Studio T Pilates

Embracing Change: Talking Through Trauma
The Nervous System’s Role in Healing and Performance with Tom Swales
Host: Tami Lysher
Guest: Tom Swales, PT - Physiotherapist, Strength Coach, and Founder of the Advanced Movement Therapist Certification
Key Highlights:
1. Introduction to Tom Swales:
• Leading figure in rehabilitation and performance.
• Founder of the Advanced Movement Therapist Certification.
• Resilient survivor of a life-threatening sepsis episode, including toxic shock and multiple organ failure, which profoundly shaped his approach to healing.
2. Tom’s Health Journey:
• Faced a major health crisis that left him with severe physical setbacks.
• Rebuilt his body from the ground up using his own system, focusing on nervous system integration, movement strategies, and motor learning.
• Achieved remarkable recovery milestones, surpassing medical predictions.
3. The Role of the Nervous System:
• The nervous system is foundational to healing and performance.
• Understanding how neurology, psychology, and movement interplay allows for a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
• Neurological inputs such as safety, trust, and proper breathing significantly impact outcomes.
4. Tom’s Five Tenets of Human Design:
• Psychology: Creating safety and trust with patients.
• Neurology: Using movement as feedback to assess nervous system health.
• Biology: Cellular adaptation through manual and physical therapy.
• Chemistry: Balancing pH and body chemistry for optimal function.
• Physics: Understanding body mechanics and energy flow.
5. Practical Applications:
• Importance of diaphragmatic breathing in calming the nervous system and improving motor control.
• Integrating manual therapy and movement strategies for patient and athlete recovery.
• Creating behavioral changes to restore natural, efficient movement.
6. Case Studies and Stories:
• Tom shared stories of resilience, including his own healing journey and a young patient diagnosed with a spinal tumor, emphasizing the importance of thorough neurological assessments.
7. The Advanced Movement Therapist Certification:
• A comprehensive program designed for clinicians, coaches, and movement professionals.
• Focuses on assessing and treating patients with a systematized, integrated approach.
• Provides a framework to prioritize nervous system health and movement optimization.
8. Practical Takeaways for Listeners:
• Breathing as a foundational movement strategy.
• Awareness and integration of the nervous system in everyday practices.
• Building trust and safety in therapeutic relationships.
Resources and Contact Information:
• RUclips Channel: Tommy Swales
• Website: AMT Certification
• Instagram: @swales.com
• TikTok: The AMT Guy
Closing Thoughts:
Tom Swales’ inspiring story and expertise highlight the importance of integrating nervous system insights into movement and rehabilitation practices. His journey demonstrates the power of resilience and the critical role of proper assessments in patient care.
For more information on Tom’s work or to explore his certification program, visit the resources above.
Thank you for tuning in!