Intrigued, I attended a three-day somatic workshop led by Martha Peterson, a renowned practitioner in the field. Unlike traditional exercises, somatic movements are slow and deliberate, often performed lying down to eliminate balance-related compensations. On the final day, we applied our newfound skills on real clients. My client was someone I had previously treated with osteopathy but with limited success. Using somatic techniques, I guided her through exercises to address her retained reflexes. Her posture improved significantly in just one session than after four osteopathic treatments. Moreover, she left equipped with exercises to continue her progress at home—a powerful, self-sustaining approach to healing.

Final Thoughts

Somatic movement has opened my eyes to the incredible potential of re-educating the nervous system. It's a transformative tool, especially for those with chronic pain or "hard-to-treat" cases. If you're curious to try it I would recommend following this video, where I show a simple movement that can really help relieve back pain. This is one of the core movements I use in my Back Pain Correction Protocol and my Scoliosis Online Program to help people calm an irritated back so we can proceed with adding mobility and strength. If you have any questions or want to know more, Contact Us and I'd be happy to chat.
How Andrew Recovered in Just 14 Days to Compete in the Pickleball World Cup
When Andrew, a standout player for Team Nicaragua, injured his calf and developed a pickleball elbow, he feared he’d have to miss the Pickleball World Cup in Peru. With only 14 days until the competition, we had no time to waste.

Step 1: A Thorough Assessment

We began with a detailed case history and discovered something crucial: Andrew had previously fractured the same ankle as his current calf strain. This insight was critical. Next, we conducted an in-depth physical exam on the treatment table and through a movement screen. Here’s what we found:
  • Ankle Imbalances: His injured ankle didn’t move as efficiently as his other side.
  • Right Arm Mobility Issues: The arm affected by the pickleball elbow had a limited range of motion compared to his left.
  • Stiff Spine and Hip: His spine and right hip were less mobile, which could be contributing to the strain on his calf and elbow.
  • You can see our first treatment session in this short video: 

Step 2: The Treatment Plan

Armed with this information, we tailored a recovery plan:
  • Manual Therapy: We targeted the stiff areas to improve joint mobility and relieve tension.
  • Movement Rehabilitation: Focused exercises addressed the imbalances in his ankles and arms, ensuring proper mechanics.
  • Electrical Stimulation: This accelerated muscle recovery and reduced inflammation in his calf and elbow using a small electrical device that can help decrease pain and increase healing.
  • Strengthening: We built strength in the muscles supporting his calf and arm to enhance stability and prevent re-injury.
  • With just 7 days to go, you can see his progress in this video

The Results

After just two weeks, Andrew was back to full strength and ready to compete on the world stage. He recovered in record time and returned more balanced and resilient than before. See the last video in this series for our 3rd and final treatment, and find out how he got on in the World Cup: https://youtu.be/ABxtVp7J6zc.   If you’re facing similar challenges, know that recovery doesn’t have to mean sitting on the sidelines. With the right approach, you can return to doing what you love—more vital than ever.  If you want to work with me using online exercise to speed up your recovery, drop me a line at ed@edpaget.com, and I’d be happy to jump on a call with you and see how I can help. 
Transforming Life Through Resilience: The Journey of Jacopo Iasiello
Usually, I seek out experts in the health field and pick their brains on their specialist subjects. But recently, I decided to do something different. I sat down with a real-life “American Dream” success story. This is what I learned from my hour with Jacopo Iasiello. Life is a journey filled with ups and downs; few embody this truth better than Jacopo Iasiello. His path from a promising soccer career finished early by injury to becoming a successful real estate entrepreneur in Miami is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of personal growth. This article delves into Jacopo's inspiring story and summarizes our recent podcast episode, exploring the lessons he learned and the strategies he employed to achieve health, wealth, and happiness.

From Soccer Dreams to New Beginnings

Jacopo's journey began in Napoli, Italy, where he was raised in a loving family. Soccer was his passion, and he pursued it relentlessly from a young age. By the age of 13, he was already playing professionally. However, at 17, a significant injury abruptly ended his soccer aspirations, forcing him to reevaluate his life and future. This turning point was not just a setback but a moment of transformation. Jacopo realized he had to reinvent himself and seek new opportunities. Despite his family’s expectations that he pursue a traditional academic path, he felt a strong desire to explore entrepreneurship and understand how others achieved success.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Emerges

Determined to forge his own path, Jacopo took a leap of faith. He started a jewelry business with financial support from the Italian government. Despite facing challenges, including a poor location choice, he persevered. With hard work and strategic marketing, he eventually opened over 20 jewelry shops, creating a multimillion-dollar business by age 22. This entrepreneurial success, however, was met with new challenges as the business began to lose revenue. At 28, Jacopo faced a choice: remain in Italy and live a life of mediocrity or seek new opportunities abroad. His desire for growth and success led him to explore the real estate market in the United States.

