Free Your Hips & Spine Weekend
Two Connected Workshops
November 15-16, 2025 | Seattle, WA
Saturday: Free Your Hips (9 AM - 1 PM)
Sunday: Free Your Spine (9 AM - 1 PM)
Presented by Joe Kelly
Board Certified Structural Integrator & Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
15 Years Helping People Move and Feel Better
Your Hips & Pelvis are the Base of Support for Your Spine. Fix the Foundation, Free Your Back.
Most people try to fix back pain by focusing on... their back. But here's the problem: Your spine can't organize properly without hip freedom. No amount of back work creates lasting relief if your foundation is stuck.
That's why this weekend addresses both—in the right order.
"Movement dysfunction or pain is often caused by learned habits, not by abnormal structures. Improvements come from changing habits of movement and creating new possibilities." Norman Doidge
Saturday, November 15: Free Your Hips
Are You Trapped by Tight Hips and Lower Back Tension or Pain?
Do you struggle with:
- Lower back tension or pain that seems connected to tight hips, but stretching hasn't helped?
- Stiffness in your hips that makes getting up from chairs, climbing stairs, or walking uncomfortable?
- Hip tightness from sitting all day that you can't seem to "stretch out"?
- Knee problems that might be caused by hip misalignment?
- Feeling "locked up" through your pelvis and lower body?
A Revolutionary Movement Approach
If hip stretching, yoga, and strengthening exercises keep failing you, this workshop teaches you a gentle, research-based approach that works with your nervous system's natural ability to learn, not against it. Instead of forcing your body into "correct" positions through willpower, you'll discover how small, intelligent movements create lasting change by teaching your brain new possibilities.
The key difference: When your skeleton supports you correctly, good posture and pain-free movement happen automatically—without effort, without thinking about it.
The Truth About Hip Tightness
Your hips aren't just tight muscles that need stretching. Chronic hip restriction is a learned pattern in your nervous system—your body's intelligent adaptation to stress, old injuries, or years of sitting.
That's why stretching provides only temporary relief. You're trying to force length into tissues without changing the neurological pattern that's creating the tightness.
Your hips are the foundation of your entire body. When they can move freely in all directions, everything above them—your spine, shoulders, even your neck—can organize with ease.
What You'll Discover - Why Your Hips Stay Stuck
- How your pelvis is the foundation—everything above depends on what happens here
- The surprising connection between hip mobility and back pain
- How sitting patterns create the restrictions you feel
A Revolutionary Movement Approach Learn how your pelvis is designed to move in all directions with ease. Through the research-based Feldenkrais Method, you'll discover the freedom your hips are capable of—without forcing or stretching.
The key difference: When your nervous system learns new movement possibilities, hip freedom happens naturally and effortlessly.
Practical Skills You Can Use Every Day
- Simple movement lessons that restore your hips' natural mobility
- Understanding how your pelvis organizes your whole body
- Self-care techniques that provide immediate relief
- Better movement habits for sitting, standing, walking, and daily activities
- Foundation preparation for Sunday's spine work
Workshop Details
- Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
- Location: 7910 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
- Individual Workshop: $95
- Both Saturday & Sunday (Best Value): $165 (Save $25)
Sunday, November 16: Free Your Spine
Building on Your Foundation
Are You Struggling with Persistent Back Pain or Stiffness?
Do you struggle with:
- Chronic lower back pain that returns no matter what you try?
- Mid-back stiffness that makes twisting, bending, or reaching uncomfortable?
- Upper back tension between your shoulder blades?
- A spine that feels "locked up" or rigid—like you're aging faster than you should?
- Exhaustion from constantly "holding yourself up" with muscular effort?
- Pain that seems connected to your posture but "sitting up straight" makes it worse?
The Truth About Back Pain
Most people think back pain is caused by weakness, poor alignment, or insufficient "core strength."
But here's what's actually happening: Your spine has forgotten how to move. You've unconsciously turned it into a rigid pole that you "hold up" through constant muscular effort. That's exhausting, and eventually, it breaks down.
Your spine is designed to undulate, spiral, twist, and lengthen like a wave. When it can do this naturally—supported by the hip foundation you discovered Saturday—back pain often disappears on its own.
What You'll Discover - Why Your Pain Keeps Coming Back
- The hidden reason "core strengthening" hasn't solved your problem
- Why "sitting up straight" actually creates MORE tension and exhaustion
- How Saturday's hip work enables spinal freedom (everything is connected!)
- The wave-like movements your spine is designed for
- The surprising connection between breathing and spinal health
Building on Saturday's Foundation If you attended Saturday's hip workshop, you've already freed your foundation. Now you'll discover how your spine organizes itself on that foundation. If you didn't attend Saturday (though we recommend both!), we'll include key concepts so you can still benefit fully.
Practical Skills You Can Use Every Day
- Movement lessons that restore your spine's natural mobility
- Understanding the pelvis-to-spine connection
- Self-care techniques that provide immediate relief
- Better movement habits for sitting, computer work, and daily activities
Workshop Details
- Time: Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
- Location: 7910 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
- Individual Workshop: $95
- Both Saturday & Sunday (Best Value): $165 (Save $25)
Here's what clients are saying!
