for professionals
For Health Professionals
Health professionals in many fields need to know how the Feldenkrais® Method can complement their clients’ treatment.
Because of its emphasis on movement awareness and the self management of pain, the Feldenkrais® Method can be particularly valuable to doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths and massage therapists.
By addressing full body function, the Feldenkrais® Method looks at the underlying causes of pain rather than just treating isolated aches and pains.
These are often habitual - the way we walk, where we carry tension, the way we use computers and other everyday tools.
By subtly retraining the nervous system and distributing effort more evenly, the Feldenkrais® Method clears the way for effortless movement and ongoing self management.
People are often referred to Feldenkrais classes to improve:
- lower back pain
- occupational overuse syndrome (OOS)
- immobility in older people
- stress
- balance problems
- cerebral palsy
- chronic pain
- multiple sclerosis
- scoliosis
- whiplash and other spinal injuries.
Research
The Feldenkrais® Method is a relatively new discipline, with the first batch of teachers trained by Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1970s. A growing body of research is now appearing.
Early studies focused on identifying the effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method for pain management, functional performance and motor control, and quality of life.
The International Feldenkrais Federation (IFF) compiles current research projects on a range of health issues.