“BOOK REVIEW”

With over a decade of careful observation, thought, self-application, and teaching, Dr. Clouse has figured out very simple and savvy ways to improve balance and stability that are not inherently obvious. The first part of his book reads like an entertaining biography describing how he successfully overcame his own difficulties with balance and walking. The rest of the book provides detailed textbook instructions with illustrations to teach the reader how to “reclaim natural movement.” Although this book is mainly intended for people with movement disorders, anyone can benefit from the increased awareness it provides about healthy posture and avoidance of maladaptive behaviors that over time can cause body damage. A small investment for improved posture and mobility. It is oriented mainly for people with mild to severe movement disorders and to provide training for physical therapists, doctors, and other care providers who care for people with such disorders. This book provides a refreshingly different and positive outlook for people with movement disorders and hope for improvement. Brace yourself for an educational adventure to learn to attune to your pressure points and relax some of those tense muscles.

Susan Boyle, MD, PhD
University of South Florida

People with movement difficulties have these common concerns,
and solutions to them
are in this book.

• My balance is terrible.
What can I do to make it better? 

• My body is stiff and inflexible when I am standing.
  Can this be helped?

• I often tip and fall.
I wish I could stop this from happening!

• I trip and stumble when I walk.
  Can someone please tell me how to stop doing this. 

• When I walk, my feet seem to be out of control.
  Can anything be done to correct this? 

• My legs and body shake when I’m standing.
What is the cause of this? 

• Often when I sit down, and when I stand up, I fall back into the chair.
  I wish I could stop doing this! 

• I don’t talk as much because my speech sounds terrible.
Is there a way to make it better?

• When I do things with my hands, I have trouble controlling them.
How can I stop spilling things and dropping things? 

• I am very afraid of steps, especially when going down them!
  I wish someone could tell me how to be safer on steps!

COMMENTS ABOUT THE VIDEOS

I am enjoying the videos. They are very helpful. The way you break each video down is definitely something I need. My husband has always told me that I stiffen my body from being fearful of falling…..and he was right.
Dawn
I love the videos and so far am finding them helpful (obviously haven’t watched them all).
I do think some of my enjoyment is because it’s like having you back in our home and because I have worked with you before.
One thing I really like about both the videos and what I have read so far of the book is your emphasis of having a positive mental attitude, it is so easy to develop that ‘victim’ role. Carole

The videos: I can relate to all of them and they are good. Dave

If I could recommend only one book to the ataxia community, it would be “Reclaiming Natural Movement,” by Dr. Tom Clouse. It’s not an easy read, and the material is not easy to apply. In fact, it’s the most difficult work I’ve ever done. There’s a reason I’ve been doing it for more than 11 years with no end in sight. It is worth it.

The teachings in this book are with me literally every step of the way. They are the reason I’m still taking steps at all, though that is not nearly the extent of the benefit. The content is explanations of universal principles of movement, as they relate to movement disorders, and corresponding exercises; written by someone with the unique perspective of a former surgeon who has ataxia.

The book was recently released, and also has supplemental videos to help with the exercises. I’m posting this not because I have any interest in selling books or anything. I don’t. I want people to know about the only thing that’s ever helped me with my ataxia symptoms; to take a chance as I did 11 years ago, and feel some of the same things I have been feeling over that time. We have a lot more control over our human conditions than the conventional guidance in the ataxia community would lead you to believe. In “Reclaiming Natural Movement,” Dr. Clouse shows us the way.

John

ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
ARE NOW ON MY YouTube channel.
— and they are —
FREE!

Tom is a pioneer; he designed this program himself through trial and error. He didn’t have the benefit from someone showing him the how’s and why’s of what he teaches. He is truly a graduate of the School of Hard Knocks (and Falls) and now he wants to impart that knowledge on current “students.”
Jim Henderson

************************
Recently, I came to the conclusion that I had to re-pattern my brain to learn how to walk and run correctly. Fortunately, I came across Tom’s information that broke down each step on how to regain control, and correct problem movements. No one had shown me this before. Tom has provided me with a wealth of information that is helping me to learn to walk correctly.

Tom, since I have been following your instructions my posture has changed and I’m reconnecting with my feet. I know that soon I will be able to walk without thinking about each step!

Thank you,
Sue Billington