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Somatics

[Image suggestion: A patient engaged in "Arch & Flatten"]

Not offered at our Surrey clinic. Available at:

Calgary 403-235-2737
403-235-2737 Book Appointment

What is Somatics?

Somatics is a gentle, movement-based approach to easing chronic muscle tension. Using slow, guided movements, it helps you become more aware of muscles that have become habitually tight and teaches you how to release them yourself.

At Laser Health Solutions in Calgary, somatics is offered by all of our therapists as part of an individualized approach to helping patients ease ongoing tightness, move more comfortably, and return to the activities they enjoy.

How Does Somatics Work?

Over time, stress, injury, and repeated postures can train muscles to stay partly contracted, even at rest. You may no longer notice the tension, but you feel its effects as stiffness, discomfort, or restricted movement.

Somatic movements use a slow, controlled contract-then-release pattern (called pandiculation) to help the brain and muscles "reset" their resting tension. Practised regularly, this may help ease chronic tightness, improve body awareness, and make movement feel easier.

Benefits of Somatics

Easing chronic tension

Somatics can help with long-standing tightness by:

  • Bringing awareness to muscles that stay tight without you noticing.
  • Teaching you to release that tension through slow, guided movement.
  • Giving you exercises you can repeat at home.

People often explore somatics for back and neck tightness, shoulder tension, and stiffness that keeps coming back.

Improved body awareness

Moving slowly and with attention helps you notice how you hold and use your body, making it easier to change habits that add strain.

Easier, more comfortable movement

As habitual tension eases, everyday movements such as bending, reaching, and walking may feel smoother and less effortful.

Tools you can use on your own

Somatics is something you learn, not just something done to you. The movements can become part of your daily routine between appointments.

Gentle and Drug-Free
  • No needles, medications, or forceful stretching.
  • Movements are slow and adapted to your comfort and ability.
  • Can be combined with other treatments we offer in Calgary, such as laser therapy, massage therapy, and manual osteopathy.
Is somatics right for me?

Somatics uses slow, gentle movements that you control, so it suits most people, including those who find other exercise uncomfortable. Your therapist will ask about your health history and adapt the movements to you.

Let us know if any of these apply, so we can adjust your session:

  • recent surgery, including a joint replacement
  • a recent injury
  • pregnancy

Not sure? Mention it when you book, or give us a call. We're happy to talk it through.

[Image suggestion: Close-up of a person slowly rolling their shoulders or doing a gentle side-bend, eyes closed — body awareness rather than exercise intensity]

Who Can Somatics Help?

Somatics may be a helpful part of care for people dealing with ongoing back and neck tightness, shoulder tension, stiffness from posture or desk work, recurring muscle tightness after injury, and tension related to stress.

Every patient is different. Our team will assess your needs and recommend a plan based on your symptoms and goals.

A Gentle, Movement-Based Approach

Somatics is gentle, drug-free, and something you can practise on your own, making it an option for people looking for a conservative, active approach to ongoing tension and stiffness.

At Laser Health Solutions in Calgary, we can combine somatics with laser therapy, massage therapy, and other treatment approaches when appropriate, giving you a personalized plan designed to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.

[Image suggestion: Therapist demonstrating a movement to a seated patient who mirrors it — conveys 'guided' and 'something you can do at home'.]

What to Expect During a Session

Sessions start with a conversation about where you feel tension or discomfort and how it affects your day. You'll then be guided through slow, gentle movements, usually lying on a mat or treatment table.

Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Movements are never forced, and you work within what feels comfortable.

You'll leave with a few movements to practise at home, and your plan will be adjusted as you progress.

Common conditions we treat

Don't see your concern listed? Call our Calgary clinic and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.

Other treatments

  • Laser Therapy

    Offered By: Calgary & Surrey

    Low-intensity laser therapy reduces inflammation and supports your body's natural healing. Non-invasive, drug-free, and gentle for injuries and chronic pain.

  • Manual Osteopathy

    Offered By: Calgary

    Hands-on treatment of muscles, joints, and connective tissue to restore mobility, ease pain, and address the underlying cause, not just the symptom.

  • Massage Therapy

    Offered By: Calgary

    Massage therapy to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery from injury, stress, and chronic pain.

  • Chiropractic

    Offered By: Surrey

    Assessment and adjustment of the spine and joints to improve alignment and movement, helping relieve back, neck, and joint pain.

  • Orthotics

    Offered By: Surrey

    Custom foot orthotics that support alignment from the ground up, easing foot, knee, hip, and back pain linked to how you stand and walk.

  • Postural Analysis

    Offered By: Surrey

    A detailed look at how you stand and move to identify imbalances contributing to your pain, so your treatment plan targets the right areas.

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Calgary 403-235-2737 Book Appointment