Embracing Change: The Move to Miami

In search of new opportunities, Jacopo moved to Miami, Florida, despite not speaking English and having limited funds. The real estate market was experiencing a downturn, presenting risks and rewards. He understood that the key to success lay in finding good deals and building relationships. Through perseverance and networking, Jacopo began his real estate journey. He connected with a Canadian investor who recognized his potential and provided him with opportunities to flip properties. This partnership marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in Jacopo's life, leading to over 350 successful property flips and the creation of a steady cash flow portfolio.

The Power of Resilience and Relationships

Jacopo's story highlights the importance of resilience. After his injury, he learned to adapt and overcome obstacles, which became a core part of his identity. He emphasizes that success is not just about financial gain; it also involves building meaningful connections with others. His ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures has been instrumental in his success. Moreover, the relationships he nurtured in Miami helped him navigate the complexities of the real estate market. By surrounding himself with individuals who shared his vision and values, he was able to thrive in a competitive industry.

Developing the MPBE Method

I asked Jacopo what he had learned in his journey and he explained to me that he had distilled his lessons into what he called the MPBE Method, which stands for Meditation, Prayer, Biohacking, and Exercise. This holistic approach to personal development emphasizes the importance of mental and physical well-being in achieving success. Jacopo's journey into meditation began when he sought guidance from a friend in Italy. Despite his early misgivings, learning Transcendental Meditation transformed his life, providing clarity and focus. He practices meditation daily, integrating it into his routine to enhance his mental state and emotional resilience. Alongside meditation, Jacopo emphasizes the significance of prayer, biohacking, and exercise. He uses various devices to monitor his health and optimize his performance, ensuring he remains at his best both physically and mentally. This combination of practices empowers him to tackle challenges head-on and maintain a positive outlook.

Insights on Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Jacopo's philosophy revolves around the belief that true wealth encompasses more than just financial success. He advocates for a balanced approach to life, where health, happiness, and financial stability coexist. By prioritizing personal well-being, individuals can create a solid foundation for success in all areas of life. He encourages others to define their version of health, wealth, and happiness, understanding that these concepts are subjective and unique to each individual. Jacopo's journey serves as a reminder that with determination and the right mindset, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Jacopo Iasiello's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of personal growth. From his humble beginnings in Napoli to his success in Miami, he has navigated life's challenges with grace and tenacity. His journey inspires us to embrace change, build meaningful relationships, and prioritize our health and well-being. By following Jacopo's example, we can all strive to create a fulfilling and balanced life.

Connect with Jacopo Iasiello

If you're inspired by Jacopo's journey and want to learn more, you can find him on Instagram @jacopoiasielloinvestorbroker  and check out his book, “Healthy, Rich, and Happy,”  where he shares his insights and strategies for success.
Exploring Alternatives to the Schroth Method for Scoliosis Management
Scoliosis affects about 2 percent of the population with a higher ratio of females being affected when compared to males. Over the centuries, many different forms of management have evolved, and in the modern era, the Schroth Method is one of the most recognized approaches for scoliosis treatment.  However, it may not be the best fit for everyone. In this article, we will explore three powerful alternatives to the Schroth Method, each offering unique strategies for managing scoliosis through targeted exercises. Whether you're a parent looking for options for your child or an adult seeking effective treatment, this guide will help you navigate your choices.

Understanding the Schroth Method

The Schroth Method was developed by Katharina Schroth in the 1920s in Germany. Katharina herself had scoliosis, which fueled her desire to create an effective treatment method. At that time, options for treating scoliosis were limited, often exacerbated by other health issues. The Schroth Method emphasizes rotational breathing, postural correction, and specific muscle activation to counteract the asymmetry caused by scoliosis. Through conscious breathing and exercises designed to expand the compressed side of the body, the goal is to achieve better spinal alignment and muscle balance. Over the years, this method has evolved and is now widely used, particularly in Europe, as a part of scoliosis rehabilitation. Research suggests that the Schroth Method can reduce scoliosis curves, especially when started early and combined with bracing for growing adolescents. A small 2015 study indicated that adolescents practicing the Schroth Method under professional supervision had significantly better outcomes than those practicing at home(1). However, the research on adults is less extensive, although benefits such as improved posture and reduced pain have been noted. Despite its effectiveness, some individuals find the Schroth Method too time-consuming and difficult to learn without professional guidance. Additionally, the lack of available trained therapists can pose challenges for patients seeking this method.

