REVIEW PAPER
Feldenkrais method and movement education – An alternate therapy in musculoskeletal rehabilitation
 
More details
Hide details
1
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
 
2
Physiotherapy Programme, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
 
3
Depatment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
 
 
Submission date: 2015-02-12
 
 
Acceptance date: 2015-05-05
 
 
Online publication date: 2015-07-07
 
 
Publication date: 2020-03-23
 
 
Corresponding author
Aatit Paungmali   

Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. Tel.: +66 53949246; fax: +66 53946042.
 
 
Pol. Ann. Med. 2016;23(1):68-74
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Feldenkrais method (FM) is a movement education technique that emphasizes movement teaching based on sensory motor awareness and cognitive perception of the movement. Although this technique gained popularity in different parts of the world, it is still regarded as a non-conventional science.

Aim:
Absence of in-depth review and high quality scientific studies in this technique necessitates the need for generation of knowledge and scientific review on this efficient method.

Discussion:
This current review paper made an effort to provide conventional scientific explanation about this method that suits the medical paradigm. In this paper, a brief introduction followed by description of the technique is given with a clinical example toward its application. Furthermore, the neurophysiologic explanation and mechanical concepts are provided in the conventional scientific manner. Indications, contra indications and clinical implications were also discussed to accommodate the clinical practice in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Conclusions:
Feldenkrais exercises can be used as an alternative therapy in musculoskeletal rehabilitation for movement education.

FUNDING
No funds were received in support of this work.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.
 
REFERENCES (41)
1.
Jain S, Janssen K, DeCelle S. Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method: a critical overview. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2004;15(4):811–825.
 
2.
Bearman D, Shafarman S. The Feldenkrais method in the treatment of chronic pain: a study of efficacy and cost effectiveness. Am J Pain Manag. 1999;9(1):22–27.
 
3.
Connors KA, Galea MP, Said CM. Feldenkrais method balance classes improve balance in older adults: a controlled trial. Evid Based Complem Altern Med. 2011;1–9:. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ecam....
 
4.
Strauch R. Epistemology and the Feldenkrais method. Feldenkrais Res J. 2007;4:1–6.
 
5.
Hillier S, Porter L, Jackson K, Petkov J. The effects of Feldenkrais classes on the health and function of an ageing Australian sample: a pilot study. Open Rehabil J. 2010;3:62–66.
 
6.
Lyttle TSK. The Feldenkrais method: application, practice and principles. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 1997;1(5):262–269.
 
7.
Ives JC, Shelley GA. The Feldenkrais method in rehabilitation: a review. Work. 1998;11(1):75–90.
 
8.
Stephens J, Davidson J, Derosa J, Kriz M, Saltzman N. Lengthening the hamstring muscles without stretching using ‘‘awareness through movement’’. Phys Ther. 2006;86(12):1641–1650.
 
9.
Connors KA, Galea MP, Said CM, Remedios LJ. Feldenkrais method balance classes are based on principles of motor learning and postural control retraining: a qualitative research study. Physiotherapy. 2010;96(4):324–336.
 
10.
Wyszynski M. The Feldenkrais method for people with chronic pain. Pain Pract. 2010;20(1). http://feldenkraisinstitute.co..., accessed 16.06.2013.
 
11.
Schlinger M. Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, and yoga – body awareness therapy in the performing arts. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2006;17(4):865–875.
 
12.
Pfeifer R, Scheier C. Sensory-motor coordination: the metaphor and beyond. Robot Autonom Syst. 1997;20(2–4):157–178.
 
13.
Kaas JH. The evolution of the complex sensory and motor systems of the human brain. Brain Res Bull. 2008;75(2–4):384–390.
 
14.
Sober SJ, Sabes PN. Flexible strategies for sensory integration during motor planning. Nat Neurosci. 2005;8(4):490–497.
 
15.
McAdam RJ. Continuous interactive simulation: engaging the human sensory-motor system in understanding dynamical systems. Procedia Comp Sci. 2010;1(1):1691–1698.
 
16.
Fanselow EE, Connors BW. Navigating a sensorimotor loop. Neuron. 2005;45(3):329–330.
 
17.
Tani J, Nolfi S. Learning to perceive the world as articulated: an approach for hierarchical learning in sensory-motor systems. Neural Netw. 1999;12(7–8):1131–1141.
 
