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A
Featured Company
Somatic Systems,
Inc.
(OTC:
SMAS)
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Profile
Somatic Systems,
Inc.
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Somatics System Institute,
Inc. (OTC: SMAS) of Northampton, Massachusetts
was founded in 1993 by Steven Aronstein, CEO.
Over the past 14 years, this privately held Massachusetts
Corporation (Schedule C) has trained a small but
dedicated core group of practitioners and has
provided thousands of one-on-one sessions for
people suffering from a variety of muscular pain
conditions. SSI offers an informational web site
and one of the only places worldwide to find books
and tapes and other therapeutic exercise materials
for Clinical Somatic Education (CSE). SSI operates
the only clinical facility for CSE treatment in
all of New England.
Economic experts estimate that
pain costs the nation more than $70 billion annually
in missed days at work, visits to hospital emergency
departments, medications and the use of other
medical and healthcare services (source: epharmaceuticalnews.com).
Somatic Systems Institute delivers an effective,
drug-free approach to pain elimination, especially
muscular, the source of the vast majority of chronic
pain. Somatic Systems Institute plans to open
pain management clinics across the country, using
a business model that is a hybrid of Curves and
Chiropractic to deliver a drug-free alternative
to chronic pain, for musculoskeletal disorders
originating from accident, injury, trauma, misuse,
repetitive stress and again—including back
pain; knee injuries; hip, shoulder and other joint
problems; carpal tunnel syndrome; TMJ; scoliosis;
bursitis; sciatica; tension headaches; shortness
of breath; tendonitis; and more. We will open
5 clinics in the eighteen months and expand to
25 within 5 years, growing to annual revenues
of $20 million.
People who pass through the front door of SSI often express amazement at how differently
they feel when they walk out the same door. The typical client who enters suffers from
some form of chronic and/or severe muscular pain and has tried a variety of other
treatment options before finding the Institute. The feeling a client has after completing a
session with a certified practitioner is often akin to experiencing a true miracle.
Even the medical world is becoming aware of the lasting results of CSE:
“As a neurologist I frequently see people who are suffering from chronic pain, which limits
their movement, therefore further increasing their pain and their need for pain-killers.
[Clinical Somatic Education] consistently helped the patients l have referred … achieve
lasting relief without depending on medication… I wholeheartedly recommend [Clinical
Somatic Education].” - JK, MD, Dipl. ABPN, Head of Neurology
Although there really is no true competition to Somatics in terms of results, there are
plenty of other options for those who seek pain relief:
- Orthopedics
- Pain and Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Chiropractic
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Feldenkrais
- Massage
For all of the above reasons,
Aronstein and his team would like to replicate
and expand what has been built over the past 14
years and effectively franchise this model across
the country but in a much shorter timeframe. Not
only does this business offer an attractive revenue
opportunity, but it also changes the lives of
those who suffer from intense muscular pain or
debilitating injuries.
Process
Thomas Hanna was the inventor of Clinical Somatic Education, a form of health care
which offers fast, long-lasting treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders from
accident, injury, trauma, misuse, repetitive stress and aging —including back pain; knee
injuries; hip, shoulder and other joint problems; carpal tunnel syndrome; TMJ; scoliosis;
bursitis; sciatica; tension headaches; shortness of breath; tendonitis; and more. Even many
conditions that have been diagnosed as incurable or degenerative, such as some diagnoses
of arthritis or stroke damage, can be treated. For the conditions it can treat, Clinical
Somatic Education dramatically exceeds the efficacy of orthopedics, physical therapy,
chiropractic, massage, yoga, Pilates and exercise. Clinical Somatic Education has worked
where every other treatment has failed, and allows many patients to avoid surgeries, joint
replacements, braces, walkers, canes and crutches.
The process a practitioner follows involves a systematic de-contraction of all affected
muscles, bringing them back to a relaxed state. During a session, a client lies on a table and
follows the simple movement instructions suggested by the practitioner, without causing
any discomfort to the client. When the muscles de-contract, the client feels an immediate
sense of relief, often for the first time in years. The concept behind CSE is straightforward
and operates on basic principles of physics and neurophysiology. Yet today’s modern
medical training programs continue to rely on medication and ineffective methods such as
physical therapy to relieve muscular discomfort. CSE is truly the key to solving the majority
of today’s trauma and stress-related muscular pain.
Business Model
There are three basic components to the SSI business model: professional training courses
(40% of revenue), hands-on individual sessions (45% of revenue), and Somatics products:
exercise tapes and self-help products (15% of revenue).
Professional Training Courses
SSI provides a three-part, certified CSE training course in the Massachusetts facility.
The traditional schedule costs $8,250/student; the new modular program delivered on a
more flexible schedule, costs $9,850/student. This pricing is much lower than analogous
training programs offered by Feldenkrais ($13,000), Rolfing, etc. Physical therapy training,
Chiropractic college, and other conventional programs (never mind Orthopedic medical
doctor training) cost significantly more than this, and require years of full-time classes.
To begin to understand the potential of Clinical Somatic Education, consider the example
of a field that has some very similar characteristics — a sub-brand of the Feldenkrais
Method, a system of movement therapy that works with musculoskeletal problems. Unlike
Clinical Somatics, this Feldenkrais method does not produce clinically dependable results;
by comparison, Clinical Somatics is faster, longer lasting, and works more dramatically for
more severe cases of pain and dysfunction. Furthermore, Clinical Somatics is
understandable by and credible to both yoga practitioners and medical doctors alike.
When customers clearly understand or experience the Clinical Somatics difference, they
are lifelong “converts” to the brand.
The Feldenkrais sub-brand currently
offers professional trainings consisting of 10
nine-day modules over 26 months. The tuition for
each module is $1,300, for a total of $13,000
over two years. This program’s current class
has an enrollment of 80 students (as well as twenty
Teaching Assistants, who also pay a fee to attend
and learn how to become trainers, providing additional
revenue in franchises down the line), grossing
well over $100,000 in the first nine-day course.
