How to do Somatic Tracking - One of the Most Effective Techniques to Eliminate Chronic Pain
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- Somatic tracking is one of the most effective techniques to eliminate neuroplastic pain. It is a technique that retrains your brain to interpret safe signals from your body correctly.
Somatic tracking is a form of exposure aimed at showing the brain that it is safe. We do somatic tracking with the hopes of getting a corrective experience, which is when the fear of the pain is reduced.
A corrective experience occurs when we respond to our pain in a different way: with ease, lightness, and through a lens of safety.
It does not matter if the pain reduces, but that we begin responding to it with less fear.
By learning to attend to the pain without fear, the pain loses its fuel source. Once we expose neuroplastic pain as a mistake made by our brains, it loses its power.
*Education and techniques discussed in this video originate from Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
*Reference: Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center and Alan Gordon.
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I’m Tanner Murtagh, a therapist making videos on Neuroplastic Pain/Mind-Body Syndrome. I will teach you how to rewire your brain and unlearn your pain!
Contact my agency, Pain Psychotherapy Canada, if you are ready to begin your journey out of chronic pain. We offer in person and virtual sessions: www.painpsychotherapy.ca/
Follow my agency on Instagram, where I post information and videos daily: / painpsychotherapy
Follow my agency on Facebook, where I post information and videos daily: / painpsychotherapycanada
Disclaimer: The information provided by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc., and its director Tanner Murtagh, on this channel is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. If you choose to utilize any of the education, strategies, or techniques in this video you agree you are doing so at your own risk and you assume all risk of injury to yourself.
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If you are in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.
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Intro music: Carried Away by Nick Petrov.
Forest scene: Video by Matthias Groeneveld from Pexels: www.pexels.com/video/landscap...
#chronicpain #chronicillness #neuroplasticpain #centralsensitization #mindbody #tms #mimdbodyconnection #mindbodysoul #mindbodymedicine #curable #healingchronicpain #mindbodysyndrome #anxiety #chronicpainawareness #fibromyalgia #painreprocessingtherapy #tensionmyositissyndrome #tensionmyoneuralsyndrome #mindbodysyndrome
Thank you for showing me how to do somatic tracking in an easy to follow way. I have been frantically and fearfully searching for a pill or specialist to take my pain away. I think you have given me the answer and I will keep playing your session each day until I truly believe that the cause of my pain is FEAR and not musculoskeletal damage. 🌸
I'm so happy this video was helpful! Happy healing!
Note to those rewatching for the exercise alone: that part starts at 8:06
Thanks!
Thank you.
I really love your Rorschach blotter art in the background 👌
Thanks! I like them a lot too!
"when the pain is high, go do avoidant behaviors" okay this is something I never thought I would hear but now it makes so much sense
Yes avoidant behaviours can be so useful when the pain is high!
These are a great reference!
Thanks! Glad they are helpful.
You are Awesome !!!! This is such a helpful video
I'm so happy it was helpful!
thank you tanner!!
You're welcome. I"m so glad my content is helpful!
I love the idea of doing this as I do exercises that cause pain. I've found the more stressed I am, the more prone I am to injuries that increased pain or fibro - and some of that is inescapable. But even with muskuloskeletal issues, the fear makes it SO much worse, and we can tackle that part of it. I love how you rephrased it for someone with those kinds of issues. I will take care knowing that pushing myself TOO hard becomes toxic, but gently keep making progress, even with setbacks. You've become quite the healer, Tanner! Learning to surmount your own early problems has made you wise and compassionate beyond your years.
I'm so glad this video was helpful! Thank you for your kind words. Happy healing!
How can I do this for the symptom of fatigue?
I have CFS
For example, when I'm walking and feel tired, what should I do?
Should I reassure myself that everything is ok, focus on my breathing and feel the symptoms?
Hi Tanner, I'm so happy to have found your channel. I am looking forward to now adding somatic tracking to my 'tool kit'. Your time, effort, clear explanation and gentle way are all very much appreciated.
I'm so happy my content is helpful! Keep going!
Thank you for breaking down pain reprocessing therapy. What a great resource both for myself and my clients!
You are welcome!
