Treating arthritis with the Feldenkrais method

Although it may be hard to appreciate how such a simple practice may alleviate the excruciating pain of arthritis there is much clinical and testimonial evidence in support of the claim. One study in particular shows how twenty one arthritis sufferers all participated in a series of Feldenkrais sessions and experienced lasting pain relief. Muscular testing showed that their movements became more efficient and their muscle activity reduced. the strain on their joints was lessened, and during a two year follow up most of the participants showed signs of continued benefit.

Despite these findings Feldenkrais remains a technique on the margins of mainstream medicine. There are relatively few practitioners in the world and although more people train each year the numbers are such that therapy can only be obtained in large towns and cities. A simple yoga routine is often the preferred movement practice but generally speaking this does not usually offer the personal embodied insight that is developed during a series of feldenkrais sessions.