Hi friend,
Some of my favorite moments in the clinic are the quiet ones. A woman exhales all the way out, feels her deep core gently respond, and then lets her next breath travel into the back of her ribs. Her shoulders soften. Sometimes she says, "Oh. That's what I've been missing."
I have always wished more women could have that moment, and a place to keep coming back to it.
So Ashley and I have been building something.
Introducing Expansion Academy: an online membership for breath, fascia, and deep core reconnection
Expansion Academy is an online membership for women who want to understand what their bodies are communicating and reconnect through breath, fascia, and the deep core.
It is physical-therapy-informed education, created by physical therapy professionals here in St. Louis and open to women anywhere. More than a library of videos, it's meant to be a community: a place to learn, practice, ask questions, and feel supported in making space for your own care.
What each month inside the Academy will look like
- One clear theme, with a simple weekly path through it
- Week 1: Sculpt, guided strength and movement with breath and support
- Week 2: Anatomy, plus Q&A
- Week 3: Yoga
- Week 4: Energetics, plus Q&A
- Community conversation, with Ashley and me each checking in with you weekly
Ashley is my partner in this, a physical therapist assistant and energetics coach. She brings movement education, yoga, energetic teaching, and a whole lot of warmth to the community. I can't wait for you to learn with her.
Our first month will focus on reconnecting with the deep core and lower abdominals, the place so many of us have learned to grip, brace, or ignore.
A breathing practice to try this week: lateral rib breathing
- Lie on your back with your knees bent, or sit comfortably with your ribcage stacked over your pelvis.
- Inhale, then exhale completely. Notice the gentle tension in your belly as the exhale finishes.
- Keep that gentle support, and guide your next inhale into the sides and back of your ribs.
- Repeat for 5 to 8 slow breaths.
You do not need to force more air. Let the practice show you where your body already feels supported and where it may be asking for more space.
Afterward, notice:
- Where did your breath naturally want to go?
- Did anything soften in your neck, shoulders, or jaw?
- What felt easier on the last breath than on the first?
Be the first to know when Expansion Academy opens
We'll share the launch date and founding membership details very soon, and you'll hear them here first.
In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you. Hit reply and tell me one thing you hope to reconnect with in your body. I read every response, and your answers are helping shape what we create.
If you'd like individual support before then, you can learn more about working with me at Expansion Therapy.
Gratefully, Dr. Carolyn
Expansion Academy provides general education and guided movement. It is not physical therapy, diagnosis, or individualized treatment, and it does not replace care from your own medical provider or physical therapist.
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