Thankyou Tanner, that helped reduce my pain a lot....much appreciated. 😊
I'm so happy it was helpful!
Fantastic explaination
Thanks! So glad it was helpful.
This is a very clear overview on somatic tracking and good techniques. So helpful for me to hear this session. Thank you very much!!
You're welcome!
Loved that you compared it to a firework show... that resonated with me. Thank you!
Yes it is a good analogy for it. Glad it was helpful!
Your the best. Thank you for how you show up and share what heals
I'm so happy this was helpful!
This is the best and by far easiest method I have heard. Got immediate results - thank you. I hve subscribed to your channel - am so looking forward to the rest of your videos. Again thank you - so very much.
I'm so happy it was helpful! Keep going!
Thankyou for a great explanation of somatic tracking and the actual experience of somatic tracking. I was reassured to know not to try somatic tracking when pain/sensations are high. Thankyou.☘
You're welcome. I'm glad it was helpful!
Thank u tanner
You're welcome!
Hi Tanner: Just wanted you to know that I have been viewing your videos every day for about 1 week. I have implements so many new methods of regulating my nervous system and I am feeling much calmer, really listening to my body much more, slowing down a lot more when my body needs it. I listen to Somatic traction exercise daily and I find it very helpful to calm my entire body. I don't have pain, but I do deal with mast cell activation which results in my nervous system getting triggered on high alert at the most unnerving times. Somatic tracking is really helping me and you have so many videos, I am getting a thorough education from you on the subject. Thank you for all you helpful tips. Clearly somatic tracking is not only for people with pain challenges.
I'm so glad my content has been helpful! Keep going! I wish you the best in your healing.
Awesome video!
Thanks!
This meditation exercise is very helpful, thank you for sharing with us.
I'm so glad it was helpful. Keep going!
Thank you for your explanation. The example with the dog and the fireworks did it for me. I had a uncomfortable sensation and imagined myself scared like a dog during fireworks. I began to comfort my scared inner self. I felt how the tightness in my chest from some kind of anxiety dissipated. I even began to cry a little. But if felt good. I will continue to use somatic tracking. Thank you once again!
So glad it was helpful!!
Sit up straight, put on a nice crisp shirt ~ presentation is important ~ L♥️ve MoM
Really nice and easy to understand explanation for why we feel this pain and how to manage it. I really like the baseball analogy. Thank you
I'm so happy it was helpful!
Il keep practicing thank u
Keep going!
thank you. I have just read Alan Gordon's book, The Way Out, and your video is the perfect resource to assist me to put PRT into action.
I'm so glad it was helpful! Keep going!
What a wise and clear explanation of the process in such simple terms. Thank you!!!
You're welcome. I'm so happy it was helpful!!
Great to have found you! Love the practice! Do you happen to have one that is longer?
I'm so glad it was helpful. I have several somatic trackings on the channel, but they are all about 10 minutes.
This was a great video, I will be listening to it a few times. Thank you 😊
I'm so glad you liked it! You are welcome!
@@painpsychotherapy Hy sir! I have seen ur video so much amazing,
I hope
This applies for depression, anxiety and pain(psychological) ? i think iam phsycosomatic from long run emotions.
I heard somewhere anxiety converts in to pain and somatic symptoms pathways. Even when depression and anxiety get remissioned.
Im getting suicidal thoughts. Iam just 28 years old.
iam suffering from severe depression And physical bodily pain symptoms for last 3 months, iam taking two psych meds present.. can i tapper of both clonazepam (0.5 mg) & vortioxetin (10mg) have been using for 3 weeks only.. I don't want to stay on these pills which cannot give me relef rather more I'll feeling.. Please advice me n ur support needed 🙏 iam eagerly waiting for ur reply, I don't want to regret in future help me.. Does ur idea helps me to overcome depression and physical pain also.. Please help me out🙏
@@khajababu1403 Thanks for your comment. If you are feeling suicidal please ensure you reach out to local supports in your area. Yes depression and anxiety can often result in physical pain symptoms occurring. Sometimes getting counseling for depression and anxiety can help reduce the pain when we understand that helping our brain feel safer can cause the danger signal of pain to stop being sent. Pain Reprocessing Therapy can also be really effective in reducing Neuroplastic pain symptoms, you could try out a few of my meditation videos if you haven't yet. Hope this helps! Please take care of yourself!
