marc rossier

feldenkrais - english version

The Feldenkrais^® Method

Functional Integration (FI)

In a Functional Integration lesson, a trained practitioner uses his or her hands to guide the movement of a single student, who may be sitting, lying or standing. The practitioner uses this "hands-on" technique to help the student experience the functional connections between various parts of the body. Through the teacher's precision of touch and movement, the student learns how to eliminate excess effort and to move more freely and easily.

Lessons may be specific in addressing particular issues brought by the student, or can be more global in scope. Although the technique does not specifically aim to eliminate pain or "cure" physical complaints, such issues may inform the lesson. Issues such as chronic muscle pain may resolve themselves as the student learns a more relaxed approach to his or her physical experience—a more integrated, free, and easy way to move.

Awareness Through Movement (ATM)

In Awareness Through Movement lessons, students engage in precisely structured movement explorations. Unlike Functional Integration lessons which are taught to a single student using touch, ATM lessons are taught through verbal instructions given to one or more students. Each lesson consists of comfortable, easy movements that gradually evolve into movements of greater range and complexity.

Awareness Through Movement lessons attempt to make students aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and rigidities and to expand options for choosing new and more functional ways of moving.

During his lifetime, Moshe Feldenkrais taught more than one thousand unique ATM lessons. The types of movements used in ATM are therefore extremely diverse. The difficulty and complexity of lessons vary widely, covering all levels of movement ability.

Scientific studies

Few published empirical studies have been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method.

According to Norman Doidge, current research on neuroplasticity by scientists such as Doidge and Michael Merzenich may support Feldenkrais' key theories of somatic re-education.

Three published studies have found that Awareness Through Movement lessons may improve balance, mobility and gait performance in older adults.

In another study, a randomized controlled trial investigated whether physiotherapy or Feldenkrais interventions would reduce the complaints from neck and shoulder pain and disability. The participants were randomly assigned to 1) physiotherapy treatment, 2) the Feldenkrais program, or 3) a control group. The physiotherapy and Feldenkrais interventions were given over 16 weeks of paid work. The Feldenkrais group showed significant decreases in complaints from neck and shoulders and in disability during leisure time. The two other groups showed no change in complaints (Physiotherapy group) or worsening of complaints (Control group).

In 2004, a study was undertaken to determine both the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method for treatment of Medicaid recipients with chronic pain. This preliminary inquiry represented an uncontrolled, unblended investigation, but the results showed that patient costs dropped from an average of $141 per month to $82 per month, a 40% saving.

A study of 579 patients with chronic or recurrent lower back pain found that posture and movement lessons are an effective, cost-effective, and lasting way to treat back pain.

Profession

To obtain the qualification of Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (CFP), Feldenkrais teachers complete 800 hours of training over a 4 year period. Professional standards are set internationally by the International Feldenkrais Federation. Feldenkrais practitioners are certified by a regional Feldenkrais Guild in one of seventeen countries, and each guild maintains lists of practitioners.

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