Alternative 1: The Clear Institute's Chiropractic Approach

Founded by Dennis Wagen, a chiropractor, in 2000, the Clear Institute offers a chiropractic-based alternative for scoliosis treatment. This approach utilizes specialized equipment, vibration therapy, and specific exercises tailored to individual needs. The acronym CLEAR stands for Chiropractic Leadership Educational Advancement and Research, highlighting the method's focus on progressive and evidence-based practices. While the Clear Institute has produced positive case studies, it is still in the research phase, aiming to secure funding for more rigorous studies. Parents and patients have reported favorable outcomes from this innovative method, which integrates chiropractic principles into scoliosis management. However, one potential drawback is the extensive time commitment and equipment required for the Clear Institute's protocol, which may not be feasible for everyone. Like the Schroth Method, this approach is primarily designed for physiotherapists and chiropractors, limiting broader accessibility to other healthcare professionals.

Alternative 2: Spiral Stabilization

Developed by Dr. Richard Smíkal (MD) in the 1980s, Spiral Stabilization focuses on using elastic resistance bands to create spiral muscle patterns that help elongate and stabilize the spine. This method emphasizes posture correction and movement coordination, aiming to prevent the progression of scoliosis through spiral movements. Spiral movements can help decompress the spine, allowing individuals to feel taller as they rotate. This method has been utilized in Europe for decades and is gaining recognition in North America, although it is not as widely known yet. One of its advantages is that any therapist can learn this method, making it more accessible than some other approaches. While research on Spiral Stabilization is still developing, many patients have reported positive results in reducing their scoliosis curves. Dr. Smíkal's case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, making it a promising alternative for those seeking non-invasive treatments.

Alternative 3: The Scoliosis Correction Protocol

Created by Ed Paget, the Scoliosis Correction Protocol combines various techniques, including osteopathy and exercises from the Gray Institute, along with principles from Spiral Stabilization. This approach is designed to cater to individual needs by focusing on three main areas: evaluation, isolation of specific exercises, and integration into a sustainable home program. One of the standout features of this protocol is its flexibility. Patients can access the program and perform exercises from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for extensive travel to see a specialist. This aspect is particularly beneficial for those living in remote areas or who have limited access to scoliosis treatment options. While the Scoliosis Correction Protocol is still evolving in terms of research, it has shown promising results in case studies and is currently collaborating with the University of Portugal to assess its effects on lifestyle factors affecting adults with scoliosis.

Choosing the Right Approach for You

When it comes to managing scoliosis, the right approach will depend on various factors, including curve severity, age, and personal preferences. Each of the alternatives discussed has its strengths:
  • Clear Institute: Offers innovative chiropractic solutions with specialized equipment.
  • Spiral Stabilization: Focuses on spiral movements for decompression and stabilization of the spine.
  • Scoliosis Correction Protocol: Provides a flexible, home-based program tailored to individual needs.
While the Schroth Method has a solid foundation of research backing it, newer approaches like Spiral Stabilization and the Clear Institute are gaining traction and providing additional options for those seeking effective scoliosis management.

Conclusion

Surgery is often seen as the only solution for scoliosis, but this is not the case. There are various non-invasive methods available, and exploring these alternatives can lead to better management of the condition. Whether you choose the Clear Institute, Spiral Stabilization, or the Scoliosis Correction Protocol, the important thing is to find an approach that resonates with you or your teenager. Each method has its unique benefits, and it's crucial to consider what fits best with your lifestyle and treatment goals. If you're interested in learning more about these scoliosis exercises or exploring the Scoliosis Correction Protocol, be sure to check the links provided. Remember, you have options, and taking proactive steps now can lead to positive outcomes in managing scoliosis.
  1. Reference: Kuru, T., Yeldan, İ., Dereli, E. E., Özdinçler, A. R., Dikici, F., & Çolak, İ. (2016). The efficacy of Schroth exercises in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomised controlled trial. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, 10(1), 24.
  2. https://clear-institute.org/about/research/
  3. https://spiralstabilization.com/
  4. Scoliosis Correction Protocol: https://edpaget.com/online-coaching/