Thank you. Make so much sense . Suffered panic attacks fir many years. After a very stressful event in my life. I went numb. Had no feelings. Then pain came....no more panic or anxiety. Feel like it's gone fron anxiety to pain. At the time I got the pain there was several traumatic events going on. My parent passing away from cancer/ homelessness any many more all at once. Once again thank you. Hope it helps me .
I'm so sorry to hear what you have been through. I hope my content can be helpful!
8:08
Just stumbled upon your very clear explanation of Somatic Tracking. My sensations are really jumping the last few days. Three days ago I had to use 2 crutches to walk (avoidant behavior), later that day I pushed a wheelbarrow. Last night they all but vanished, and today I limp again. I am trying not to care, but rather to be curious as you said, but i get sad its been going on for so long. I keep thinking there is something I am not getting or something I am not doing. Probably both. Somatic tracking feels like it should be something I AM doing,
Thanks for reaching out. I always say it is a good sign when the symptoms are jumping around or coming and going, as each time you can feel safer that you know this is neuroplastic. Try out somatic tracking and explore using it in all sorts of different ways! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about it.
hello jim, have you stuck with the tracking- any progress?
@@jerrylee8540 I did not stay with Somatic Tracking. No real response. My comments were from 10 months ago and I can report that there is no more symptom moving. Very little rising and falling either. What helped? A change in behavior. I ruminate less about others screwing up. Instead I confront the issues and those involved head on. That can backfire, unless done carefully. If its a big screw up with a long history (i.e. a hoarder friend who mooches) I let my anger out at the person. I find this helps immensely -- to unbury the repression.
Hi Tanner, first of all wanted to say I’m extremely grateful for your helpful videos. I have been struggling with IBS and Insomnia for the past few years and I am very well aware of Dr. Sarno, Howard Schubiner and Alan Gordon’s work. But I must admit that your videos are doing even a better job! So thank you!
Also, curious to know if you are familiar with Peter Levin’s work (Somatic Experiencing) which is very similar and what are your thoughts on it?
I'm so glad my content was helpful. It is great you are utilizing a mind-body approach. Yes, I am very familiar with Levine and I am currently taking his training. I am hoping to have more somatic experiencing videos on the channel in the future. Happy healing!
Really great explanation. I've been doing somatic tracking for 8 mths but found this super helpful. Things clicked and i felt i was doing it differently. One minor thing is that the 2 dog analogies botg work separately... 1 the curious dog sniffing out the sensations but it is really distracting that the 2nd tells you not to behave like a dog being frightened of fireworks but like a fascinated child. The contradiction really jars ... without that it'd be perfect to listen to repeatedly.
I'm so glad this was helpful. Thanks for the feedback! I wish you the best in your healing!
Hy, Dr. Tanner. For eight years now, I have had chronic pain in my back. They are not constant, they only appear in moments of frustration, but they take a while to go away. Anyway, my fear of pain increases every time I have crises, because I'm afraid that the stress caused by them may aggravate other types of illnesses. Your explanation allowed me to look at the problem from another perspective. A thank you from Brazil.
I am sorry to hear about your chronic back pain. I'm so glad my content is helpful. I wish you healing!
Oi, você conhece algum terapeuta que ajude a fazer os exercícios aqui no Brasil?
The technical part is one of the best I've heard (even though I prefer sensations instead of pain), but to really calm down the nervous system a sloow, calm voice would be nice :)
Completely agree. It was one of the first videos I did so it was a little rough! If you check out my new somatic tracking videos they are definitely calmer. Happy healing!
just subscribed!
Welcome! I hope my content is helpful!
Awesome video thx I do this for about 2 minutes, my pain is still high love Lenneke
It is great you are utilizing it!
