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Feldenkrais Method

Feldenkrais Method

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  • The Feldenkrais Method® was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais (190-1984), a Russian-born Israeli physicist who was disabled from a knee injury. Dr. Feldenkrais called on his formal training in science and the martial arts to develop an approach that aimed to help the body move in more natural and comfortable ways.
  • The Feldenkrais Method® involves stretching, reaching, and changing posture in specific patterns. In some cases, it includes a form of massage. In general, the emphasis of the Feldenkrais Method® is to provide supportive therapy or physical rehabilitation. It has not historically been viewed as a cure for most diseases. Recently, the Feldenkrais Method® has been studied as a means to improve muscle and joint pain, to improve quality of life in chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, and to reduce anxiety levels. Research is still early in these areas, without definitive answers.
  • The Feldenkrais Method® can only be offered by practitioners who have trained in accredited programs. Practitioners are registered with Feldenkrais guilds worldwide. In the United States and Canada, practice of the Feldenkrais method is not governmentally regulated.
  • Buchanan PA, Ulrich BD. The Feldenkrais Method: a dynamic approach to changing motor behavior. Res Q Exerc.Sport 2001;72(4):315-323.
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  • Dunn PA, Rogers DK. Feldenkrais sensory imagery and forward reach. Percept Mot Skills 2000;91(3 Pt 1):755-757.
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  • Emerich KA. Nontraditional tools helpful in the treatment of certain types of voice disturbances. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003;11(3):149-153.
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  • Gard G. Body awareness therapy for patients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Disabil.Rehabil 6-17-2005;27(12):725-728.
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  • Jain S, Janssen K, DeCelle S. Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method: a critical overview. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2004;15(4):811-25, vi.
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  • Johnson SK, Frederick J, Kaufman M, et al. A controlled investigation of bodywork in multiple sclerosis. J Altern Complement Med 1999;5(3):237-243.
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  • Junker J, Oberwittler C, Jackson D, et al. Utilization and perceived effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with dystonia. Mov Disord 2004;19(2):158-161.
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  • Lake B. Acute back pain. Treatment by the application of Feldenkrais principles. Aust Fam Physician 1985;14(11):1175-1178.
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  • Liptak GS. Complementary and alternative therapies for cerebral palsy. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev 2005;11(2):156-163.
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  • Malmgren-Olsson EB, Branholm IB. A comparison between three physiotherapy approaches with regard to health-related factors in patients with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders. Disabil Rehabil 4-15-2002;24(6):308-317.
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  • Mehling WE, DiBlasi Z, Hecht F. Bias control in trials of bodywork: a review of methodological issues. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11(2):333-342.
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  • Netz Y, Lidor R. Mood alterations in mindful versus aerobic exercise modes. J Psychol. 2003;137(5):405-419.
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  • Ohry A, Tsafrir J. David Ben-Gurion, Moshe Feldenkrais and Raymond Arthur Dart. Isr.Med Assoc J 2000;2(1):66-67.
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  • Schlinger M. Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, and yoga--body awareness therapy in the performing arts. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2006;17(4):865-875.
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  • Wanning T. Healing and the mind/body arts: massage, acupuncture, yoga, t'ai chi, and Feldenkrais. AAOHN J 1993;41(7):349-351.
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