Even factoring out revenue from Teaching Assistants,
and assuming a 25% attrition rate starting after
the very first module (so that only 60 students
continue), the program generates more than $800,000
from 90 days of training classes.
Hands-on Individual Sessions
The typical charge for a single hour-long session of Clinical Somatic Education is $100.00
(and $150 for a first time intake, assessment, and session). In rural, lower-income regions,
sessions may cost $60 or less, and in larger cities such as New York, the cost may be $125
or higher.
These fees will go up significantly in years to come (and the value to clients will still be
high). For example, as a result of consistent marketing and good outcomes, practitioners
of the Feldenkrais sub-brand described above are currently able to charge $200 or more per
session and maintain a full-time practice; and this is a system that is less widely marketable
and produces less satisfactory outcomes than Clinical Somatic Education.
Reference Materials
CD's, Tapes, books, and other
self-help products provide a supplemental revenue
source. They enhance a client's treatment process,
provide options for those who don't have access
to or can't afford sessions, and serve as a passive
marketing tool.
Market Strategy
As chronic pain continues to spread across the country, people will continue searching for noninvasive
procedures such as Somatics, as witnessed by the steep growth in alternative health options
for pain relief and management: Somatics has worked where every other
treatment has failed, and allows many patients to avoid surgeries,
joint replacements, braces, walkers, canes and crutches.
Over the past 14 years, SSI
has relied upon advertising to other health fields,
such as massage therapy. Recently, we have found
much success in drawing chiropractors and physical
therapists into our training program. We see this
market as offering much potential, as they are easy
to target and quick believers in CSE methods. We
plan to launch regional marketing programs to chiropractors
and physical therapists within a 250- mile radius
of our facilities, through direct marketing. We
also plan to participate in local events to educate
the general public about CSE and increase our one-on-one
sessions with on-staff practitioners. It is our
goal to keep marketing expenses low and highly targeted,
as we have not had adequate returns with advertising.
Recent
SMAS News:
May
8 - Somatic
Systems, Inc. Graduates Its Largest Professional
Training Class
Somatic
Systems, Inc. (OTC: SMAS) is proud to announce
the certification of their largest class of practitioners
to date from their Clinical Somatics Professional
Training Program. The Graduating Class of 2007
will be the fourth class to graduate from Somatic
Systems training facilities. This class' graduation
year comes right on the heels of the beginning
of the fifth training program, the Class of 2008,
with an impressive increase in enrollment by 50%.
In fact, all five classes have increased enrollment
by approximately 50% over each previous class.
"This
is an exciting time for our students to become
full-fledged practitioners in the field of Somatics,"
said Steven Aronstein, Chairman and CEO. "Our
growth strategy consists of nationwide expansion
of clinical facilities, staffed by the ever-growing
population of students in our professional training
program. These distinguished new Somatics professionals
will help meet the growing demand for the Somatics
system of pain management."
Somatic
Systems' Clinical Somatics Professional Training
Program(TM) is held in three semesters over 28
months. The course consists of 300 hours of supervised
in-class education, as well as extensive interim
professional support and fieldwork. In addition
to instruction in the proprietary and revolutionary
pain care techniques of Clinical Somatics, students
are trained in kinesiology, anatomy, and neurophysiology,
as well as musculoskeletal disorders of the trunk
and vertebral column, shoulder joints, neck and
jaw, arms, and the hip joints and legs.
Somatic
Systems is pleased that ancillary product sales
have increased significantly, and that tuition
costs of $10,000 per student has brought substantial
revenue into the Company. Training activity and
student efforts continue to promote consumer awareness
of Somatic Systems. In turn, Somatic Systems'
sales force is increased to bring additional product
revenues.
About
Somatic Systems, Inc.
Somatic
Systems, Inc. is headquartered in Northampton,
Massachusetts. Somatics uses a technique called
Clinical Somatics(TM). Somatics trains and certifies
clinical practitioners on how to reeducate a client's
muscles and recalibrate overused or injured muscles
through a simple series of training sessions and
prescribed at-home movements. The Clinical Somatics(TM)
process uses a series of movements (lasting as
little as five minutes a day) that lengthen muscles
back to their natural, relaxed state.
February
26 - Somatic Systems, Inc. Enters Into New Branding Agreement for Physical Therapy Equipment
Somatic
Systems, Inc. (OTC: SMAS) is pleased to announce that they have entered
into a branding arrangement with Astra-Lite Inc, one of the world's
leading manufacturers of work tables and equipment for physical
therapy, massage, and chiropractic practices, and supplier of equipment
to professional sports and Olympic athletic teams and trainers.
Somatic
systems uses specialized Astra-Lite tables at all of their clinics and
all of their Somatics professional training programs, and is also a
retail distributor of their products, with sales to students and the
health care practitioners comprising a significant portion of retail
revenue. Under the new arrangement, all tables purchased for use and
for sale will bear Somatic Systems' name, logo, website, and contact
info. This is an important step in the current branding and sales
strategy underway at Somatic Systems, as it will help to promote brand
identity and leadership in the field.
Astra-Lite
tables feature an innovative design unparalleled in the industry.
Somatic Systems has worked with Astra-Lite to develop a proprietary
design to meet the needs of Somatics practitioners. This patented
design uses aircraft technology to combine tremendous strength with low
weight and portability, making the equipment a top-seller among
Somatics practitioners and professional training students. "Just as
Somatic Systems' offers the best methods for pain relief and
performance, we strive to offer the best products and services to our
customers and students," stated Somatic Systems, Inc. Chairman and CEO
Steven Aronstein. "We are pleased to be able to offer these exceptional
products under our brand."
Somatic
Systems has described a three-part strategy for expanding the business
nationwide, including first increasing enrollment in their three-year
training program, and, second, increasing the number of one-on-one
sessions in their certified Somatics clinics. The third piece of this
strategy is to build retail and online sales of the company's consumer
and professional products, including books, CDs, and practitioner
equipment. Customers pay between $500 and $1000 for Astra-Lite tables,
making these products Somatic Systems' highest priced retail item.
