Feldenkrais
History: Who invented the Feldenkrais Technique and why?
Feldenkrais therapy combines movement with mindfulness and promotes learning about one's own body. Moshé Feldenkrais, a physicist with a background in judo, developed it in the 1940s in response to his own health limitations. After a serious knee injury, he looked for an alternative to surgery and instead researched the connections between movement, perception and the nervous system.
The focus is on gentle, slow movement sequences that provide unfamiliar stimuli and reorganize the interaction between nerves and muscles. The physicist assumed that people cannot simply "correct" their posture and movement behavior, but can only change it permanently through conscious experience. In this way, tensions can be released, movements made easier and habitual patterns replaced by more efficient processes. For example, anyone who constantly tenses their shoulders learns to find alternative ways of moving through Feldenkrais and experiences more ease in everyday life when sitting, walking or working.
Feldenkrais emphasizes that our self-image - how we perceive ourselves - is closely linked to our movement patterns. Through targeted changes in movement, the self-image can also develop further.
Forms: What subtypes of the Feldenkrais Technique are there?
The Feldenkrais Technique is characterized by two forms: group lessons based on the motto "Awareness through Movement" and individual sessions known as "Functional Integration".
Both formats do not promote strength or endurance, as traditional physiotherapeutic approaches do, but instead stimulate the brain to re-link movement patterns - a process that neuroscience refers to as neuroplastic learning. This learning-based approach is what makes the method so special and versatile.
Differences: How does the Feldenkrais Technique differ from other movement systems?
The Feldenkrais Method differs significantly from other well-known movement systems in terms of its objectives, approach and effects. The following table shows key similarities and differences compared to yoga, Pilates and physiotherapy.
Similarities and differences compared to yoga, Pilates & physiotherapy
Procedure: What do typical Feldenkrais exercises involve?
Typical Feldenkrais exercises are gentle, slow movement sequences such as rolling while lying down, consciously lifting arms or circling the pelvis. They promote body awareness and invite you to discover alternative ways of moving. The focus is not on performance, but on mindfulness - every movement is performed consciously, effortlessly and without strain.
The following video from the Swiss Feldenkrais Association gives a brief overview of the Feldenkrais Method and shows typical movement sequences:
Indications: What does the Feldenkrais Method help with?
The Feldenkrais technique improves mobility, body awareness and pain regulation in a gentle and sustainable way. The focus is on the conscious experience of movement. Through slow, precise movement sequences, the nervous system learns to develop new motor patterns. This not only promotes physical flexibility, but also mental clarity, coordination and a better self-image.
With the help of Feldenkrais therapy, the ability to self-regulate can be strengthened. People receive support in replacing ingrained patterns of movement and posture with more conscious alternatives. The method is suitable for both prevention and treatment of functional complaints - such as chronic pain, tension or restricted movement. Particularly in the field of rehabilitation following accidents, operations or neurological disorders, the therapy offers a wide range of options for promoting recovery and quality of movement.
A systematic review by the University of Southampton (Hillier & Worley, 2015) documented significant progress in balance and mobility in older adults. The authors analyzed 20 studies and found that Feldenkrais therapy is particularly effective in the area of fall prevention and movement control. A further study by Lundblad et al. (2009, Umeå University) showed that participants with chronic back pain significantly reduced their symptoms and were able to perform everyday movements with less pain.
Contraindications: What are the side effects of Feldenkrais Therapy?
The Feldenkrais Method is generally considered to be very gentle and low-risk. Nevertheless, it is not suitable for every situation without restrictions. People with acute inflammation, recent injuries or unstable joints should seek medical advice before starting therapy. Caution is also advised in cases of severe mental illness or in acute crisis situations.
Rare side effects include temporary exhaustion, slight dizziness or muscular reactions that can occur due to the unusual movement impulses. These symptoms usually subside quickly and indicate that the body is responding to new patterns.
The Feldenkrais technique requires self-awareness and works through subtle stimuli. This subtle approach in particular can cause short-term irritation in people who are very sensitive to pain. In such cases, it helps to slow down the movements further and adapt them carefully.
Target groups: Who is Feldenkrais suitable for?
Feldenkrais therapy is particularly suitable for
- People with chronic pain
- People with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and MS
- seniors
- Rehabilitants
- athletes
Feldenkrais is also popular with musicians, artists, dancers and actors. They use the method to refine their expression, flow of movement and presence.
Conclusion
The most important facts about the Feldenkrais Technique at a glance
- 1. The Feldenkrais Method improves movement, body awareness, and coordination.
- 2. A physicist developed the concept in the 1940s.
- 3. Mindful, slow movements stimulate the nervous system to form new patterns.
- 4. Studies demonstrate improvements in pain, balance, and mobility.
- 5. Older adults, patients with pain, people undergoing rehabilitation, and artists benefit especially.
- 6. Acute inflammations, unstable joints, and severe psychological crises exclude the use of this method.
FAQ - Further questions about the Feldenkrais Method
Individual lessons usually cost between 60 and 90 euros. Group courses are usually cheaper and cost around 15 to 25 euros.
Statutory XXX DELETE XXX insurers are not obliged to cover the costs of Feldenkrais therapy. However, some insurance companies do subsidize certified prevention courses in accordance with § 20 SGB V.
The technique is suitable for people of all ages with movement or posture problems. The method can also help to maintain physical and mental flexibility as a preventative measure.
Feldenkrais focuses on mindful, slow movements to improve body awareness and movement organization, while Pilates specifically strengthens muscles, especially the core, and is often more physically demanding.
Yoga includes physical exercises, breathing techniques and often spiritual elements. Feldenkrais, on the other hand, is purely physical and uses movement as a learning process, without stretching or static postures.
In contrast to physiotherapy, the Feldenkrais Method does not involve corrective intervention, but invites the learner to discover new paths independently through exploration and comparison.
Once or twice a week is ideal to achieve lasting changes. Even occasional sessions can bring noticeable improvements.
No, it is gentle and not strenuous. Movements are slow and deliberate, without any pressure to perform - ideal for those with physical limitations.
It uses the plasticity of the nervous system to learn new movement patterns through conscious movement - a neurophysiological approach to improving everyday life and quality of life.