Somatics for Long Term Pain Relief

easy, enjoyable, pain-free movement

Somatic Education uses gentle, full-body movement patterns anyone can do.

Do you feel you've tried everything to heal yourself from aches, pains, and restricted movement? If so, and you are still searching, Somatics could be the missing link you are looking for!

Somatics is a gentle movement practice that takes a different approach to keeping us healthy, happy, and well. It focuses on releasing and relaxing muscles rather than stretching and pulling at them. It's about re-educating our movement patterns rather than sculpting a particular physique.

By re-educating our nervous system we release tense muscles and movement patterns that no longer serve us. This helps us reduce pain and tension and regain our freedom of movement back.

When you move in this enjoyable, relaxing way, you can achieve amazing results.

It is empowering when you can take care of yourself rather than keep visiting therapists every time you think something is wrong. With Somatics you can achieve long-lasting results.

Somatics helps to restore full function to your muscles, you are in control of how much you move, if it does not feel good, relax, and do less, you will achieve much better results if you do.

You can explore sessions on the floor, on your bed, on a chair, or standing. This movement practice can be done anytime, anywhere! When you learn Somatics you have your own 'healing tools' for muscular tension on hand - for life.

Somatic Education is for everyone, do not just take my word for it though, come and experience it today!

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Some of the conditions helped by learning Somatics...

All types of Arthritis
Back Pain
Disc problems
Frozen Shoulder
Fibromyalgia
Forward- Head Posture

Headaches
Insomnia
Joint Pain
Migraines
Piriformis Syndrome
Poor Posture

Neck and Shoulder Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Hip and Leg Pain
Uneven Leg Length
Hamstring/Groin Pain
TMJ Syndrome

Scoliosis
Sciatica Pain
Stress and Anxiety
Tendonitis
Whiplash
Plus many more....

A few of the benefits from learning Somatics…

Somatics is a skill you will have for life!
Improved balance and co-ordination
Reduced pain and tension in the body
Improved gait pattern
Freedom of movement
Improved physical fitness
Improved breathing

Feel stronger, more flexible and mobile
Good night’s sleep
Feel relaxed and calm
Improved posture
Feel more grounded
Ability to take care of your own aches and pains
...Plus many more!

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Memberships

Basic Membership / Full Membership

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Hi, my name is Sarah

Exploring and sharing Somatics since 2013

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Personal Stories

Real experiences here!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Never heard of Somatics before?! No worries, I hear this a lot!

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Karen Blewett

25 March 2022

When I first went to see Sarah I had been suffering from chronic pain for a number of years. When we went into lockdown ways of working were changed for many people. Working from home became normal. Sarah set up her zoom classes up which was good for me as I could do the somatics on my bed. She is an amazing teacher,kind, compassionate, is always available. She goes above and beyond. I have been attending for over 2 years now. I would highly recommend it for anyone suffering with pain and or stress. It really calms the nervous system down and reduces my pain. With access to the library I can do additional classes whenever I need to. Sarah works so hard planning the classes, with different themes and titles.When I first started I did a lot of visualisation because I was scared to move due to my pain, but as time has gone on I am begining to move a lot more, but as Sarah says in all her classes I never move into pain. Sarah has taught me that as life goes on we can get into habitual movement patterns. Somatic movements help to release these patterns even something simple as cleaning your teeth with your toothbrush in the opposite hand. The live classes are amazing. I can always feel muscles releasing when participating. Even muscles that I wasn't aware that were tight. Sometimes I can be doing leg movements and my shoulder releases. I feel really grounded and positive at the end of a class.I am so please I found Sarah and her excellent classes.

Marilyn Smith

22 March 2022

Sarah has helped me with back pain. All the movements make absolute sense to me. Sarah is interested in many things including mindfulness. If you have a problem then speak to her as she is so willing to help. She knows how pain feels & has been able to conquer it through somatics

Lori Hillman

20 March 2022

I did Sarah's 4 week course in Somatics. She is articulate and guides the class effortlessly through the movements not by demonstration but by asking us to close our eyes and listen to her direction, using visualisation to make contact with both our inner and outer presence for a deeper experience of our body/mind connection. I arrived with a knee injury which started to improve from class one. My posture 'woke up' and I have reconnected with some of my long lost muscles over a period of habitual movement to conscious movement! Sarah has a calming presence which can only come from her knowledge, experience and love of helping others. I will most definitely be continuing to work with her. Lori Hillman, acupuncturist and mindfulness teacher.

