What Is Soma Bodywork? | Structural Integration & Fascia Work

Soma Explained

Holistic healing for mind and body

Soma Explained

Holistic healing for mind and body

About Soma

Soma is a holistic, series-based approach to structural bodywork that works with fascia — the connective tissue that shapes posture, movement, and how the body adapts to gravity over time.

Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, Soma addresses the underlying patterns that create pain, tension, and restriction. The goal is not just to feel better in the moment, but to support lasting change in how you move, stand, breathe, and live in your body.

Instead of asking only “Where does it hurt?”, Soma asks “Why is this pattern happening?”

This work:

Addresses the root causes of pain rather than chasing symptoms

Works with the entire structural system, not isolated areas

Integrates hands-on bodywork, awareness, and movement

Is designed for long-term, sustainable change, not quick fixes

Many chronic issues — like back pain, shoulder tension, or recurring injuries — are often linked to posture, mobility limitations, inefficient movement patterns, or tension held elsewhere in the body. Soma works with these patterns directly, allowing the body to reorganize into a more balanced and efficient structure.

Soma is a holistic, series-based approach to structural bodywork that works with fascia — the connective tissue that shapes posture, movement, and how the body adapts to gravity over time.

Instead of asking only “Where does it hurt?”, Soma asks “Why is this pattern happening?”

This work:

Addresses the root causes of pain rather than chasing symptoms

Works with the entire structural system, not isolated areas

Integrates hands-on bodywork, awareness, and movement

Is designed for long-term, sustainable change, not quick fixes

Soma is a holistic, series-based approach to structural bodywork that works with fascia — the connective tissue that shapes posture, movement, and how the body adapts to gravity over time.

Instead of asking only “Where does it hurt?”, Soma asks “Why is this pattern happening?”

This work:

Addresses the root causes of pain rather than chasing symptoms

Works with the entire structural system, not isolated areas

Integrates hands-on bodywork, awareness, and movement

Is designed for long-term, sustainable change, not quick fixes

What a Soma Session Is Like

Sessions are client-centered and adaptive, combining:

Hands-on bodywork to release fascial restrictions
Guided awareness to reconnect you with your body
Movement and breathing exploration to support integration

This work supports both the physical body and the nervous system, helping your system downshift from chronic tension and stress.

Soma is not subtle work. Many people describe it as more intense than traditional massage, similar to deep tissue — but always intentional, communicative, and responsive to your body.

Most of us were never taught how to breathe, sit, stand, or move efficiently — and those habits add up over time. Soma helps unwind those patterns and build healthier ones.

Benefits of Soma Bodywork

Alleviate chronic pain
Improve posture and alignment
Increase mobility and joint freedom
Support nervous system regulation
Build sustainable movement patterns
Improve strength, balance, and efficiency

Conditions Soma Supports

Chronic pain (especially back pain)
TMJ and jaw tension
Injury recovery and prevention
Shoulder and back tension
Postural imbalances
Movement restrictions
Stress-related holding patterns

Who is Soma For?

If you have a body that moves (or wants to move better), this work is for you. Athletes, desk workers, people managing pain, anyone recovering from injury—Soma adapts to what you need.

Athletes

Optimize performance & mobility

Aging

Extend longevity & alleviate pain

Introspective

Improve alignment & vitality

Injured

Accelerate recovery & prevent injury

A Brief History

Soma is rooted in the lineage of Ida Rolf, whose pioneering work in structural integration profoundly influenced modern bodywork, physical therapy, and movement education.

Her research into fascia, alignment, and gravity laid the foundation for many therapies used today. Soma builds on that foundation with a more integrative, client-centered approach that includes awareness, movement, and nervous system support — not just manual manipulation.