Somatic movement addresses "sensory motor amnesia," where the brain loses awareness and control of muscles. Mobility training addresses joint range and control. Both improve movement, but target different systems. Find your optimal approach: Start your 14-day free trial Somatic Movement (Hanna Somatics) Movement practice addressing chronic muscle tension through sensory motor learning. Based on the work of Thomas Hanna, focusing on restoring voluntary control of habitually contracted muscles. How It Works Somatics uses "pandiculation" (conscious, controlled contraction and slow release) to reset muscle length at the brain level. Rather than stretching tight muscles, you contract them further with awareness, then slowly release. This restores the brain's ability to fully relax the muscle. Best For Chronic tension that returns after stretching Movement limitations from habit not injury Restoring body awareness Tension patterns from stress or trauma Learning to release chronically held muscles When to Avoid When joint restrictions are structural For acute injuries When strength at end range is needed Example Exercises JME 6 Gently tuck your chin to your chest JME 92 In your chair, bend your upper body forward and reach down toward the floor. Mobility Training Joint-focused exercises building range of motion and control through active movement. How It Works Mobility training expands joint capacity through exercises that take joints through their ranges and build strength at end positions. The approach is direct and measurable, addressing joint limitations through movement. Best For Joint range limitations Athletic mobility needs Building end-range strength Measurable progress Structural flexibility development When to Avoid When tension is neurological habit If muscles cannot fully relax When brain-muscle connection is impaired Example Exercises JME 44 Starting with your hand at the side, bring your arm up, over your head, then back down to the side. JME 113 Place one knee on your chair and move that knee both forward and back to feel a stretch in the front of your leg. The Verdict Somatics resets the nervous system's control of muscle tension. Mobility training builds joint capacity. If muscles feel tight even after stretching and immediately return to tension, somatics addresses the neural pattern. If joints lack range, mobility training addresses the structural capacity. Different problems require different approaches. Building Your Practice Understanding different techniques helps you choose the right approach for your specific needs. The best practitioners draw from multiple methods. For targeted mobility programming that applies evidence-based techniques, simplmobility provides joint-specific exercises in 2-3 minute sessions designed for busy professionals. Start Your Free Trial