David Burt

19 March 2022

It’s been nearly five years since I stumbled across Somatics. Having tried different therapies for almost a year to help sort out my chronic back pain (sports massage, physiotherapy and acupuncture) and with only short term relief, I decided to contact Sarah as a last resort. I’m so glad I did! Within just a few weeks and after some 1-1 sessions with Sarah, the debilitating pain that I had become so used to, began to ease. I’ve never looked back and just wish I had known about Somatics a lot sooner! The regular practice of Somatics helped me to get back to a Pilates class which at one stage, i very nearly had to give up, along with other activities and simple movements that heightened my pain. The idea of “no pain no gain” is what I had been encouraged to believe in as a regular member of a gym during my younger days. Somatics is the complete opposite, whereby we are told not to go into pain. So “less is more” and the results are amazing as I have found. Now in my retirement years, I am reminded that although i can’t help getting older, i don’t have to get old! Somatics is an amazing tool to carry through life for young and old, so I would encourage anyone who is still unsure about the benefits of Somatics for themselves, to contact Sarah and join one of her courses. You won’t regret it! It was my wife Anna who, when she met Sarah for the first time said, “so you’re the lady who’s put my husband back together again!!”

viv white

I can’t praise Sarah,and Somatics,enough. I have been with Sarah for over two years and feel so much fitter and able to get over minor injuries quickly. I can recommend her to anyone who is interested in keeping active in their later years.

Jan Johnston

18 March 2022

Recommended by a friend. Have just completed beginners course and each session is easy to follow on zoom with Sarah’s clear instructions and explanations. A relaxing way to exercise and improve flexibility.

Anna Burt

Sarah Guest is an experienced and enthusiastic Somatics educator. She is passionate about how Somatics can help anyone lose their aches and pains and help their body to, in a sense, reset to it's factory settings. I found Somatics particularly helpful after surgery as you don't do strenuous exercises. You never go into pain and if something is uncomfortable to do then you make the movements smaller or just imagine making the movement. The brain takes all of this in and helps the body to reset it's own nervous system. Try some introductory sessions with Sarah. You will be amazed at how different you feel. Anna Burt.

Rose Thomas

Love Sara’s classes, I’ve learned to really appreciate how my body moves and tune into it.I’m amazed how these simple movements can release muscle tension and make such a difference to ease of movement. Also it’s relaxing and friendly.

Susan Wills

Somatics has given me my life back. I first met Sarah quite by accident when I saw her car in the Tesco car park advertising Somatics. I rang her and immediately I felt connected. I was impressed with her warmth, knowledge and passion for what she truly believes in. For years I had suffered with severe arthritic pain combined with fibromyalgia. It was getting increasingly difficult to do my job as a medical secretary sitting for hours at a PC with chronic neck pain and I seriously considered retiring. Somatics has changed my life. I can now move pain free and can enjoy doing my job and gardening again. I very rarely take analgesics anymore. Over the years I have tried everything from osteopathy, chiropractic treatments, massage, acupuncture and a cocktail of pills and potions. Some worked for a while, but nothing lasted until I started Somatics. I enjoy the freedom of the Zoom classes and a very extensive Library is available if you cannot make a class. Everyone is very friendly and each person will have their own reasons for doing Somatics. I have been doing the classes for about 2 years and it has and will continue to be a part of my life. I cannot thank Sarah enough as without Somatics I would be struggling. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she will always give help and advice if needed. I urge anyone in pain to give it a go. Chronic pain is debilitating and ruins your quality of life. Somatics has enhanced mine. Sue Wills

Robin FitzPatrick

I have attended Sarah’s Somatic classes for a number of years now, first in person and then on Zoom during the Pandemic. She is an incredibly enthusiastic teacher, who always goes the extra mile to help her pupils. Her classes are well-structured and imaginative. She always provides a lot of follow-up, including access to an audio library of previous classes should you wish to ‘relive’ any of them after the event. The cost of her classes is a real bargain, especially if you are able to attend all of the 9 classes that she lays on every week! Somatics has certainly helped me. I feel a lot taller (either that or my wife has got shorter!) and my posture is so much better for practicing Somatics. I no longer seem to have any major back issues, which seem to plague me on a fairly regular basis prior to doing Somatics. Even if you have no major muscular problems, her classes are always very relaxing and set you up to face the day! Give them a try. You won’t regret it!

