The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County

What is The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County?

The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County, named after its originator, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc. (1904-1984), a physicist, judo expert, mechanical engineer and educator. Upon suffering a serious knee injury, Feldenkrais had a narrow chance for recovery. It could have led to a possible long-term confinement to a wheelchair. The surgeons recommended that he have surgery. If he didn’t have the surgery, he may never walk again. He didn’t like the prognosis and conventional treatments available.


The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County


So, he laid in bed and applied all his knowledge based on the principles of Engineering, Physics and Judo. He began to learn how to move pain-free and tension-free. He found he gained flexibility, and functional movement. These principles lead to The Feldenkrais Method® and he began teaching. The Feldenkrais Method® includes bio-mechanics, human physiology and mind-body connection.


What We Treat with The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County?

Throughout our lives we create habits of movement and posture. While some of these habits continue to serve us well throughout our lives, others do not. Habits contribute to our discomfort and make the simplest activities unpleasant and painful. In other words, our limitations are a result of unconscious habits we practice every day.

Improving functional movement is one of our primary goals with our patients. Our role is to help a person to learn and create these changes, moving from the impossible to possible.

The Feldenkrais Method® is an educational treatment that enhances flexibility, coordination and movement. The Feldenkrais Method® works on your personal movement habits. It demonstrates to you how to live and move with less strain, fewer injuries and with more efficiency. With this Method, ‘Less is More’. At Focus On Health, The Feldenkrais Method® opens a gate to health and well-being.

Many of our patients come to our clinic with multiple health issues. We offer The Feldenkrais Method®, yet it’s only one of many treatment methods we use at our clinic. Being able to offer so many Treatment Methods is what makes Focus On Health so unique. Professionals can shift methods during the treatment, for a better result, if indicated.


What is Functional Integration with The Feldenkrais Method®?

There are two variations of The Feldenkrais Method®. Both have a goal to improve posture, body awareness, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Patient’s rediscover gracefulness, efficiency and ease of movement using both methods.

We complete One-On-One sessions, known as Functional Integration (FI) with the patient clothed. Patient are usually lying on a table, or in a seated or standing position. We use Props like foam pads, pillows, rollers, towels or blankets to support posture to help. Through gentle touch and guided movements the Therapist creates lessons for the patient. The lessons improve movement and flexibility.


What is Aware Through Movement (ATM) Classes with The Feldenkrais Method®?

This is the second variation of The Feldenkrais Method®. Both variations have a goal to improve posture, body awareness, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Patient’s rediscover gracefulness, efficiency and ease of movement using both methods.

Awareness Through Movement Classes (ATM), involve verbal instruction by a Teacher. They lead them through a series of movements with clients sitting, lying on the floor, or standing. We accommodate the client and provide a low Feldenkrais table to lie on if you can’t get to the floor. A lesson lasts 55 minutes and consists of easy movements that progress into complex ones.

The emphasis is on learning which movements work better while noticing positive changes. These are ordinary movements like reaching, standing, and looking behind yourself. Other movements are abstract explorations of joint, muscle, and postural dynamics. There are hundreds of ATM lessons, varying from simple to complex.


The Benefits of The Feldenkrais Method®

The Feldenkrais Method® is neuromuscular re-education by the Physical Therapy Profession. Medicare views The Feldenkrais Method® as a viable Treatment Method.  The Feldenkrais Method® has demonstrated success in helping stroke patients and neurological injuries. Patients with poor habits of movement and pain use the method.

The exercises can re-educate the nervous system to develop new ways of moving. As well, it elevates mood and increases a feeling of well-being.

Patients describe how they Feel after receiving The Feldenkrais Method®:

  • Ease and grace of movement
  • Walk with ease and fluidity
  • More expansive breathing
  • Greater flexibility, coordination & balance
  • Increased energy level
  • Effortless and good posture
  • Relief from aches & pains
  • Reduced muscle tension and anxiety
  • More refined athletic and artistic performance
  • More restful sleep
  • Injury prevention
  • Strategies to improve movement in any activity you perform

Next Steps to getting The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County

So, here are a few things you can do.

Learn more about the Conditions We Treat.

Read the Experiences of our other Patients on our Testimonials Page.

Resources

 


The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County helps with the most efficient movement with the least effort. The videos provide excellent descriptions of The Feldenkrais Method®.