Somatic Movement Therapy
Somatic movement therapy in Gdańsk is available with Edward Bateman, a British-trained osteopath with over 15 years of clinical experience. Sessions are available both in-person at the clinic and virtually throughout the week. All sessions are conducted entirely in English, making them accessible to expats, international residents, and English-speaking patients across the Trójmiasto region.
What Is Somatic Movement Therapy?
Somatic movement therapy is a gentle, body-centred approach that focuses on internal awareness rather than external performance. Through slow, mindful movements, it helps the nervous system release chronic tension, improve posture, and restore a natural sense of ease in the body. In contrast to exercise-based approaches, somatic movement explores how movement feels from the inside rather than how it looks from the outside.
This practice works by engaging the brain-body connection directly. As a result, small, conscious movements and focused attention help the nervous system reset habitual patterns of tightness and stress. Over time, this process can reduce pain, increase mobility, and create a deeper sense of ease and embodiment. Sessions typically include guided floor work, breath awareness, and simple movement sequences that can be integrated easily into daily life.
What Can Somatic Movement Therapy Help With?
Somatic movement therapy Gdańsk sessions with osteopath Edward Bateman may help with a wide range of conditions and goals, including:
- Chronic pain, stress, anxiety, or burnout
- Recovery from injury through gentle reintroduction to movement
- Back pain and postural issues related to desk work or daily life
- Feelings of disconnection from the body or persistent patterns of tension
- Improving movement efficiency for dancers, athletes, and creatives
- Building a mindful, low-impact movement practice for general wellbeing
What to Expect in a Session
Each somatic movement therapy session begins with a brief check-in to understand how you are feeling and what you would like to work on. Following this, I guide you through a series of slow, intentional movements, often on the floor, with an emphasis on noticing how your body feels rather than achieving a particular outcome. Throughout the session, the pace remains calm and unhurried, and there is no pressure to perform or push through discomfort.
Who Is Somatic Movement Therapy Suitable For?
Somatic movement therapy is suitable for a wide range of people. In particular, it works well for those living with chronic pain or persistent tension, anyone recovering from injury, and people who feel disconnected from their body. Because sessions are individually tailored and low-impact, there is no prerequisite level of fitness or prior experience required. It is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
How Does It Differ From Pilates?
While Pilates focuses primarily on building strength, stability, and functional movement, somatic movement therapy is more concerned with nervous system regulation and releasing deep-seated tension. The two approaches complement each other well. In fact, many patients benefit from incorporating both into their care over time.
In-Person and Virtual Sessions
In-person somatic movement therapy sessions in Gdańsk take place every Thursday at:
FizjoTeam Fizjoterapia
ul. Juliusza Słowackiego 77
80-257 Gdańsk.
Virtual sessions are available throughout the week and are a great option if you are based elsewhere in the Trójmiasto region, including Sopot or Gdynia, or simply prefer to work from home. To arrange a virtual session, get in touch directly and we can find a time that suits you.
All somatic movement therapy sessions in Gdańsk with Edward Bateman are conducted in English. To book your first session or arrange a virtual appointment, use the booking system or get in touch directly.