STEPHEN PEASLAND

This is a copy if a message I sent to Sarah at the end of term:- Thank you so much for an amazing term!😀 Missed some of it in hospital and recovering, but I found the sessions to be an excellent recovery aid! Muscles that I hadn’t been using are now working again and joints that had become painful are now nearly working at their best. Even better, sitting in bed so long had produced a sciatica-like pain, which gave me problems sitting or standing. It has now virtually disappeared and I’m walking as far as I want to again! Every week is always so interesting and different and you present every session in a very understandable, enjoyable and heart lifting way. The final week was amazing, ‘propelling’ me to even better movement. Thank you xx Have a great break from us. See you next term cheers 🥂

Thomas Mansfield

19 February 2022

If I could give Sarah more than 5 stars I would. Through 1-2-1 sessions I've managed to reduce chronic pain I've had for over 5 years and gained back an ease of movement and confidence I thought were lost to me. With Sarah's help I've gained a much better understanding and awareness of my body, how I move and my relationship with pain. The sessions were catered perfectly for my level of progress each week, giving me enough homework to make good progress each session. I feel I've come away with the tools and resources I need to continue my journey towards pain free movement and deal with anything else life throws at me. Sarah has a real enthusiasm for Somatics and helping people with pain. I really can't recommend her and Somatics enough for anyone who want to reduce pain and move better.

Cat Jane

21 September 2021

After just a few sessions I have been able to do things I haven't done in years because of a sacro-iliac joint problem. Sarah's work has given me back a huge chunk of my life, and quickly too! I cannot overstate how well somatics has worked for me after years of trying one chiropracter after another, who only gave partial temporary relief at best. Thanks to Sarah's fantastic guidance I can look forward to a pain-free pursuit of activities I thought I would never be able to do again.

Here_Now 00:01

6 July 2021

Sessions with Sarah are fantastic! I have discovered relaxing my body and mind on a whole different level. Post partum, I suffered from a hip lock. I was in a great deal of pain on a daily basis for almost 2 years. Sitting, standing, walking and even lying down was very painful on most days. I also had intense pain in my left knee, the middle of my back as well as in my lower back. Somatics with Sarah have offered me a brand new opportunity, that, of rediscovering my body in mindfulness, gentleness and care. I now have a wider range of movement, for I do not suffer anymore. I am completely healed! The other amazing effect after sessions with Sarah, is that, any side pain or discomfort felt before hand in the body also subsides. I highly recommend this effective approach to healing with Sarah. She creates a safe, positive and peaceful space to heal the body and the mind. I am deeply grateful for Somatics with Sarah. It has been life changing!

Hazel Underwood

11 June 2021

At first it felt like I wasn't really doing anything as so little effort is required! It took a while to tune into the power of somatics and the way it works to release tension in the body. At the end of the class I usually felt as if I'd been in a deep meditation as it's such a mindful practice. Sarah is an amazing teacher and her dedication and enthusiasm make every session a special experience.

Tracey Ford

5 June 2021

I would never believe I could achieve this much flexibility with very little effort. So pleased I went on this path. Sarah's teaching is clear, calm and patient.

Hear The Tree Fall

4 June 2021

Second term and still learning so much. This has been simply wonderful. No matter how unwell or movement restricted you are, somatics helps in a number of ways, not least physically. Sarah Guest's classes are on zoom, easy to download as an app from the zoom website (which is free to use) and she runs morning and evening classes. You can attend as many as you want after you enrol. You can even do every single class! Sarah is there with you live and in person to guide you and help you. And Sarah gives you an added bonus which is invaluable (you find out when you enrol). The early bird price is fantastic. Choose to attend all 9 classes each week for 10 weeks. Or choose which class times suit you. Each week Sarah brings different areas of the body and opens us to how each area is affected by and affects our full body pattern. Don't worry the movements are tiny, effort minimal and the results fabulous. I've listened to people who thought they were fine, then started somatics and realised that they were storing up and creating problems for their future without them knowing. Somatics resolves this and stops habituated patterns from becoming a problem in the future. No one wants to be in pain and in somatics we stay away from pain in an easy, relaxed manner. Warning, you may yawn a lot. If you think you are fine just cross your arms, then cross your arms the other way. If the second way feels strange, unusual or weird then you are storing up problems for the future and have already got stuck in habituated patterns. 😉 Your health and well being starts and ends with you. How much are you worth? How much is staying out of pain or getting out of pain worth? No restrictions on age, ability or where you are in the world. If I had children I would be doing this course with them as it will set them up for life without unnecessary pain. Just click on the link and have a chat with Sarah, she's a master at finding good solutions. Not often I recommend, but this I do. 🙏🌟

Pauline Gamlin

Have you tried Somatics? This is a super 'lazy' class where truly you don't feel like you are going to achieve anything! It is super mindful concentrating on how your body moves within. I am so in love with it and Sarah Guest is just a fabulous teacher. As I said it is so mindful that it can almost be hypnotic with the gentle flowing movement, where you keep away from stretching and pain. I would thoroughly recommend it to other Fibromyalgia Warriors as it can be so calming to your pain, people of all ages and fitness, I even do it laying on my bed when my pain is bad! The marvelous thing too is that doing it regularly you really do start to notice a difference in the tone and suppleness of our bodies and even our eyes!!! Sarah's class packages are so good value, 9 zoom classes a week and access to an Audio Library! Sarah is just so knowledgeable, kind and generous and truly cares about her clients. Can't recommend this enough!