February
22 - Somatic Systems, Inc. Featured in Recent Yoga Magazine Article
Somatic
Systems, Inc. (OTC: SMAS) was featured in the January 2007 issue of
Louisiana Homes and Gardens, a publication with a circulation rate of
70,000 covering all of Southern Louisiana, including New Orleans.
The
article touts the resounding success that Somatic Systems students have
had in treating pain with Clinical Somatics. Yoga teachers have found
that their Yoga clientele and fitness clients in general have been
extremely receptive to Somatics as an aid to their practice and a way
to treat chronic pain and injury.
Clinical
Somatic Education, while relieving chronic muscle tension and its
associated symptoms of pain, decreased functioning, headaches,
scoliosis, and more, also gives clients greater control of muscles,
which can heighten any athletic or physical performance, including Yoga.
Mayo
Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) and Biomoda, Inc. (Albuquerque NM) have
agreed to jointly conduct a broad validation study of Biomoda's
patented technology, a non-invasive cytology based lung cancer
diagnostic assay.
"We
have watched Yoga practitioners flock to Somatics for the benefits it
offers," stated Somatic Systems, Inc. Chairman and CEO Steven
Aronstein. "With the overlap between Somatics and the hugely expanding
Yoga, fitness, and wellness markets, the road to increased market share
for Somatics is clear as Somatic Systems expands its national presence
of clinics, classes, and products."
This
article highlights the ways in which Somatic Systems is targeting the
thriving Yoga, wellness, and fitness markets with great success. Yoga
is quickly becoming one of the most popular fitness and relaxation
techniques and is an integral part of the wellness trend in the United
States. According to a 2003 Harris Interactive Services Bureau survey,
more than half the general population, or 109.7 million people, have at
least a casual interest in the practice of Yoga. In the US, the number
of fitness facilities offering yoga has gone up from 31% in 1996 to 85%
in 2002. More and more fitness facilities are offering services such as
Yoga, Pilates, and other wellness products with similar markets to
Somatics.
February
16 - Somatic Systems, Inc. to Host Nationally Renowned Fitness Author and Presenter
Somatic
Systems, Inc. (OTC: SMAS) is pleased to announce that they will be
hosting a day of Tai Chi and Somatics workshops with nationally
renowned Tai Chi and Martial Arts author, speaker, and instructor John
Loupos at their newest location in New York City. These workshops will
present a variety of topics focusing on the ways in which Somatics can
help Martial Artists and others improve performance and reduce injuries.
In
ongoing collaborations with John Loupos, Somatic Systems has been
targeting the sizeable market of Tai Chi and Martial Arts practitioners
through successful events that expose this previously untapped market
to Somatics. Over 180 million people worldwide practice Tai Chi, and
thus far Somatics has been extremely well received by Tai Chi and other
Martial Arts practitioners. Past events with Mr. Loupos have
contributed significantly to enrollment in the Clinical Somatics
Professional Training Program as well as Somatic Systems' other revenue
divisions.
"I
have found Somatics to be THE most effective means by which martial
artists, or others in related fields that require precise movement
(yoga, dance, sports, etc.), can quickly and easily regain a level of
sensitivity necessary for precision control. That Somatics effectively
relieves the underlying causes of muscle and joint pain and improves
flexibility is merely icing on the cake," said John Loupos, author of 4
books on Tai Chi and numerous exercise CDs and DVDs. Loupos is a
student in Somatic Systems' Clinical Somatics Professional Training
Program, graduating this May.
This
will be the first event of its kind in New York City, taking advantage
of Somatic Systems' new flagship Tribeca location, expanding into
additional New York markets, and increasing awareness of and revenues
at Somatic Systems' New York location.
February 15 - Somatic Systems, Inc. Announces New Class to Start the Somatics Clinical Training Program
Somatic
Systems, Inc. (OTC: SMAS) is pleased to announce that their next
Clinical Somatic Education Professional Training Program will begin
July 2007. With a cost of approximately $10,000 per student, the
Clinical Somatic Education Professional Training Program is the largest
product sold by SSI, and sales have been growing at least 50% annually
since the first training was launched in 2003. Based on sales data so
far, Somatic Systems expects even greater growth in enrollment for this
new training.
Somatic
Systems trains clinicians in a revolutionary approach to pain relief,
while also providing opportunities for employment as the company
increases its national rollout of clinical and retail locations. In
October, Chairman and CEO Steven Aronstein described a three-part
strategy for expanding the business nationwide. The first was to
increase enrollment in the three-year training program, which adds the
largest percentage of revenue to the company. The second was to
increase the number of one-on-one sessions in clinics offered by
certified Total Somatics(TM) clinical practitioners and the third was
to build retail and online product sales of the Company's reference
materials including books, audio products and practitioner tools.
Current
growth of the training program is exceeding the company's expectations
and is on track to fill the growing, national demand for Total
Somatics(TM) treatment services.
Somatic
Systems will be graduating two additional classes this May. New
graduates and current clinicians will be joining the teacher-training
program in order to fulfill the growing demand for the Professional
Training Program.
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OTCPicks.com
Safe Harbour Statement: Statements contained
in this document, including those pertaining to
estimates and related plans, potential mergers
and acquisitions, estimates, growth, establishing
new markets, expansion into new markets and related
plans other than statements of historical fact,
are forward-looking statements subject to a number
of uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from statements made. OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance as to the subject company's
plans or ability to effect any planned and/or
proposed actions. OTCPicks.com has no first-hand
knowledge of management and therefore cannot comment
on its capabilities, intent, resources, nor experience
and makes no attempt to do so. Statistical information,
dollar amounts, and market size data was provided
by the subject company or publicly available sources
believed by OTCPicks.com to be reliable, but OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance, and none is given, as to
the accuracy and completeness of this information.