Thanks so much for such a helpful explanation and example! It really helps to work through it with you. I have a question - is the aim of this to continue until the sensation disappears? Sometimes I find it (nerve pain in my case) moves around then reduces and disappears, and other times it just keeps moving about. In the latter, how long do you keep going for? And how often would be a good amount to do this per day? I imagine doing it every time the pain is felt might be a bit excessive / heighten awareness of it, when sometimes gentle indifference whilst continuing on with activities is also a good method? Thanks 🙏
Good question. The aim of somatic tracking is really to change our response to the pain, where we feel safe, light, and at ease with the pain. A corrective experience with somatic tracking is to have the fear, frustration, or despair about the pain reduce. A happy side effect is the pain will dissipate or reduce during somatic tracking, but really this isn't the point. I tell people to think long-term with pain reduction and with each corrective experience the pain is more likely to reduce in the future. I hope this helps!
@@painpsychotherapy thanks so much for such a helpful reply! It’s taken the pressure off a bit, which I imagine will also help the pain reduce :-) I’ll aim to use this each time I notice the fearful/fighting thoughts arising. Thanks again! Your posts are incredibly helpful :-)
@@Sophier1892 You are welcome. I am glad the videos are helpful! Yes taking the pressure off of recovery is important!
Hi Tanner. Thanks for the review on ST. Well done. I think during the guided ST part would be better if it was done slower.
Curious. Do you do private practice and does that include going through ST process together in session?
Thanks again!
I'm glad it was helpful. Yes, I find people like it at different speeds so usually when I am working with people it can look very different person to person. Yes, my agency does provide PRT and somatic tracking for clients who are located in certain provinces in Canada. Happy healing!
Thanks Tanner! Curious. What is the cost of session with you? I'm in ontario and zero coverage. Thanks
@@ericacostea7435 I suggest you reach out to me by email to discuss treatment options further. My email is: tanner@painpsychotherapy.ca Also be sure to leave a phone number when you email.
Hi Tanner
I love your channel, they are so helpful. I have chronic shoulder and neck pain. I am learning to do somatic tracking. My question is as soon as i rest my mind on the painful areas i start to feel very
Sleepy.. Is it normal?
I'm glad my content is helpful. Reactions to somatic tracking can vary person to person. I unfortunately cannot advise over social media exactly what you should change. However, the goal is to change the emotional response where we feel light, at ease, calm, or empowered while attending to the pain. I hope this helps! Happy healing.
Hi Tanner. I did this exercise sitting down. Generally, sitting is a position where I have the least (not zero) pain. Can this exercise be done while moving? Like slow walking around the room, while listening to your guidance?
In PRT we do utilize somatic tracking with movement, however it is important to make sure you are medically cleared to do certain movements.
I’ve been doing some somatic and body awareness exercises, tracking/discharging stuck energy developed by Peter Levine since January 1, 2023 every day, my sleep has improved a lot, and I already feel way less immobile, however one thing that strikes me most is muscular tension on the face particularly in the afternoon while sitting at the computer, It’s hard and annoying, I always try to accept it and simply let it remain there, but it takes my energy away, it like I need to spend the entire day time just with my tense face rather than focus on my goals and moving forward, any train of thought or advice to interrupt the cycle?
It is great you are using a Mind-Body approach. Sorry to hear about your symptoms. You can check out my video on preoccupation, as this could be helpful!
You’ve saved my life
I'm so happy my content has been helpful!
Hey Tanner. I'm curious when someone is doing these exercises on their own to help relieve their pain, how many minutes a day should one practice on average to start to see some results? I have a 15 minute video I like to do. Is doing that once a day enough?
Good question! This really depends person to person and can take some exploring. Generally if people can tolerate sitting with the sensations 2-3 longer ones (10-15 minutes) during the day is useful, or alternatively 5-10 brief ones (2-3 minutes). I hope this helps!
Hi I have shoulder tendinitis, how can this healing therapy can work on it
I wanted to ask from everyone
Then I thought it’s right approach
How TMS will work on it
Thanks
A Mind-body approach works by retraining the brain and creating nervous system regulation! I hope my content is helpful!
This has helped some of my leg pains but I have to keep at it. My brain is stubborn. However, my question is can it help IBS? It seems much harder.
I'm glad it has been helpful. Yes, when the IBS is neuroplastic in nature often somatic tracking can be helpful. Keep going!
I’m going to begin seeing a PRT in early may. Just curious how long your clients typically take to see results?
