Feldenkrais Method

Is it an Ideal Tool for Back Pain?

The Feldenkrais method is one of the newer body work techniques. It has been used since the 1980’s and is a gentle technique used to re-educate your body’s movements. It is a back pain therapy that is based on improving your natural abilities to re-connect so you can move freely and without tension. A movement based technique similar but different to the Alexander technique .

Can it help in back pain ?

As with all therapies, it has its’ successes and failures. The principles are sound, but with all therapies for back pain, it does not suit all.

The Feldenkrais Method is based on principles of physics, biomechanics and an understanding of learning and human development. You are taught to expand your self-image through movement sequences that bring attention to the parts of the self that are out of awareness or balance.

The technique uses slow and precise movement sequences to engage your brain through your body and nervous system. Through your neuromuscular system it activates more parts of your brain by helping your muscles move outside of their habitual pattern.

The movement sequences are all about learning to make movement easier, all the time. They have a practical focus and result in better functioning in everyday activities. You can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement.

Through this, as movement improves, back pain may ease. Being a generalized approach, it is less specific if you have areas of back pain that need targeted help.

Anyone--young or old, physically challenged or physically fit--can benefit from the technique. It is beneficial for those experiencing chronic or acute pain of the back, neck, shoulder, hip, legs or knee, as well as for healthy individuals who wish to enhance their self-image. Being gentle, those with age related joint problems find this beneficial as it is not an aggressive therapy.

Through lessons in this method you can enjoy greater ease of movement, an increased sense of vitality, and feelings of peaceful relaxation. After a session you often feel taller and lighter, breathe more freely and find that your discomforts have eased. You experience relaxation, and feel more centered and balanced.

You have the ability to participate in individual sessions or group classes. Your teacher instructs you on how to move in various basic positions, such as sitting, lying or standing. Classes are beneficial; however private lessons can be used to help target your specific needs. Classes usually can last from 30-60 minutes and requires regular attendance to gain the benefits.

As part of the technique, there are other more hands-on sessions, where you lie down or stand. At times, various props (pillows, rollers, blankets) are used in an effort to support the person’s body configuration or to facilitate certain movements. The learning process is carried out without the use of any invasive or forceful procedure.

Feldenkrais is still classed as an education system rather than a direct therapy. This is where limitations occur, as specific targeted treatment is often needed in back pain issues. The technique works with your ability to regulate and coordinate your movement; which means working with the nervous system.

As with all back pain therapy, it will suit some and not others. If you decide to try the technique then apply the "Sugar Test" and if the practitioner passes, then you have found an ideal therapy for you.

If you find you are not experiencing relief in the time you expect, then seek out other back pain treatment that will benefit you more. The Back Pain Advisor is dedicated to give you expert and valuable advice on the back pain therapy that suits you best. Feldenkrais method is best for you if it suits you and passes the "Sugar Test".

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