Disclaimer:
The information, opinions and analysis contained herein are based on
sources believed to be reliable but no representation, expressed or
implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. This report is for
information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any
investment decision. OTCPicks.com has received six thousand five
hundred dollars from the company for SMAS advertising and promotional
services. Write or call OTCPicks.com for detailed disclosure as
required by Rule 17b of the Securities Act of 1933/1934. OTCPicks.com
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Clinical Somatic Education
Curriculum
The
program is conducted in three semesters. The first semester is four
weeks or 120 hours in length; the second and third semester are three
weeks or 90 hours each. in total, the training course consists of 300
hours of supervised in-class education.
The
first semester of the program is concerned with somatic functional
problems of the trunk and vertebral column. Students will learn somatic
educational techniques that are consistently effective in eliminating
fundamental disorders such as chronic back and neck pain, chronic
headaches, sciatica, scoliosis, etc. The program includes lectures on
kinesiology and the phenomenon of sensory-motor amnesia. Students also
learn diagnostic techniques based on recognition of the typical
postural disorders of the Landau Reflex, Startle Reflex, and Trauma
Reflex. During the first semester, students undergo a written
examination on their knowledge of the field of kinesiology.
The
second semester focuses on somatic functional problems of the shoulder
joints and arms and of the hip joints and legs. Students will learn
procedures for eliminating such problems as carpal tunnel syndrome,
tendinitus, frozen shoulders, chronic hip and knee pain, pronated or
supinated feet, etc., and attend lectures on neurophysiology. During
the second year, students write an examination paper on their knowledge
of the field of neurophysiology.
The
final semester is largely devoted to expanding the clinical skills of
the students and to deepening their understanding of neurophysiology.
Students enhance their ability to help clients solve functional
problems related to the extremities, walking/gait, balance, and other
conditions. Those who successfully demonstrate competence (via
examination at our training site) in Clinical Somatic Education to the
Clinical Somatics accreditation board (the certifying agency for
Clinical Somatic Education&) and who have completed all assignments
are certified as approved clinical practitioners of Clinical Somatic
Education and become Certified members of the Clinical Somatic
Education Socitey.
The
program employs team teaching to enrich the student's learning
experience. Team teaching provides greater intellectual stimulation and
closer supervision during clinical practice time. In addition, between
semesters each student communicates with a mentor from the teaching
team. Mentoring helps assure that students receive personal attention
with regard to assignments, issues with clients, and staying on track
for completion of the program by the end of the final semester.
Faculty
The
faculty consists of certified Somatic Educators™. Training of Clinical
Somatics™ practitioners may only be conducted by certified Somatic
Educators licensed to do so by the Somatics Board of Accreditation. Our trainings are conducted by these licensed instructors.
The
program employs team teaching to enrich the student's learning
experience. Team teaching provides greater intellectual stimulation and
closer supervision during clinical practice time. In addition, between
semesters each student communicates with a mentor from the teaching
team. Mentoring helps assure that students receive personal attention
with regard to assignments, issues with clients, and staying on track
for completion of the program by the end of the final semester.
Thomas
Hanna's influence is profoundly felt in every training, not only
because he personally instructed our trainers, but also because his
educational methods and philosophy are the foundation for the program.
Trainers
Our
faculty are not only fully licensed trainers, but the only licensed
trainers in the world. In addition, each member has served or is
currently serving as a Training Coordinator for the Novato Institute's
training program. All trainers have been continuously active in the
training program for over a decade and have been instrumental in
developing the training program and curriculum.
Our
faculty are certified practitioners of Somatic Education who maintain
private practices and offer periodic workshops open to both the lay
public and health care professionals. They are members of the Clinical
Somatic Education Society.
Karen
Hewitt is a certified Somatic Educator trained in the first program
ever conducted by Thomas Hanna. She was the first Training Coordinator
of the training program after Thomas Hanna. She has an extensive and
distinguished background in classroom education, professional training,
corporate training, and mathematics education. Karen is a founder and
senior member of the Somatics Board of Accreditation, the international
organization responsible for licensing and certifying Somatics programs
and practitioners. Karen is a founding and Charter member of the
Clinical Somatic Education Society, and has been in private practice in
San Jose, California since 1990.
Susan
Koenig is a certified Somatic Educator, and is also a Nationally
Certified Massage Therapist. She is past Vice-President of the American
Massage Therapy Association - California Chapter. Susan maintains a
private practice in Berkeley, California.
Phil
Shenk is a certified Somatic Educator. A former martial arts
instructor, Phil began his somatic endeavors in 1973 with the practice
of Tai Chi. He is a past Vice President of the American Massage Therapy
Association - California Chapter. Nationally Certified in Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork, Phil has been in practice in Therapeutic Massage
and Bodywork since 1980.
Marilyn
Warnock is a certified Somatic Educator trained in the first program
ever conducted by Thomas Hanna. Marilyn has been in practice in
northern California since 1990. She was instrumental in founding the
Clinical Somatic Education Professional Training Program.
Support
Students
are provided year-round support and guidance as they work to complete
their interim assignments and practice their clinical skills. In
addition to general availability of the entire faculty, every student
is assigned a single faculty member as a personal mentor, to provide
the opportunity for consistent, one-on-one assistance and support.
Furthermore, Somatic Systems Institute is open and available year-round
for in-person and remote meetings, consultations, and support, as well
as text books, training materials and practitioner tools.
Students
automatically become Student Members of the Association for Clinical
Somatic Education, Inc., the non-profit organization that is the
official professional support and public education agency for the field
of Clinical Somatic Education. Student Membership offers benefits
valuable to students-in-training, including special marketing materials
such as promotional brochures, discounts on annual conventions and
conferences, web site tools for support and community, the latest CSE
news, and involvement with the CSE community.
Student Benefits
Students
benefit from the year-round support and membership resources described
above. During semesters, students enjoy the benefits of the Hampshire
College campus and the Five College area, as well as the synergy of a
residential training program.
Graduation Benefits
Certified
Graduates of SSI's program automatically become Certified Members of
the Clinical Somatic Education Society. Their names will be listed in
the Society's roster of certified practitioners provided to the public.
