RELEASE Client Story: Peter Carter

Before working with Claudine…

I had a childhood accident falling off the top of a slide, resulting in concussion and many bruises, no broken bones so the Doctor deemed all was all good with no further action required and at the time there was no thought given that this level of trauma may require physio or similar!

I then started to develop postural issues: tight localised muscles in neck, back and head with migraines and brain fog with limited ability to concentrate consistently and clearly to name just a few.

I was too young to be able to link the actual original trauma with the developing resulting physical issues and symptoms that were manifesting and the professionals did not link this either.

For decades, I went to different Professional Therapists, who correctly identified my 3 main postural imbalances (tight mid back, forward head, pelvis tilt) and provided physical manipulation advising a series of stretches/exercises.

Whilst I think this works for many people, it did not for me, only providing very temporary relief from some of the symptoms. I found that my body inherently did not like going into the starting pose for the stretch let alone trying to then stretch and my body would flip right back to my normal posture after each treatment/ stretch - sometimes within hours. I now realise that I was over stretching as my tight muscles would not release to be able to stretch them out and that I was probably overextending my fascia, nerves and ligaments.

I was introduced to the Egoscue method and this contained a very small number of somatic type principles/static exercises (contracting and not stretching) and these particular exercises really helped to bring some calmness into my nervous system.

Then I tried Claudine’s somatic workshop and at first I was unsure how effective this was for me. I was trying too hard and moving too fast to be able to feel what my body should be feeling and how I should be responding (so different to the decades of standard physical stretching practice taught - which I acknowledge for many people would work so much better than it did for me).

I opted to work one to one with Claudine to really target my dysfunctions.

Peter’s key points…

• I learned that somatic practice takes a different view to the passive and dynamic postural stretching that I have been used to. Instead I learnt to focus on contraction followed by a controlled release and slow accurate movements allowing the brain and body to re align itself in a safe and natural way. This is something which has taken me some time to really understand and absorb and get a feel of how to really implement.

• I realised the importance of slowing down even more and taking time to start to re-connect with what had previously been outside of my conscious awareness

• I am finally in a place where I know I can do this thanks to an improvement in my mobility, with much reduced muscle tension and a general ease within the body I do not think I have experienced since a child.

• My daily practice has progressively improved my posture over time and like never before. It has brought a sense of calmness and ease of movement that is completely new to me

• I now have more control over my muscles and can release more and more voluntarily. I am more stacked, my hips feel better and I walk easier with more flow.

• My breathing has become deeper and fuller which has complimented improved posture and ease.

Who would you recommend RELEASE to?

I would strongly recommend working with Claudine on a one to one basis, which I feel is the best and most efficient way to get optimum results. Claudine will provide a framework and guide you in a calm and measured way to improve your body mobility and posture and all the benefits that brings.

What should others know about Claudine?

• Claudine is a an excellent, understanding teacher. She explains the fundamentals in a meaningful way that really connects and allows you absorb the principles right away.

• She listens - she’ll help you refine your own learning process and suggest variations that will work best for you individually.