"I really enjoyed working with Joe! He tailored his approach to my unique back issue that I've had for over years, cooperating with the other physicians that I'm working with and even introducing me to new ones to help me progress faster. The Feldenkrais approach helped me reach some breakthroughs which i was struggling with in regular physical therapy. Overall, highly recommended!" Alireza
"I'd highly recommend working with Joe! I've been experiencing lower back pain and tight muscles for quite a long time. I gained a lot of value from my sessions with Joe. I started weight training these past 1.5 years which was re-introducing some back pain. Joe was attentive and helpful in determining some of the root cause issues and problems. I learned a ton about my body, muscles, movement, etc. In addition to evaluation, the sessions included structural massage therapy that was better and more helpful than any massage therapist I've been to before." Jacob
Who These Workshops Are For
Saturday (Free Your Hips) is perfect for:
- Anyone with tight hips that feel restricted
- People with SI joint pain or hip discomfort
- Those preparing for Sunday's spine workshop
- Active people wanting better hip mobility for sports/activities
- Anyone who's tried yoga and stretching without lasting results
Sunday (Free Your Spine) is perfect for:
- Anyone with chronic lower back or mid-back pain
- People who feel "locked up" through their spine
- Saturday attendees wanting to complete the picture
- Those who've tried physical therapy and chiropractic without lasting relief
- Anyone wanting to understand how their hips and spine work together
No movement experience required! These workshops work for all ages and fitness levels. Movements are gentle and done within your comfortable range.
What Makes These Workshops Different
Works With Your Brain, Not Against It
Most approaches rely on willpower: "Sit up straight!" "Strengthen your core!" "Stretch your hip flexors!" But willpower exhausts you, and the moment you stop thinking about it, you collapse back into pain. The Feldenkrais Method works with your nervous system's natural learning ability, creating changes that become automatic and effortless.
Addresses Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
Instead of just treating where it hurts, you'll discover how your whole body contributes to pain. When you improve the foundation (Saturday's hips), the structure above (Sunday's spine) can organize naturally. This is how your body actually works.
Movement, Not Exercises
Rather than doing repetitions to "strengthen," you'll learn to sense what you're actually doing versus what you think you're doing. This awareness naturally leads to easier, more efficient movement patterns that eliminate pain at its source.
Immediate & Lasting Results
Most people notice significant changes during the first lesson. Unlike willpower-based approaches that require constant vigilance, these improvements integrate into your nervous system and become your new normal way of moving.
Self-Empowering
You'll leave with tools and understanding to continue improving on your own, reducing your dependence on treatments, medications, and therapists. These aren't exercises you do—they're new ways of moving that, over time, will become automatic.
Hey There! I'm Joe Kelly
I have spent over 15 years helping people in Seattle overcome chronic pain and movement limitations through innovative, gentle approaches:
There is nothing more gratifying to me than helping my clients get “unstuck” from old habits and patterns of movement that no longer serve them. I’m an Advanced Certified Structural Medicine Specialist, but most importantly, I’m an educator, coach, and cheerleader to help you get to your goals. I have a keen ability to observe the subtle habitual movement patterns that are inefficient and, if left unchecked, often create tension and pain. By developing awareness of one’s movement habits, we can develop strategies to foster more efficient and elegant movement.
Unique Qualifications:
- Board Certified Structural Integrator - Advanced training in whole-body alignment
- Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner - Expert in gentle, brain-based movement education
- Successful Seattle Practice - Hundreds of clients who've found lasting relief
I look forward to sharing with you the principles to a healthier and happier body!
Private Practice Homepage
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I take both workshops or just one?
A: Both workshops together give you the complete picture of how your pelvis and spine work together. Saturday's hip work literally prepares you for Sunday's spine discoveries—your spine can't organize properly without hip freedom. That said, each workshop stands alone if you can only attend one. For the best value and results: take both!
Q: What if I can only make one day? Which should I choose?
A: If you have lower back pain → start with Saturday (hips), as tight hips and lack of a base of support often cause back pain. If you have upper back or thoracic spine issues → Sunday (spine) will be most relevant. But remember: they build on each other for maximum benefit.
Q: I attended October's neck & shoulders workshop. How does this fit?
A: Perfect continuation! October addressed your upper spine and shoulders. November completes your entire spine from hips to head. You'll understand how everything connects—and why your foundation (hips/pelvis) affects even your neck and shoulders.
Q: I've tried physical therapy, chiropractic, and massage. Why will this be different?
A: Those approaches typically treat symptoms or adjust structure. The Feldenkrais Method retrains your nervous system—teaching your brain new movement patterns that become automatic. You're not getting temporary relief; you're learning new ways of moving that eliminate the cause of pain.
Q: I'm not flexible and I have limitations. Can I still participate?
A: Absolutely! The Feldenkrais Method works for all bodies and fitness levels. Movements are gentle, exploratory, and done within your comfortable range. Many people with severe limitations find these workshops more accessible than yoga or physical therapy.
Q: Do I need any special equipment or clothing?
A: Just comfortable clothing you can move in (like workout clothes or loose pants) and a yoga mat or blanket to lie on.
Q: What if my pain is severe or I have a diagnosed condition?
A: The Feldenkrais Method is very gentle and often helps with conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, arthritis, and chronic pain. However, please consult your healthcare provider about participating in movement classes. If you have more acute or severe pain, please contact me directly, and we can discuss if an individual session might be more appropriate.
Q: Is this like yoga or Pilates?
A: While gentle like some yoga, Feldenkrais focuses specifically on learning and nervous system retraining rather than stretching or strengthening. You'll spend more time on subtle awareness and exploration than on traditional "exercises." The goal is teaching your brain new possibilities, not conditioning your muscles.
Q: How long do the results last?
A: Because you're retraining your nervous system—not just temporarily relaxing muscles—the changes tend to be more lasting. Most people find improvements continue to develop after the workshop as new movement patterns become habitual. You're literally learning new ways of moving.