That's great you are getting in to see someone! It does vary person to person of course however I often find people will see results in 6-10 sessions. Some people respond quicker or take longer though.
@@painpsychotherapy thank you so much for your response. I’m so anxious to get started. I’ve been dealing with this for six months now and it has greatly altered my life.
@@dash100sdkhg Your welcome! I wish you the best in therapy! It is a wonderful treatment for so many.
Hi, what if the pain experienced is always at high levels - how can somatic tracking work? I distract myself all the time with no sensation relief. The sensations get stronger and stronger as days, months, years go by. I have a spinal cord injury at T4. A blanket of nerve sensation from T4 to my toes.
So sorry to hear about your pain. I can't advise you on your case, however I can say in PRT when the pain is always high it is suggested to do brief somatic tracking (1-2 minutes) or pick the time when the pain is the lowest or we are in the best mood. This can maximize the chances of a corrective experience.
It matters to ME if the pain doesn't go away. I have RA and so how would this "retraining" work for me after 40 years of physical deterioration in my joints (bone on bone pain in knee/told not a candidate for replacement)?
I'm so sorry to hear about your pain. Somatic tracking is meant for pain that is occurring only due to the brain and nervous system. However, I have found it helpful for some people with structural issues, when a portion of the pain is neuroplastic.
Do you know anything about “the completion process”?
Sorry I am not familiar with this.
Had anyone with multiple chemical sensitivity and electromagnetic sensitivity do this?
I have treated a few people with multiple chemical sensitivity and seen success.
So I was in car accident hurting back (nerve)...
I for years would just soldier on (after accident) and continued working albeit less hours.
When I would work - bending, sitting or standing, my inflammation (above illiac crest) would always become so inflamed I couldn't continue to work or even walk...
This pain and inflammation occurred straight after accident and has occurred now for 10 yrs.
Is the brain so powerful that it can create chronic inflammation?
P.s I had a happy and successful business and thought for yrs I'd push through the pain. All it did was that the pain generator's just got further aggravation...
Sorry to hear about your symptoms. Typically inflammation would not be neuroplastic. However, similar sensations could be Neuroplastic. I should state though that I don't know your case, and because of this can't advise you directly.
I feel like there isn't that much to describe my sensations...what do u do with chronic fatigue? And what do u do when your entire body feels like it has weights upon it?
Good question. Typically you could describe it and then watch the small shifts or changes that occur during the tracking. Of course this is going to be different person to person. I have a somatic tracking for fatigue video you could check out.
Is this similar to what Alan Gordon teaches?
Yes it is his therapy model!
Do you know if this has been shown to be effective with pain associated with migraine disease (neurological disorder). I am guessing it has something to do with how much of the individuals pain becomes learned over time 🤔?
Thanks for reaching out. Many chronic pain disorders are really Neuroplastic pain. I have successfully treated individuals with chronic migraines. Check out my video on the 12 signs of Neuroplastic pain, as it can give you a sense if your pain is neuroplastic or not. Hope this helps!
My daughter had migraines for 10 years and they were debilitating to say the least. She got piercings for migraines in her ears at a specific location. And can you believe they’ve stopped!!! Since this treatment is easy to try give it a try asap after you research of course!
I’ve had back surgery a few weeks ago (discectomy). However, I’m still feeling some nerve pain flaring up when I do too much. Is this method also appropriate to deal with such a situation?
Because the surgeon also told me to get rest and lie down when I start feeling pain since the nerve might be irritated/inflammated.
So to hear what you are going through. Unfortunately, I can't comment on your case directly over social media. Generally somatic tracking can be a useful tool for neuroplastic pain or when the pain is partly neuroplastic, meaning the pain is not physically caused or fully physically caused.
Back surgery takes a long time to recover (I’ve had two fusions) you gotta just accept you’ll be in pain for a while but it’ll get better just don’t stress and worry cuz that could lead to neuroplastic pain developing well after your body has physically healed.
