"I MERELY TOOK THE ENERGY IT TAKES TO POUT AND WROTE SOME BLUES." - DUKE ELLINGTON
![]() Exploring better ways to move, exercise or sustain physical resilience with mobility challenges is a constant source of interest for me. I recently discovered the Feldenkrais Method, with the help of Stacy Barrows, PT, GCFT, CPI, a physical therapist, Pilate’s instructor, and passionate practitioner of the approach. We explored some of the benefits for persons with disabilities. The main distinction of this form of movement therapy is its engineering viewpoint on understanding the body, “How do all the parts of the body work together? It's less of a cause and effect mindset,” Barrow notes. The exploratory nature of this method is one unique feature. “I find that patients lose an internal sense of their bodies. If you can visualize a baby experimenting and exploring movement in an organic way, that's the spirit of Feldenkrais," says Barrows. The goal is to re-discover movement that eliminates unnecessary energy expenditure and increases efficiency. “I've worked with many patients who have given up or reached a plateau in their range of motion. Exercises such as the pelvic clock renews a patient’s center of gravity
and establishes a new feedback system,” notes Barrows. Research on Feldenkrias is emerging, but is now widely utilized for a variety of medical conditions ranging from cancer to athletic injuries to chronic pain. In her own research, Barrows notes that patients have reported pain reduction, sleep improvement, and a sense of renewal. Her sessions include a hands- on or hands- off approach. “The hands are more for listening," says Barrow. “We get on the floor, practice some puzzles, and come up with new tools the client can use to take care of themselves." The hands-off aspects are implemented in classes, where a practitioner leads attendees are led through a series of gentle micro-movements done while sitting, standing, or lying down. “This work is not about reversing pathology, but about optimizing function”. We discover more than one way of moving, and the patient then decides what works for them; Feldenkrais can enhance traditional approaches to recovery and rehabilitation.” says Barrows.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
I am a freelance writer whose work covers
a wide range of human-interest issues. My current areas of curiosity are stories on creativity, technology and health. My freelance projects include writing and social media consulting. Share This Website
Blog Topics
All
Health News LinksAble News
CNN Health Fitness and Nutrition Green Blog Health Care: NPR Healthy Minds: APA Science Times Shots: Health Blog The New Old Age Blog Well Blog Health NarrativesCopyrightNo part of this web site
or blog may be reproduced without written consent from the author. Reji Mathew, PhD - Writer © 2020 - All Rights Reserved. DisclaimerThe content and suggested links on this website- blog are for educational purposes only. They are not meant to substitute for advice from your health care provider. If you are in need of medical, therapeutic, or wellness care, please see a medical doctor or other qualified health care provider.
Pages Views |