Retired dentist Tom Capriotti discovered pain relief through somatic movements more than 20 years ago.
Capriotti, 75, of Oakmont is a certified personal trainer and instructs a one-hour class for adults, Simple Movement Through Somatics, fon Mondays at Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel.
Somatics are movements that teach the nervous system how to release chronic muscle tension, relieve tightness and help to loosen joints.
“It’s based on sensory nerves’ motor muscle amnesia. Throughout the course of our life, either through stress, trauma, body position (how you work), some muscles forget how to work properly and get stuck in a pattern,” Capriotti said.
Participants are asked to bring an exercise mat, water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.
Practicing dentistry for 43 years took a toll on Capriotti, resulting in lower-back discomfort because of the fixed bent-over posture necessary while tending to patients.
A somatics guru introduced Capriotti to the therapy, and he’s been hooked ever since.
“I’m like a million bucks now, my back — somatics has provided that,” he said.
Class requirements include participants being able to get up and down from the floor without assistance.
No experience is necessary. The class offers soothing music and activity consisting of slow, focused and intentional movements.
Sheila England of Aspinwall, a new participant in the class, has completed two somatic sessions.
“I really, really liked it,” said England, a former homemaker who later worked as a project engineer. “I hadn’t heard about this before.”