18.
Esparza DY, Larue J. Cognitive–motor interactions: the role of motor representation. Rev Neurol. 2008;46(4):219–224.
 
19.
Karni A, Meyer G, Jezzard P, Adams M, Turner R, Ungerleider LG. Functional MRI evidence for adult motor cortex plasticity during motor skill learning. Nature. 1995;377(6545):155–158.
 
20.
Pascual-Leone A, Grafman J, Hallett M. Modulation of cortical motor output maps during development of implicit and explicit knowledge. Science. 1994;263(5151):1287–1289.
 
21.
Classen J, Liepert J, Wise SP, Hallet M, Cohen LG. Rapid plasticity of human cortical movement representation induced by practice. J Neurophysiol. 1998;79(2):1117–1123.
 
22.
Schwenkreis P, Pleger B, Höffken O, Malin JP, Tegenthoff M. Repetitive training of a synchronised movement induces short-term plastic changes in the human primary somatosensory cortex. Neurosci Lett. 2001;312(2):99–102.
 
23.
Tyč F, Boyadjian A. Plasticity of motor cortex induced by coordination and training. Clin Neurophysiol. 2011;122(1):153–162.
 
24.
Adkins DL, Boychuk J, Remple MS, Kleim JA. Motor training induces experience-specific patterns of plasticity across motor cortex and spinal cord. J Appl Physiol. 2006;101(6):1776–1782.
 
25.
Karni A, Meyer G, Rey-Hipolito C, et al. The acquisition of skilled motor performance: fast and slow experience-driven changes in primary motor cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1998;95(3):861–868.
 
26.
Remple MS, Bruneau RM, VandenBerg PM, Goertzen C, Kleim JA. Sensitivity of cortical movement representations to motor experience: evidence that skill learning but not strength training induces cortical reorganization. Beha Brain Res. 2001;123(2):133–141.
 
27.
Hopper C, Kolt GS, McConville JC. The effects of Feldenkrais awareness through movement on hamstring length, flexibility, and perceived exertion. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2000;4(3):216–220.
 
28.
Kolt GS, McConville JC. The effects of Feldenkrais awareness through movement program on state anxiety. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2000;4(3):216–220.
 
29.
Posadzki P, Stöckl A, Mucha D. Qi Gong exercises and Feldenkrais method from the perspective of Gestalt concept and humanistic psychology. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2010;14(3):227–233.
 
30.
Hannon JC. The physics of Feldenkrais. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2000;4(1):27–30.
 
31.
Hannon JC. The physics of Feldenkrais. Part 3: stability. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2000;4(4):261–272.
 
32.
Masi AT, Hannon JC. Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): narrative introduction and modern concepts. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008;12(4):320–332.
 
33.
DellaGrotte J, Ridi R, Landi M, Stephens J. Postural improvement using core integration to lengthen myofascia. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008;12(3):231–245.
 
34.
Laumer U, Bauer M, Fichter M, Milz H. Therapeutic effects of the Feldenkrais method ‘‘awareness through movement’’ in patients with eating disorders. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol. 1997;47(5):170–180.
 
35.
Buchanan PA, Ulrich BD. The Feldenkrais method: a dynamic approach to changing motor behavior. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2001;72(4):315–323.
 
36.
Stephens J. Feldenkrais method. Background, research, and orthopedic case studies. Orthop Phys Ther Clin North Am. 2000;9(3):375–394.
 
37.
Ayiesah R, Joseph HL, Roslan H. Preliminary evidence on the Feldenkrais method as an alternative therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Focus Altern Complem Ther. 2013;18(3):126–132.
 
38.
Brown E, Kegerreis S. Electromyographic activity of trunk musculature during a Feldenkrais awareness through movement lesson. Isokinet Exerc Sci. 1991;1(4):216–220.
 
39.
Wanning T. Healing and the mind/body arts. Massage, acupuncture, yoga, T'ai chi and Feldenkrais. AAOHN J. 1993;41(7):349–351.
 
40.
Wildman F. Learning: the missing link in physiotherapy. A radical view of the Feldenkrais method. N Z J Physiother. 1990;18(2):6–7.
 
41.
Mark GT, Lyons AC. Maori healers' views on wellbeing: the importance of mind, body, spirit, family and land. Soc Sci Med. 2010;70(11):1756–1764.
 
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top