Kareena Gillard

11 May 2021

Excellent, would definitely recommend. 🙂👍

Susan Marshall

30 April 2021

I find the slow, gentle, mindful movements offered in Somatics to be almost hypnotically restful and calming. It is easy and it’s a pleasure to do it, something I look forward to, in contrast to the chore of the gym machines, for example, or to my relief in former days when the vigour of the “no gain without pain” exercise hour had mercifully ended. Through Somatics classes with Sarah, I’ve regained my capacity for pain-free and enjoyable walking and have improved my breathing, both of which became seriously impaired after a bout of cancer about 7 years ago. This was treatable, but the whole experience left me feeling conked out, drained of energy, and evidently more subject to minor ailments and physical discomforts,such as plantar fasciitis and a spectacularly bruised and swollen sprained ankle. Many years of sedentary work and, as I thought, just getting older, doubtless contributed to a general sense of physical debility and decline. For a time, I felt much fitter and stronger for doing Pilates classes, but with these, over time, my breathing capacity seemed to become even more restricted. So I looked about for something else and was fortunate indeed to begin Sarah’s Somatics classes. With Somatics, I find I can reduce or dispel any lower back and shoulder pain, or stiffness in my limbs, as they arise, not just during class time. I feel free to move again, with pleasure and without pain. Breath is much freer. I think that Sarah is an exceptionally gifted interpreter and teacher of Somatics. She is also friendly, approachable and very sensitive to individual needs and capacities. I’ve been attending her classes for about 3 years. Her Zoom classes have been a godsend during the lockdown. At age 72, it’s great to feel that my physical wellbeing is improving, with time and patience. I cannot recommend Sarah's teaching too highly. If you are new to Somatics, or just want to experience what it’s all about, I would suggest having an individual session (subject to Covid restrictions) or taking Sarah’s Beginners Course online.

Geoff and Annemarie

21 March 2021

Absolutely brilliant. Sarah is caring, gentle and kind, showing an incredible knowledge in helping young and not so young to continue moving well and move even better. We all think we're 'fine', when in reality we ignore what we can no longer do, not realising that we have not reprogrammed our brains when things have gone awry. Sarah takes you through, step by step, facilitating you reprogramming your own brain and the subsequent patterns for a healthier and more active, movement filled you. Gently, slowly and without pain. Thank you Sarah.

Tomasin Magwood

15 March 2021

Learning Somatics with Sarah has been a re-education in movement with old and new aches or pains melting away. I'm learning to keep them away through practice. Then it goes deeper and through breathing and releasing tension Somatics is like balm for the soul!

Debbie Durante

25 February 2021

I have known Sarah for a few years, and we hit it off from the first time we met ! I attended one of her Somatics classes in Gibraltar ....I felt this was something that I had never experienced this type of exercise class before , and realised it was not about stretching , but much more about releasing all the stress and muscle fatigue we create daily , and by talking with Sarah she explained this is all to do with re- educating the brain as the muscles are controlled this way ....so over the years as Sarah left Gibraltar , I have been practicing myself on and off.....and to be totally honest it’s only over the past month , that I have joined Sarah classes on Zoom , and am loving it , as it commits me to going to the classes , and not just doing 10 mins now and again .....I am now really appreciating the Full benefits of All the somatics movements , and realizing doing this daily is so much more beneficial .... and very much appreciate with the scheme that she offers that I can choose to go to one class or the 9 classes throughout the week , this is a great deal that Sarah offers. Sarah is an Amazing knowlegeble instructor/ Teacher , who definitely knows what she teaches, really cares for all her clients , and takes the time to advise and answer any questions , even staying on after class to personally give advice ! So I know now how important that first meeting I had with Sarah was going to be so important in my life, that I have an Amazing friend plus a Amazing Somatics Teacher....who is Always there for Me .....THANK YOU SARAH ....YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON ...XX

Fran Dalli

23 February 2021

I met Sarah in Gibraltar at a time where walking sometimes seemed near impossible. From the moment I met Sarah, her enthusiasm and knowledge had me sold, and I knew this was the program for me. When she left Gib it was easy enough to carry on without the guidance, Sarah teaches you to help yourself and Somatics is great because you don't only have to do it in class, it is good anywhere, anytime and in any position. And now she's doing online classes and I can be part of her story again :) THANK YOU