Certified Members have full support of the Society, which develops,
researches, and sponsors Clinical Somatic Education resources, courses,
standards, etc. to support its members in benefiting the public and
promoting public welfare.
Certified
Graduates are life-long alumni of the Somatic Systems Institute,
entitled to participate in a variety of support, internship, marketing,
and co-marketing programs operated by the Institute.
Alumni Privileges
Certified
Graduates automatically become lifetime members of the Somatic Systems
Institute, entitled to participate in a variety of support, internship,
marketing, and co-marketing programs operated by the Institute.
Active
membership offers members a number of benefits, including advanced
notice of upcoming events and trainings and notifications of special
members-only bookstore sales. Additional, alumni members are able to
participate in special events at the institute, and alumni events and
support and study meetings.
Clinical Somatic Education Society
Certified
Graduates of SSI's Clinical Somatic Education™ Professional Training
Program automatically become Certified Members of the Clinical Somatic
Education Society. Certified Members enjoy extensive professional
benefits:
- Certified
practitioners' names will be listed in the Society's roster of
certified practitioners provided to the public, including a searchable
directory on the web.
- Active
members have full support of the Society, which develops, researches,
and sponsors Clinical Somatic Education resources, courses, standards,
etc. to support its members in benefiting the public and promoting
public welfare.
- Members
benefit professional and personally from the Society's promotional
efforts; marketing materials such as low-cost professionally developed
brochures; web listings of Certified Members workshops and other
events; individual web pages and service directories for members; a
complete online community including professional message boards and
discussion groups, calendars, and an Association projects manager;
annual conventions; and a variety of other services that enable
practitioners to maintain relationships with the Clinical Somatic
Education community worldwide.
Internship Program
Certified
practitioner graduates of our training program can apply for the
opportunity to work in our offices as they build their new practices,
work with us on public and continuing education programs, workshops,
and other important projects - to help build their practices, skills,
presence, confidence, competence, and advanced skills.
Group Practice
Certified
practitioner graduates of our training program have the opportunity to
operate their practices at the Institute, benefiting from our marketing
and public education, and potentially joining us as paid trainers in
upcoming programs.
Reunions
Graduates
can take advantage of period meetings with their classmates, to brush
up on their skills, support and network, share new skills, and
reconnect with this important community.
OTCPicks.com
Safe Harbour Statement: Statements contained
in this document, including those pertaining to
estimates and related plans, potential mergers
and acquisitions, estimates, growth, establishing
new markets, expansion into new markets and related
plans other than statements of historical fact,
are forward-looking statements subject to a number
of uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from statements made. OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance as to the subject company's
plans or ability to effect any planned and/or
proposed actions. OTCPicks.com has no first-hand
knowledge of management and therefore cannot comment
on its capabilities, intent, resources, nor experience
and makes no attempt to do so. Statistical information,
dollar amounts, and market size data was provided
by the subject company or publicly available sources
believed by OTCPicks.com to be reliable, but OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance, and none is given, as to
the accuracy and completeness of this information.
Disclaimer:
The information, opinions and analysis contained herein are based on
sources believed to be reliable but no representation, expressed or
implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. This report is for
information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any
investment decision. OTCPicks.com has received six thousand five
hundred dollars from the company for SMAS advertising and promotional
services. Write or call OTCPicks.com for detailed disclosure as
required by Rule 17b of the Securities Act of 1933/1934. OTCPicks.com
is not an investment advisor and this report is not investment advice.
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securities. It should be considered to be an advertisement. Information
contained herein contains forward-looking statements and is subject to
significant risks and uncertainties, which will affect the results. The
opinions contained herein reflect our current judgment and are subject
to change without notice. OTCPicks.com and/or its affiliates,
associates and employees from time to time may have either a long or
short position in securities mentioned. Information contained herein
may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written
consent of OTCPicks.com.
Testimonials
Steven Aronstein
In
college, Steven Aronstein became debilitated by chronic pain throughout
his body, weakness, gastrointestinal problems, and fatigue to the point
of immunological & cognitive impairment. At the age of 19, he found
himself with less health and function than most 70 year olds. Steven
was officially diagnosed by specialist hospitals with fibromyalgia, a
chronic illness of the nervous system and joints.
Unlike depression and other psychiatric disorders, this illness met
very different criteria: For example, studies and tests have shown
that depressed patients consistently underestimate their ability to
perform tasks, while fibromyalgia patients consistently overestimate
their abilities. In other words, patients suffering the way Steven did
find themselves rapidly becoming a shadow of their former selves,
despite their best efforts and intentions, and regardless of any other
circumstances.
This was definitely Steven’s situation: Ultimately, this condition
necessitated medical leave, and he moved in with his family, as he was
bedridden and unable to take care of himself, much less drive a car
long distances or hold a job. He didn’t have the strength or energy to
exercise anymore, and his weight dropped to 125 pounds.
He continued to fight against it and look for answers. He sought out
every medical and alternative approach he could find, and did research
for whatever hours of the day he had the strength and focus. Staying
in New York afforded the best and most extensive options. Medicine,
vitamins & supplements, physical therapy, many varying forms of
Chiropractic, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Cranio-Sacral
technique, Rosen Method, Body-Mind Centering, shiatsu, meditation,
massage, martial arts, Asian medicines, psychological counseling, and
many, many other efforts all failed to help at all or, occasionally,
offer more than temporarily partial relief.
Steven read Hanna’s book about Clinical Somatic Education, and found an
explanation for virtually everything he had been experiencing, and
conclusions that reflected the best, most advanced research he had come
across. Both Doctors and alternative practitioners didn’t know
anything about it, and there were no practitioners to be found anywhere
within 3,000 miles. Finally a practitioner surfaced 200 miles from New
York, and Steve found the first real improvements in his condition in 3
years of searching. With most practitioners located in California, his
progress was uncommonly slow: However, with persistent travels to
California, he gradually improved, and found himself symptom free
within another 3 years.