Thank you for this! Just a question, I have chronic pain and am also diagnosed with hypermobility disorder which means my joints are too loose and unstable and my muscles and tendons have to work extra hard and are prone to injuries. Besides that I definitely recognize everything you describe, as I have come more fearful to movement and sensations (and I’ve noticed central sensitization). Thing is, for me it is hard to say and believe ‘there is nothing wrong with my body’ during the tracking. How would you advise people who have underlying illnesses to use somatic tracking if their brain is PART of the reason why they are experiencing pain?
I'm sorry to hear about your chronic pain. This is a good question! I of course cannot say what would be best for you, as I don't know your case. Generally, though I have people give messages of safety that a portion of there pain is neuroplastic, when there are structural concerns also going on. So for example "I know my brain is amplifying my pain, and my body is not as damaged as my brain is making it seem". The wording is a bit individual, but basically giving messages of safety that a portion of the pain is neuroplastic.
@@painpsychotherapy thank you!!
I have another question...if you try to bring in a lightness by listening to comedy or something...How do we somatic track as I thought it was more of a 'going inward' mindfulness exercise where we lay down and watch the pain. Would I just do a somatic tracking video with my eyes open and then play a nice song or something?
Yes, this would be more informal somatic tracking with your eyes open. So when I would watch "Modern Family" while doing tracking I would alternate between being mindful of the pain and giving messages of safety, and then focusing on the show and leaning into the warm and fuzzy feelings it was creating. Does that make sense?
I couldn't relate to the phrases "the fear of the pain" or "feeling safe". I see it more like "discomfort" and "feeling comfortable". Could you shed light on the psychosomatic pain be interpreted in this way?
Thank you
Yes, this is often how people can experience sensations, and somatic tracking can be beneficial for these sensations to when they are neuroplastic.
Is this effective for dizziness & blurred vision? POTS?
Yes, I have found somatic tracking and a mind-body approach can potentially be helpful for these symptoms.
Hi is there ant other tool to calm the severe pain?
Yes, you can check out my video on pain relapses as it has other skills that can be useful for severe pain.
What if I know nothing is wrong with my body but, feel frustrated that the pain doesn’t go away for the last 5 yrs?
Sorry to hear about your persistent pain. You could potentially getting caught on several different things. A few of these are: responding to pain with fear or frustration, intensely focusing, preoccupation, or potentially not feeling safe with emotions. Again I do not know your case, but these are a few of the common things that prevent recovery.
Sweetie, my pain levels are high most of the time. So I feel like I might never have enough time to do this process to make it work. I have pain from about 7-9 most days.
Yes that can make it difficult. However, you use somatic for just really brief periods 1-2 minutes at first and try to do it when it is at the lower end of your normal.
@@painpsychotherapy Thanks for the work you are doing for us, sweetie.
@UCB0tZSxOv8TMDiucCD2-0eg Fibromyalgia is a medical condition. You do not live my life nor do you know my "mentality." I don't "identify" as Fibromyalgia. I Identify as a chef, a lesbian and a writer. For you to personally assume you know me and how I live my life, you are sadly mistaken. This disease has taken over my body, not who I am. I am fighting to have the life I want to live. I am also fighting for others who are pigeonholed and told the same things YOU are saying and it just makes people want to end their lives, out of despair. That conviction you send out makes people feel guilt for having this pain, daily. Stop it. People are allowed to feel how they feel.
Can restless leg syndrome be TMS? Thank you
Yes, I have treated it using a mind-body approach. Of course it is important to rule out any physical causes with a physician.
Tanner - I do a podcast on this kind of stuff. Would you be open to an interview? Let me know what you think.
Hi Eddy, I actually have listened to several episodes of your podcast and love it! I would be very interested in doing an interview. Feel free to email me at: tanner@painpsychotherapy.ca
Hi Tanner my question is how many times a day should you do somatic tracking and how long should each somatic tracking practice last?
Good question. This really is individual. Generally 2-3 longer ones (7-10 min) or several shorter ones (2-3 min). I hope this helps.
I just saw this and see you've answered it. Perhaps the 15 minute one I"m doing is too long then as once a day? And I can split it into a few?@@painpsychotherapy
Now I am trying it for panic attacks. It's not working it worked for pain and basically pain free for a couple months but getting severe Anxiety attacks. From a feeling I am choking but know I am not but causing severe panic .is there other ones for panic attacks ?? Or keep using this?
