The challenge of physical impairment and reeducation after illness or injury
Introduction
Recovering from illness or injury can be a challenging process, requiring individuals to adapt to new physical limitations and rebuild their strength and mobility. The Feldenkrais Method offers a unique and effective approach to support prevention and reeducation after illness or injury, focusing on gentle movement, body awareness, and self-exploration. In this article, we will explore how the Feldenkrais Method can help individuals manage and improve their recovery process by stimulating the innate capacity of the body to learn and relearn, fostering resilience, and promoting overall well-being.
What can the Feldenkrais Method offer ?
A. Stimulating the Innate Capacity to Learn and Relearn
The Feldenkrais Method taps into the brain’s natural ability to learn and relearn movement patterns. By encouraging individuals to explore new ways of moving, they can discover efficient and comfortable strategies to navigate their physical limitations and support recovery.
B. Building Confidence through Small, Slow, and Pleasant Movements
Feldenkrais practitioners guide individuals through slow, gentle, and enjoyable movements, which help build confidence in their abilities and create a positive association with the recovery process.
C. Focusing on Abilities and Aspirations
Rather than dwelling on limitations, the Feldenkrais Method encourages individuals to rely on their abilities and integrate their aspirations into the learning process. This functional, goal-oriented approach ensures that recovery is not just mechanical but also meaningful and fulfilling.
D. Noticing Small Changes that Lead to Significant Improvements
The Feldenkrais Method teaches individuals to become more aware of subtle changes in their movement patterns. By noticing and reinforcing these small shifts, they can experience significant improvements in their overall mobility and well-being.
E. Identifying Underlying Habits and Patterns
By increasing body awareness, the Feldenkrais Method helps individuals identify the original habits or patterns that may contribute to injury or discomfort. This understanding allows them to make informed choices and adjustments to promote healing and prevent future issues.
F. Shifting from Biomechanics to Neuromechanics
The Feldenkrais Method emphasizes the importance of neuromechanics – the awareness of how we move – over traditional biomechanics. This shift in focus empowers individuals to develop a deeper understanding of their movement patterns, which can lead to more significant improvements in their recovery process.
G. Fostering Resilience through Movement
The Feldenkrais Method demonstrates how resilience can be cultivated through movement exploration. By developing a greater understanding of their bodies and learning to adapt to changing circumstances, individuals can bounce back more effectively from illness or injury.
Some key take-aways
The Feldenkrais Method provides a powerful and effective approach to support prevention and reeducation after illness or injury. By stimulating the innate capacity to learn and relearn, building confidence through small, slow, and pleasant movements, focusing on abilities and aspirations, noticing small changes that lead to significant improvements, identifying underlying habits and patterns, shifting from biomechanics to neuromechanics, fostering resilience through movement, and defining good health as the ability to recover and heal, the Feldenkrais Method can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals recovering from illness or injury, helping them find relief and improve their overall quality of life.
Interesting resources
Feldenkrais Method in Rehabilitation
Improvement of Physical Function and Balance
The Feldenkrais Method improved mobility, balance, and functioning in patients with physical impairments due to aging or neurodegenerative conditions (Hillier & Worley, 2015). Read the study here
Chronic Low Back Pain
The method significantly reduced pain and improved interoceptive awareness and disability scores in patients with chronic low back pain (Paolucci et al., 2017). Read the study here
Feldenkrais for Balance and Motor Learning
Classes based on motor learning principles demonstrated effectiveness in improving postural control and coordination (Connors et al., 2010). Read the study here
Enhanced Interoceptive Processes
Feldenkrais sessions improved interoception and psychological well-being in adolescent dancers, suggesting its efficacy for post-injury rehabilitation (Wallman-Jones et al., 2022). Read the study here
Rehabilitation of Chronic Neck Pain in Visually Impaired
Demonstrated reduction in chronic neck pain and improved physical comfort after 12 weeks of Feldenkrais therapy (Lundqvist et al., 2014). Read the study here
Holistic and Integrated Rehabilitation
Feldenkrais for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Interventions improved balance and mobility in multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease patients, aligning with rehabilitation goals (Berland et al., 2022). Read the study here
Physical Rehabilitation
For osteoarthritis, Feldenkrais classes improved ease of movement, balance, and function in community settings (Webb et al., 2013). Read the study here