Jane Binding

22 February 2021

Sarah is extremely knowledgable and professional, and teaches somatics in a clear and enjoyable way. Somatics really helps with my chronic pain. I feel we are very lucky to have Sarah as our teacher in Taunton

liz guppy

21 February 2021

I was recommended to Sarah over two years ago to help me to manage chronic pain from fibromyalgia which I have had for many years and had led to very restricted movement. Sarah has taught me about the importance of the whole body connection regarding movement and how to release the chronically contracted muscles which have restricted my movement. I am now much more flexible than I have been for years. She is an incredibly skilful and knowledgable teacher who is always positive and gentle with a lovely sense of humour and fun. Her sessions have been as successful on zoom as they were in the village hall and there is no travelling involved. I try to attend at least one session a day and I have improved enormously. I have so much more hope for my future and would recommend Sarah and the practice of Somatics to everyone.

Rita

19 February 2021

I can’t praise Sarah’s work highly enough. She is a dedicated practitioner who is sensitive to the needs of her clients and is ultra professional in her skills . Somatics does really need to be experienced to fully understand how it can be of benefit to those of us who may be starting to have restricted movement for whatever reason . However, it is also so much more ... a way of releasing tensions and stresses in a most gentle and meaningful way . Love it .

Erzsébet Jones

Sarah a wonderful person and a great professional with a lot of empathy and a friendly, very open personality. Enjoying the online classes now just as much as I did in the class room. Somatics changed my life years ago and with it pain free for life. Easy and relaxing every session. Thank you 🤩

Debbie Cole

I would recommend Somatics to anyone that needs help with moving their body for whatever reasons. I started with Sarah due to hip and lower back problems which are much better now. I have more confidence in what my body can do now and have managed to start doing more exercise, always finishing with some Somatics which ensures I don’t have any post exercise aches.

Annie Gethen

Sarah is a wonderful teacher I highly recommend trying Somatics It makes you so aware of how your muscles should work, and is helping me with my sciatica

Janet Coates

18 February 2021

I started somatics with Sarah 5 years ago and highly recommend Sarah and somatics as a way of releasing tension and feeling relaxed. I often suffered with a bad back and achiness first thing in the morning but since starting somatics neither has been an issue and when I get the occasional back ache I know how to release it successfully.

Steph Steadman

14 February 2021

I can thoroughly recommend both Somatics & Sarah Guest as a tutor. Sessions give structure to my day & help me understand how my body moves & how I can change the habit of holding tension in my body. I am learning all the time & practise aspects daily. I also find the sessions therapeutic on a mental level as you have to focus & be in the moment therefore practising mindfulness as well.

annie cox

11 February 2021

I have been experiencing somatics with Sarah for a good 4 years now, and can thoroughly recommend it as a relaxing, calm, mindful body experience for anyone. Sarah is a very experienced and skillful teacher: positive, clear, non-judgemental. Her wealth of experience shows as she adapts each move as necessary for class participants. Somatics is a gentle, relaxing form of mindful movement that really does work to telease held tension.

Laura Stripp

10 February 2021

Fantastic - I initially started going to Sarah's classes after having a temporary back problem. I had quite restricted movement at the time and noticed such a difference even after a few days of classes. I'm now continuing with the classes as Sarah is a wonderful teacher and I feel so much better after class. I´ve found that after working at the computer all day it helps to relieve the tension and balance the body.

rob pricebates

9 February 2021

A great teacher, Sarah teaches you how to get your body back from the stresses of work and tension of day to day life and some long term bad habitual incorrect posture , to its natural state.

Matt Eggar

20 October 2020

I spent years doing painful stretches and exercises that never seemed right or helped in the long term. Sarah has taught me how to relieve muscle pain simply and effectively without stretches. She is so enthusiastic and friendly too. Highly recommend!

Somatics for Long Term Pain Relief

Somatic Education uses gentle, full-body movement patterns anyone can do.

Some of the conditions helped by learning Somatics...

A few of the benefits from learning Somatics…

Somatics is a skill you will have for life!

Improved balance and co-ordination

Reduced pain and tension in the body

Improved gait pattern

Freedom of movement

Improved physical fitness

Improved breathing

Feel stronger, more flexible and mobile

Good night’s sleep

Feel relaxed and calm

Improved posture

Feel more grounded

Ability to take care of your own aches and pains

...Plus many more!

Memberships

Hi, my name is Sarah

Personal Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

Get In Touch!

I will share with you ways to release pain and tension from your body and help you gain your freedom of movement back