It
has been ten years since then. Whereas then Fibromyalgia was a
strange, newly discovered syndrome, now there is a whole field of study
dedicated to it, and support systems galore. While support groups and
medical “experts” continue to discuss and treat fibromyalgia a chronic,
life-long illness and disability, Steven has remained fully cured and
functional to this day.
Karen Hewitt
A
car accident in which Karen slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting a
cyclist led to a chronic knee problem. The pain gradually worsened,
until she had to avoid almost any exercise, including walking up the
stairs. Knee surgeries only made the condition worse. Thirteen years
later, she had to alternate between crutches and a wheelchair. Due to
her immobility, she had gained a great deal of weight, which doctors
now blamed for the knee problem. When she was told about Hanna’s
clinic, 2 hours north of her, she scoffed: Despite his 8 month waiting
list at the time, her doctors had never heard of Somatics, and she
wasn’t interested in a quack. She read some of his research and
findings, and realized that Hanna’s work was not only entirely western
and biological in nature, it was more scientific and rational than most
of the approaches and understandings her doctors had employed.
In the first few minutes of the first session with Karen, Hanna found
the problem. The musculature of her right side, hip, and shoulder was
frozen in spasm for what he estimated had been about 11 or 12 years (he
was off by one year). He measured and showed her that there was a
9-inch difference in the reach of her right and left arm. No doctors
had seen, measured, or diagnosed this.
The treatment Hanna prescribed for this required 50 minutes. By the
end of that very first hour he ever spent with her, Karen got up from
the table, walked out of Hanna’s office without crutches, and walked
down the stairs for the first time in a decade. Shocked, she ran back
up and down the stairs repeatedly. Hanna had her come back for one
more session to address some minor imbalances in her back muscles, to
avoid any future back problems (which Karen of course did without
hesitancy). Her knee has been pain free, and her side and the rest of
her body fully functional, in the 15 years ever since. Like most all
other recipients of this work, regardless of her weight and age, she
has gone on to enjoy increased flexibility and freedom from pain she
never imagined.
Karen
asked Hanna where she could go to learn how to do this, and he
explained he was the only one who did it. She asked him again, and he
said that he had more writing and developing to do. Three years later,
when he announced the first training in Clinical Somatic Education,
Karen was one of the first to apply. Karen trained with Hanna, and
when Hanna died right after that, it was Karen who organized his
students and who was took over operation his program. She is the
first, longest-serving, and most centrally involved trainer and
director in the Clinical Somatic programs, and has now dedicated her
time to implementing Hanna’s original program at Somatic Systems
Institute.
Kathy Kerber
I
was born with scoliosis and a left leg that was ¼” shorter than my
right leg. I was lucky that my scoliosis was an “S” curve, which meant
that my spine was somewhat balanced. I wore a ¼” lift in my left shoe
to even out my hips. From the age of 12 through the age of 18, I kept
an annual appointment with one of Chicago’s top orthopedic surgeons. He
took X-rays and measured any variance in the spinal curves. I watched
with bated breath each year to find out if it had gotten worse since
the year before, knowing that if it got bad enough, I would either be
put in a body brace or have to undergo surgery to straighten my spine:
neither sounded like an acceptable option. Luckily, I did not have to
undergo either of those treatments. I was sure it was because I took
his advice and joined the swim team in high school. He said that
swimming was the best sport for my condition. He also prescribed that I
lie on my left side for 30 min. each day, but that just wasn’t possible
during my school years. Talk about determination, at my first swim
practice, the coach told us that the warm-up was 80 lengths. I looked
up at her and asked, “without stopping?” and she said yes. I had never
swum more than one length in my whole life. I pushed away from the
shallow end and proceeded to swim competitively for most of my high
school years and then swam for exercise in college. I never suffered
any back pain.
A few months before my 24th birthday, I had my first “back attack.” It
was the morning of my sister’s wedding. I bent over to pick up a piece
of lint on the floor and my back seized up into a spasm that was so bad
that I could not breathe. I was terrified. I could hardly move. I
didn’t know what to do. I was a bridesmaid in the wedding and I had to
be there. Alas, like most of us who encounter back pain, I soon
discovered painkillers. I called my doctor and with the help of a few
pills, made it through the ceremony standing as straight as a flagpole.
Smiling in the photos afterward was really tough.
Throughout my 20s
and 30s I suffered a series of back spasms. The pain started on my
lower left side and eventually seized the muscles around my rib cage.
My doctor’s prescription amounted to bed rest until the muscles let go
and muscle relaxants. I often laid there, unable to move much because
of the pain, feeling my heart slow down from the muscle relaxants,
wondering if they were such a good idea… The pain was so intense that I
had to crawl to the bathroom and could hardly lift myself onto the
toilet. These episodes typically lasted 3-5 days. I wondered if I would
be in a wheelchair by 40.
Sometime in my mid 20s, I went to see a new doctor, a Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine, and he said that he also had scoliosis and had
just learned to live with the pain. But, he also thought that I might
find some relief if I went through some intense physical therapy. For
two months, I went to physical therapy twice/week. The only relief was
the stretching machine, where my shoulders and hips were strapped in
and my body literally pulled apart. That felt good, but the pain came
right back once I stood up afterward. I laughed to myself when they
gave me the ultrasound treatments, what a joke. The exercises that they
gave me did not work, but I did them religiously. The biggest problem,
they told me, was that I drove 45 miles to work each way and it was
hurting my back to be bumped around in the car that long everyday. I
remember leaving physical therapy feeling better and then getting in
the car, driving to work, and then barely being able to pull myself out
of the car when arriving at work. After getting out of my car, I could
not stand up straight. The pain was awful. It often took several hours
before I felt like I was able to stand up straight. And, then, as it
suddenly arrived, the pain would all of a sudden disappear, sometimes
for several months. But, it always came back.
