The Feldenkrais Method and Chronic Pain
After talking about neck dysfunction and disability in headaches earlier this month, it was interesting to read more about “The Feldenkrais Method”, especially its relationship to improving neck function.
Essentially, the Feldenkrais Method is a way to improve moment through mind and body exercises. Maybe that’s a simplistic definition, but it will get you started. The official website states:
The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more effective ways of living the life they want. You can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Since how you move, is how you move through life, these improvements will often enhance your thinking, emotional regulation, and problem solving capabilities. [source]
A recent article in the New York Times has renewed interest in the method. See Trying the Feldenkrais Method for Chronic Pain
Dr. Alexander Mauskop at the New York Headache Clinic picked up on the method after seeing the article, and hearing the personal experience of one of his patients. In his recent article, he shares an exercise or two you can try for yourself right now, and discusses how the Feldenkrais Method may relate to some other scientific findings. You’ll want to read his article here: The Feldenkrais method
Although the scientific evidence for this method as opposed to “similar” methods may be scant today, there is ample evidence that paying attention to movement and posture can make a big difference when it comes to pain.
Have you had any experience with the Feldenkrais Method? Has it helped you? Leave a comment!