Community Spotlight is a new segment in our newsletter where we discuss mental health themes/topics with community members, leaders and agencies in Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Today, we’ll be discussing mental health and body work + movement. Please start off by introducing yourself.

My name is Denise Siazon and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapist specializing in Sports Performance based out of Los Angeles, here to push the story of the underdogs - for people to take charge of their health and wellness journey. I empower clients to feel confident and understand that their bodies are capable and resilient after injury or surgery.

Why is mental health and body work + movement so important to discuss?

Mental health and movement are closely intertwined in our pursuit of well-being. Movement empowers us to embrace our authentic selves, fostering connections with others and especially with ourselves. 

To move freely allows us to fully express ourselves and participate in activities that make us feel whole - such as dancing with our partners, playing our favorite sport, jumping during celebrations.

There’s a saying in the rehab world that we cannot find tension with tension, and I think that goes hand in hand with our physical and mental health. We might get stuck with our endless thoughts fueling our anxiety and feeding into our stress levels. Oftentimes, the answer is to reset and self-regulate by changing up our environments. Movement and body work has the ability to divert our attention from external stressors to being in tune with our bodies and being present with how we feel physically and emotionally. 

What do you believe is the impact of bodywork/movement on the community/population you support?

Movement and bodywork have become a form of self-care and meditation for most of my clients. I work with many high-performing adults in their careers and in the gym, on the field, or on stage. Many of them admit that they struggle to dedicate a moment of stillness for meditation, but they prioritize their physical therapy sessions, marking them as non-negotiable in their calendars.

A significant number of my clients initially seek my help due to an injury or post-surgery, while others come to me in search of their best physical and mental selves. There’s a big mental game that comes with the process of returning to doing the things you love after feeling disconnected from your body for so long. There is often fear and anxiety surrounding an injury, including concerns about regaining full physical capacity and potential setbacks that may feel like starting from scratch.

Through bodywork, I am able to establish rapport and trust with my clients by reducing restrictions and pain levels to prepare them for movement. I help break down their big goals into manageable movements and provide them with a plan to progress from point A to point B. My ultimate goal is to instill confidence in my clients so they can move in their bodies with ease and live out their purpose.

With that said, what are some major takeaways, tools or resources you can share with all of us as we navigate mental health and body work/movement?

Use your breath and connect with it. We often think that we have to live hustle culture - to keep it moving and be productive at all times. If we don’t slow down, find our breath, and listen to our bodies - we’ll be forced to take a break and it won’t be at a convenient time. I use a lot of breathing techniques with my clients to help increase accessibility in their bodies. Deep full breaths help create space within the bodies, get us into a deeper stretch and also help facilitate muscles when in proper positions.

Always meet your body where it’s at and give yourself the permission to move with grace. Find movements that make you feel good and embrace them.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your work?

Hi, you can read more about me here: https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-denise-rose-siazon-of-kaya-physical-therapy-performance/

Instagram: @dr.dsiazon_dpt

Written by: Elaine Raif