In my early 30s, I started managing my company’s trade show program,
traveling around the U.S. and then to Europe, managing booth
installation and dismantling. On these trips, I often suffered from
severe spasms and I could not call in sick. One day while I standing in
front of a mirror in my hotel room, putting on makeup, I felt a pain
develop in my back and watched as my left hip started raising itself,
until it was effectively 2-3 in. higher than the right hip. The image I
saw in the mirror was a deformed body. And, the pain was unbearable. I
remember getting down on the floor and doing exercises, yelling at my
back and telling it that I was not going to get up off the floor until
it let go. Several minutes later, the pain eased enough to leave my
hotel room and go to the convention floor. I felt extreme pain with
every step. My hips were still way out of alignment, but I had to go
on. Those days required standing most of the day. By the end of the day
I was beside myself with pain and exhaustion. By this stage of my life,
I had learned to live with the pain and I steered clear of muscle
relaxants. I had resigned myself to a life with intermittent periods of
intense pain.
I
started mountain biking at age 34. Of course my doctor warned against
it, warning that the jarring would damage my back. But, I found
mountain biking to be an exhilarating sport, and over time, I noticed
that my back spasms had begun to decrease. I was not sure if it was
because of mountain biking and being in top physical condition. I did
not do any special back exercises during that time and I never did
stretching exercises.
I
learned about Clinical Somatics™ at the age of 39, quite unexpectedly.
My husband and I were redoing our front and backyard landscape and one
afternoon I noticed that the outside of my left thigh became numb. All
of a sudden, I could not feel the fabric of my sweatpants against my
skin. It was strange. I felt no pain, no tingling, no redness, no
swelling, just surface numbness. I didn’t even feel any back pain. I
called my doctor. She said that it’s not an emergency, as long as there
is no loss of strength. She said if it’s not gone the following week to
call for an appointment. I went in the next week and the nurse
practitioner prescribed 100 mg of Norflex, to be taken every 12 hours
for 15 days. She said if it’s not cleared up in 4-6 weeks, I should see
an orthopedic surgeon that they recommend. She said that she saw no
sign of neurological dysfunction.
Three days after this appointment, I walked into a Clinical Somatic
Educator’s office, per a friend’s recommendation to see if she could
help with the numbness. She looked at my posture and asked about my
history. I told her about my scoliosis. What she then told me shocked
me. She explained to me that scoliosis is not something you are born
with, as the spine is not developed enough when you are born. Scoliosis
develops as you take the tumbles in life and general traumas to your
body that we all experience. Most likely there was some accident or
fall I had taken before the age of five that caused my condition. She
also told me that I did not have a shorter left leg, that my scoliosis
had my entire trunk off balance and that I would not have to wear a
lift in my shoe ever again. At first, I thought I was hearing the
ravings of a quack. Then, she told me that she’d fix my scoliosis
during the first one-hour session. I did not believe that it was
possible. So, she took a black marker and marked the vertebrae so that
I could take a before/after view of my back. The markers clearly
illustrated my “S” curve. She then systematically de-contracted all the
small muscles that attach the vertebrae to the large muscle groups. To
my surprise, I looked in the mirror and saw that my “S” curve was no
longer there. My spine was perfectly aligned. It was a miracle. And the
process was entirely pain free. She suggested two variations of an
exercise, called arch and flatten, that I was to do twice/day to
lengthen the muscles in my back and abdomen. She told me that I’d need
4 sessions all together. These sessions were for:
- Green light reflex
- Trauma reflex
- Startle reflex
- Whiplash, tight jaw muscles, bunion pain
Results:
During every session, as the muscles would de-contract, I would feel a
rush of heat energy flow through that part of my body, almost like that
area was awakening from a deep sleep. I also noticed that by adjusting
my spine, eliminating my rib cage tilt, and aligning my hips and legs
that my clothes fit differently. I was able to wear one size smaller in
jeans, as my real body shape was now somehow smaller. But the biggest
difference to me was felt in the simple act of walking. I felt much
more at ease in my body and it felt good to walk. In fact, I remember
after one session, going down to the beach and just enjoying the
sensation of walking. My hips and entire trunk were loose and it felt
like I was walking on air. Also, within two weeks of my first session,
the numbness in my leg disappeared. I even felt my overall mood change.
I just felt happier and didn’t find myself worrying as much. I also
found that I no longer woke up in the middle of the night to urinate. A
good night’s sleep is such a blessing.
In the end, I had seven sessions with My Clinical Somatic Educator,
five occurring over a period of four weeks. I also had two sessions
about three months later. After that, I never had another appointment.
Besides the sessions, she prescribed a series of exercises for my
particular weak areas and suggested several exercise tapes that I
should follow to maintain my body. I found that there were particular
exercises that I learned to do when I felt pain from overworking my
body, such as the heavy-duty gardening work we were doing. If a pain
developed in my lower left side of my back (my main trouble area), I
would go into the house, lie down and within 20 seconds, I could free
that muscle group, get up and be as good as new. To finally have
control over my muscles was a dream come true. Today, six years after
my first Clinical Somatics™ session, I have not one back spasm.
Another surprising thing happened during this period of my life. I had
developed asthma (and was told by my new allergist that I had had it
all my life) in 1997 soon after the death of a family member. I soon
after found myself under the care of an allergist who prescribed 5
different medications, three of which were inhalants that I was took
twice a day, while also monitoring/measuring my breathing.
Sometime after my Clinical Somatic sessions in 1999, one day I forgot
to take my asthma medication and about one week afterward, it occurred
to me what had happened. I also noticed that I wasn’t wheezing. I
called my allergist for an appointment and after performing his usual
battery of tests with a surprised look on his face he told me that he
could detect no sign of asthma. Amazing. I don’t know if Clinical
Somatics™ had anything to do with it, but the timeliness of it all was
difficult to disregard.
I
continued to do my exercises for many months after my Clinical Somatic
sessions and found that the arch and flatten exercise even helped me
with uphill mountain biking. I don’t know how a back exercise can
affect the large muscles in your legs, but it did and I noticed a
substantial increase in leg power. I also found that I didn’t become
short of breath as easily. I had finally found a way to manage my back
pain, maintain my body, and live a life with no fear of aging.
