The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County

What Is the Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County?

The Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County is an educational movement approach developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc. (1904–1984). Dr. Feldenkrais studied physics, mechanical engineering, biomechanics, martial arts, and human movement. Following a serious knee injury, he explored new ways to improve movement and function through careful observation and self-directed learning.

His work led to the development of the Feldenkrais Method®, which emphasizes movement awareness, biomechanics, and the relationship between the nervous system and physical function. Today, healthcare professionals throughout the world incorporate the Feldenkrais Method® into rehabilitation and movement education when appropriate.

Following a serious knee injury, Dr. Feldenkrais questioned whether surgery was his only option. He carefully observed his own movement patterns and applied principles from physics, engineering, biomechanics, and judo. These observations eventually led to the development of the Feldenkrais Method®, which remains widely taught throughout the world.

At Focus On Health, we incorporate the Feldenkrais Method® into individualized physical therapy treatment plans when clinically appropriate. We combine this educational movement approach with advanced manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to help improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and support each patient’s rehabilitation goals.

How Can the Feldenkrais Method® Help?

Throughout life, people develop movement and postural habits. Some habits support efficient movement, while others contribute to stiffness, discomfort, or unnecessary strain. Over time, these patterns may limit mobility and affect everyday activities.

The Feldenkrais Method® encourages greater awareness of movement through gentle, guided learning. Patients explore new movement strategies that may improve flexibility, coordination, balance, posture, and body awareness. As movement becomes more efficient, many people perform daily activities with greater ease and confidence.

At Focus On Health, improving functional movement remains an important goal of every physical therapy treatment plan. We incorporate the Feldenkrais Method® when clinically appropriate to help patients recognize movement patterns and develop more efficient ways to move.

The Feldenkrais Method® complements advanced manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education. Together, these approaches help improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and support each patient’s rehabilitation goals. Because every patient has unique needs, we individualize every treatment plan following a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation.

What Is Functional Integration®?

Functional Integration® is the hands-on application of the Feldenkrais Method®. At Focus On Health, we incorporate this specialized movement education into individualized physical therapy when clinically appropriate.

During a Functional Integration session, patients remain fully clothed while relaxing on a treatment table. Depending on the lesson, treatment may also occur in a seated or standing position. We use pillows, towels, foam pads, and other supports to promote comfort and proper positioning.

Using gentle touch and carefully guided movements, we help patients recognize movement patterns and explore more efficient ways to move. Each session reflects the patient’s physical therapy evaluation, functional goals, and individual needs.

Functional Integration complements advanced manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education. Together, these approaches help improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and support each patient’s rehabilitation goals.

What Is Awareness Through Movement®?

Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) is the second component of the Feldenkrais Method®. These guided movement lessons help improve body awareness, flexibility, coordination, balance, and functional movement.

During an ATM lesson, patients follow verbal instructions while sitting, standing, or lying comfortably. We modify positions when needed to promote comfort and safe participation. Each lesson introduces simple movements before progressing to more complex movement patterns.

Patients learn to recognize movement habits and explore more efficient ways to move. They also discover how small movement changes may improve posture, coordination, and overall movement quality. Many lessons focus on everyday activities such as reaching, bending, turning, standing, and walking.

At Focus On Health, we incorporate Awareness Through Movement® into individualized physical therapy when clinically appropriate. We combine this movement education with advanced manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education. Together, these approaches help improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and support each patient’s rehabilitation goals.

Benefits of the Feldenkrais Method®

The Feldenkrais Method® helps patients develop greater awareness of movement and posture. Through gentle movement education, many patients discover more efficient ways to perform everyday activities.

When clinically appropriate, we incorporate the Feldenkrais Method® into individualized physical therapy treatment plans. We combine this approach with advanced manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to support comprehensive rehabilitation.

Patients may experience improvements in movement quality, flexibility, coordination, balance, and body awareness. Some patients also notice greater ease with walking, reaching, bending, lifting, and other daily activities.

The Feldenkrais Method® encourages patients to recognize movement habits that may contribute to physical limitations. By developing more efficient movement patterns, patients often improve functional mobility and movement confidence.

At Focus On Health, our goal is to improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and support long-term rehabilitation. Every treatment plan reflects each patient’s physical therapy evaluation, functional goals, and individual needs.

Next Steps Toward the Feldenkrais Method® in Orange County

If pain, movement limitations, or balance concerns affect your daily activities, Focus On Health is here to help. We combine the Feldenkrais Method® with advanced manual therapy and evidence-informed physical therapy. Every treatment plan begins with a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation and reflects each patient’s needs and functional goals.

Kim Lawler-Coyle, PT, DPT, GCFP, has studied the Feldenkrais Method® and advanced manual therapy for decades. She integrates these specialized approaches when clinically appropriate to support individualized physical therapy and rehabilitation. Her extensive clinical experience allows her to tailor every treatment plan to each patient’s needs and rehabilitation goals.

Schedule a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation to determine whether the Feldenkrais Method® is appropriate for your condition. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and support your rehabilitation goals.

Learn more about the Conditions We Treat.

Read the Experiences of our Patients: Testimonials Page.