I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. This can be very common. Any of my content on regulating the nervous system could be helpful. I also have an anxiety practice you could check out.
Is Somatic tracking suitable to use against Tinnitus?
Yes, I have used it with Tinnitus in the past. It can be help if the tinnitus is partly or fully neuroplastic.
Would this work on continuous tinnitus and neuropathy?
Yes, if the symptoms are neuroplastic in nature!
Oh
What I absolutely don't get is the 'curiosity' part. You are only curious about something you don't know but are dying to know. How does that apply to a symptom/feeling you are living with 24/7 for months on end and know inside out (like the back of your hand)? Pardon me but all this sounds like psychobabble. And btw, do I deliberately switch between two seemingly opposite frames of mind in the course of a day -- indifference/distraction/inattention (not letting the pain rule my life) and focusing on the pain (i.e. Somatic Tracking)? Will appreciate a response.
Good questions. Somatic curiosity can be hard to develop with pain and symptoms. Typically it is learning to describe it and notice how it changes during somatic tracking. Generally during somatic tracking we are practicing attending to the pain and then during daily life practicing indifference. Of course I cannot advise you on what would be best for your case, and I don't know your case fully.
@@painpsychotherapy Thanks a ton. Will give it my best shot for a few weeks and see where this leads to.
Hi, I’m struggling with trying to figure out how to tell myself that I’m safe and that nothing is wrong with my body while also having the knowledge that I have myofascial pain syndrome, and hypermobility spectrum disorder. Do you have any recommendations?
Sorry for the delay. I can't say directly what would work best for your case. However, generally pain can often be a mix of structural and neuroplastic. So a message of safety could be "my brain is amplify the pain sensations and my body is safer that it seems" or "I know a component of my pain is neuroplastic and will eventually pass". Again I don't know if these fit for your case, but it gives you some ideas.
@@painpsychotherapy this helps a lot, thank you!
What are you supposed to do if the sensation is really quick (like less than a second) as they happen randomly throughout the day. How are you supposed to sit with that?
Yes, this can be more difficult. Personally I would do somatic tracking with movement eventually that would trigger my pain slightly. However, of course I don't know your case and it is always important to be clear to do certain movements from a doctor/practitioner first.
@@painpsychotherapyMy sensations are completely random. Can occur when, sitting, moving, lying still - whatever. There’s no pattern at all. What would you suggest?
Does it take some time before u start to feel better? So for me,I have testicle pain/soreness and have been doing this method for 1 week and no major improvement yet, should I expect to give it some time before I start to feel any improvement?
Sorry to hear about your pain. Somatic tracking can take some time to have an effect on neuroplastic pain, and at first we just need to make the goal safety. Also somatic tracking is just one technique in PRT, so there are other techniques I discuss in videos that can be helpful!
@@painpsychotherapy thanks
Can ibs be also cured with this?
This would be dependent on if the IBS is a mind-body issue or not.
Does this exercise works for fatigue as well?
Unfortunately to my knowledge no research has been done on fatigue and PRT. However, I have used it for fatigue before with some success!
Just another great video thx love Lenneke
@@lennekevanrossum8422 Your welcome!
How to heal stomach pain with soamtic tracking?
It the pain is neuroplastic somatic tracking can be often helpful. This techniques needs to be done consistently to see longterm results.
Thank you. I would like to see you do a guided somatic tracking exercises that you lead slower. talk slower and make some breaks:)
Thanks for the feedback! There are a few more somatic tracking videos on my channel you could check out!
So, I've been told by somatic therapists that I need to lean INTO the irritability and the frustration because that's the stored emotional residue that's causing my pain.
Then I come across this kind of approach which is telling me the exact opposite.
My body is a total mess - my hip actually tugs and writhes on its own, and it radiates a huge amount of energy all up into my head and down my legs. It's gotten way worse over the years, and I'm just at a total loss.
I feel like I'm being told that I need to do two completely opposing things in order to overcome it. It's madness.
Then I feel even more stressed because I'm just running circles. Any one else get this?
Sorry to hear what you are going through. If I understand correctly in both cases we are trying to approach the pain or emotions. However, with somatic tracking for pain it can look really different person to person. I find different approaches work for different people and it can take some exploring.