OTCPicks.com
Safe Harbour Statement: Statements contained
in this document, including those pertaining to
estimates and related plans, potential mergers
and acquisitions, estimates, growth, establishing
new markets, expansion into new markets and related
plans other than statements of historical fact,
are forward-looking statements subject to a number
of uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from statements made. OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance as to the subject company's
plans or ability to effect any planned and/or
proposed actions. OTCPicks.com has no first-hand
knowledge of management and therefore cannot comment
on its capabilities, intent, resources, nor experience
and makes no attempt to do so. Statistical information,
dollar amounts, and market size data was provided
by the subject company or publicly available sources
believed by OTCPicks.com to be reliable, but OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance, and none is given, as to
the accuracy and completeness of this information.
Disclaimer:
The information, opinions and analysis contained herein are based on
sources believed to be reliable but no representation, expressed or
implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. This report is for
information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any
investment decision. OTCPicks.com has received six thousand five
hundred dollars from the company for SMAS advertising and promotional
services. Write or call OTCPicks.com for detailed disclosure as
required by Rule 17b of the Securities Act of 1933/1934. OTCPicks.com
is not an investment advisor and this report is not investment advice.
This information is neither a solicitation to buy nor an offer to sell
securities. It should be considered to be an advertisement. Information
contained herein contains forward-looking statements and is subject to
significant risks and uncertainties, which will affect the results. The
opinions contained herein reflect our current judgment and are subject
to change without notice. OTCPicks.com and/or its affiliates,
associates and employees from time to time may have either a long or
short position in securities mentioned. Information contained herein
may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written
consent of OTCPicks.com.
Steven Aronstein, CEO
Steven Aronstein is a certified Clinical Somatic Educator trained in the second somatics
program ever conducted. He has practiced in Western Massachusetts and the Northeast
for 12 years. He also has a 10-year professional background in computer development and
consulting, including large-scale software development projects for the New York
Knickerbockers basketball team and the Calvin Klein company.
Karen Hewitt, VP of Educat ion
Karen is a founding member of the Clinical Somatic Education training program has been
in private practice in San Jose, California since 1990. She is responsible for establishing
and directing the most fundamental components of the original somatics training
curriculum. Ms. Hewitt has a 30-year distinguished background in classroom education,
professional training, corporate training, and mathematics education. She has worked for
public schools, remedial programs, and for a wide variety of large and small corporations in
management, training, and customer support capacities.
OTCPicks.com
Safe Harbour Statement: Statements contained
in this document, including those pertaining to estimates
and related plans, potential mergers and acquisitions,
estimates, growth, establishing new markets, expansion
into new markets and related plans other than statements
of historical fact, are forward-looking statements subject
to a number of uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from statements made. OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance as to the subject company's plans
or ability to effect any planned and/or proposed actions.
OTCPicks.com has no first-hand knowledge of management
and therefore cannot comment on its capabilities, intent,
resources, nor experience and makes no attempt to do
so. Statistical information, dollar amounts, and market
size data was provided by the subject company or publicly
available sources believed by OTCPicks.com to be reliable,
but OTCPicks.com provides no assurance, and none is
given, as to the accuracy and completeness of this information.
Disclaimer:
The information, opinions and analysis contained herein are based on
sources believed to be reliable but no representation, expressed or
implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. This report is for
information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any
investment decision. OTCPicks.com has received six thousand five
hundred dollars from the company for SMAS advertising and promotional
services. Write or call OTCPicks.com for detailed disclosure as
required by Rule 17b of the Securities Act of 1933/1934. OTCPicks.com
is not an investment advisor and this report is not investment advice.
This information is neither a solicitation to buy nor an offer to sell
securities. It should be considered to be an advertisement. Information
contained herein contains forward-looking statements and is subject to
significant risks and uncertainties, which will affect the results. The
opinions contained herein reflect our current judgment and are subject
to change without notice. OTCPicks.com and/or its affiliates,
associates and employees from time to time may have either a long or
short position in securities mentioned. Information contained herein
may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written
consent of OTCPicks.com.
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Somatic Systems
Inc.
32 Masonic Street
Northampton, MA 01060-3038
Phone: 877-586-2555
Fax: 413-586-2552
Email:
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Website
www.somatics.org
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OTCPicks.com
Safe Harbour Statement: Statements contained
in this document, including those pertaining to estimates
and related plans, potential mergers and acquisitions,
estimates, growth, establishing new markets, expansion
into new markets and related plans other than statements
of historical fact, are forward-looking statements subject
to a number of uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from statements made. OTCPicks.com
provides no assurance as to the subject company's plans
or ability to effect any planned and/or proposed actions.
OTCPicks.com has no first-hand knowledge of management
and therefore cannot comment on its capabilities, intent,
resources, nor experience and makes no attempt to do
so. Statistical information, dollar amounts, and market
size data was provided by the subject company or publicly
available sources believed by OTCPicks.com to be reliable,
but OTCPicks.com provides no assurance, and none is
given, as to the accuracy and completeness of this information.
Disclaimer:
The information, opinions and analysis contained herein are based on
sources believed to be reliable but no representation, expressed or
implied, is made as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. This report is for
information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any
investment decision. OTCPicks.com has received six thousand five
hundred dollars from the company for SMAS advertising and promotional
services. Write or call OTCPicks.com for detailed disclosure as
required by Rule 17b of the Securities Act of 1933/1934. OTCPicks.com
is not an investment advisor and this report is not investment advice.
This information is neither a solicitation to buy nor an offer to sell
securities. It should be considered to be an advertisement. Information
contained herein contains forward-looking statements and is subject to
significant risks and uncertainties, which will affect the results. The
opinions contained herein reflect our current judgment and are subject
to change without notice. OTCPicks.com and/or its affiliates,
associates and employees from time to time may have either a long or
short position in securities mentioned. Information contained herein
may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written
consent of OTCPicks.com.
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