Feldenkrais Method… Another Pain Relief Option
If you have never heard of this, you are not alone. I hadn’t either. I came upon a recent article about this method to help with chronic pain and found, surprisingly, that this deceptively simple method can provide significant relief.
The Feldenkrais Method is named after Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc. (1904-1984), a Russian-born physicist, judo expert, mechanical engineer and educator. Upon suffering a serious knee injury, Feldenkrais was faced with a 50 percent chance for recovery and possible long-term confinement to a wheelchair. Unsatisfied with the prognosis and conventional treatments available, he developed a program of therapeutic movement and began teaching it to others.
The Feldenkrais Method is based on the principles of physics and biomechanics, and an empirical understanding of human physiology. Practitioners use gentle movement and directed attention with the aim of increasing ease and range of motion, improving flexibility and coordination and ultimately rediscovering an innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement.
The Feldenkrais Method claims to be successful in training the nervous system to find new pathways around areas of damage. While frequently used to help ease stress and tension, the Feldenkrais Method has demonstrated success in stroke victim rehabilitation and neurological injury relief, such as brain tumors, head trauma, multiple sclerosis and ataxia.
Patients with orthopedic problems in bones and joints can use the Feldenkrais Method to assist in correcting poor posture or habits of movement that may cause pain. The exercises can re-educate the brain and nervous system to develop new ways of moving and perceiving the body, as well as elevating mood and increasing overall feelings of well-being.
Because this method is gentle, non-invasive and does not force individuals through any movement they cannot do, there are very few instances where it should be avoided. Intense pain, recent burns, active infection or skin irritation that make any movement difficult will prompt a practitioner to postpone a session until the condition subsides.
Several methods that focus on the musculoskeletal system, including massage, manual manipulation, and acupuncture, can often be used in conjunction with the Feldenkrais method to augment flexibility of movement, especially when chronic pain is involved. Movement therapies that improve balance and help prevent falls, such as yoga, tai chi or qigong, can also be used with Feldenkrais to help regulate and coordinate movement within the nervous system.
On the conventional side, physical and occupational therapy can strengthen and stretch muscles and increase stamina. Biking and swimming are better choices than walking or jogging, which can stress already fragile muscles and joints. Ankle braces and other orthopedic devices can help provide support and stability during sessions and then be discontinued when appropriate.
As always, if you questions, comments or other topics of interest, please comment on this blog!
“See” you next week!