@@painpsychotherapy Your video of preoccupation is of particular interest! I'm a *very* obsessive person; have been all my life.
Frustratingly enough, the Somatic Experiencing therapists I saw just didn't pick up on this as an issue, which is really wild considering how destructive it can be.
I'd sometimes literally sit with my sensations for hours.
Unfortunately, my obsessive mind gets worried that I need to be doing something, and that if I'm not doing things correctly I may never get better. This appears to have had the paradoxical effect of making me worse. It's just added intensity.
I'm really taking a step back now. I just need to keep reminding myself not to follow the obsessive impulse down the rabbit hole.
Thanks for responding. Your videos are excellent.
@@pedrom8831 I'm so happy my content is helpful. I wish you healing!
If in pain - do you think it is okay to move/exercise/do an activity or should we wait til pain free to do it ? loved that btw
Unfortunately this is very individual, and I could not say for your case directly. Typically if the pain is fully neuroplastic movement/exercise is not damaging the body further, but we would still need to follow the process as we work at breaking conditioned responses.
Does this apply for burning sensations
Yes, this can be useful for burning sensations when they are Neuroplastic!
@@painpsychotherapy Can neuroplastic get triggered from touch? So for example i have pain when I touch the left side of my wrist, but also on some knuckles on that same hand, feels like a nerve/burning sensation. Just had a MRI and everything looked good. I injured the hand 1.5 year ago, maybe its healed but its now neuroplastic, do u think thats a possibility? I also have pain in that hand after typing etc etc
I’m curious about movement/positioning if the pain is facial. Thank you so much.
This really depends person to person. I unfortunately can't say over social media what would be best for you. You can check out my video on conditioned responses though.
@@painpsychotherapy Thank you!
I am trying this for menstrual cramps with no luck. I finished my period and my uterus is so tender. i don't know what to do. My uterus feels full and my pelvis is tight.
I'm sorry to hear this. Once structural causes have been ruled out, a Mind-Body approach can be really helpful. I would always remind myself that the goal needs to be helping our brain and nervous system feel safe in different ways. Then often symptom reduction can start occurring. Let me know if you have any questions.
@@painpsychotherapy Here I am exactly one month later with menstrual pain. I do not think I have neuroplastic pain. I have endometriosis and no one is helping me. This mind body stuff is getting me no where with my period pain.
I feel an enormous resistance. I think im worried that by focussing on the pain it'll make it worse 😢
Sorry to hear what you are going through. It can take some time to work through this!
I’ve had testicle pain for a few days now and I’m absolutely terrified. Ball ache. I’d describe it as that feeling when you’re desperate for a piss but it’s all day. I’ve got terrible pain in my sides and also cold and flu symptoms
No lumps thankfully
So sorry to hear about your pain. I wish you healing.
how u feeling now?
@@tosexe2535 terrible. Chronic pain everyday
@@cassettepat damn sorry bro, only testicle pain?
How do you "reduce" pressure? This is figurative language.
This can be difficult to do. I will try to do a video on this in the future. It generally can be done both somatically and cognitively. For example we also practice lowering the stakes about our healing and accept it takes time and for today our symptoms are here. Somatically we can practice loosening our body, or being silly or playful. Of course I don't know your case so I can't say what would be best for you.
How can I apply this to brain fog? I can apply this to headache but when I close my eyes and observe my body with curiosity i can't experience brain fog because it appears during cognitive activities..
Good question. I don't know if this would work for you, but you could think cognitively about some (perhaps problem solve some ect.). Then pause do somatic tracking briefly for 1-2 minutes then do something cognitive again. Then repeat several times through if the brain fog is not too intense. I hope this helps!
@@painpsychotherapy ty very much 🙏
@@riccardoaddis5746 Your welcome!
@@painpsychotherapy Good idea
What if the pain is always high????? I know you won’t actually answer this, You’ll just to an emoji cause you don’t read any of these.
I do my best to respond to comments. Generally if the pain is always high you would either want to do really brief somatic tracking and still pick times the pain is at its lowest. Of course I can't say what would be best for your case. I wish you the best in your healing.