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The Feldenkrais
Method® 
The Feldenkrais Method is a unique and sophisticated approach to human
understanding, learning, and change. The effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method
lies in its ability to access the nervous system's own innate processes to
change and refine functioning. It is of benefit to everyone wishing to move
and lie more comfortably, and such diverse groups of people as those with
restricted movement, acute and chronic pain, psychological and neurological
problems, performing artists and athletes. Through personal experience we adopt patterns of physical and psychological behavior to assure our biological and social survival. These patterns are deeply embedded in our nervous system and often become outmoded and dysfunctional. The Feldenkrais method utilizes functionally based variation, innovation, and differentiation in sensory motor activity to free us from habitual patterns and allow for new patterns of thinking, moving and feeling to emerge. Movement is utilized to explore biological as well as cultural aspects of attention, intention, and cognition and to delve deeply into how human development, learning, and movement interrelate. 
The Feldenkrais Method is an unusual melding of motor development, biomechanics,
psychology, and martial arts. It is recognized for its ability to improve
posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image, and to alleviate muscular
tension and pain. It consists of two compelling and versatile applications:
Awareness Through Movement and Functional Integration modalities harness the
nervous systems' ability to self organize towards more effective and
intelligent action.  Dr.
Moshe Feldenkrais Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc., (1904 -1984) was a distinguished scientist, physicist, and engineer. For many years he was a close associate of Nobel prize Laureate Frederic Joliot-Curie at the Curie Institute in Paris, France. He was a respected Judo instructor and author of several books on the subject. However, it was in the relationship between bodily movement and the ways we think, feel and learn that Dr. Feldenkrais personally trained a small class of Practitioners to continue his work and today there are more then 3000 certified Feldenkrais practitioners around the globe. Feldenkrais insights contributed to the development of the new field of somatic education and continue to influence disciplines such as physical medicine, gerontology, the arts, education and psychology. Awareness Through Movement® Awareness Through Movement (ATM) consists of verbally directed, gentle exercise lessons involving sophisticated movement sequences. The lessons directly engage our natural intelligence in a gentle and pleasurable way. ATM accesses the sensor motor processes of the brain and involves attention, perception, imagination and cognition. There are hundreds of lessons, addressing every joint and muscle group in the body and every human action. Functional Integration® Functional Integration (FI) is a one-on-one approach to working with people. Learning, change, and improvement are achieved through the use of specific skilled manipulation and passive movements. Functional Integration is painless, effective, and widely recognized for its ability to successfully address serious muscuolskeletal and neurologic problems. For more information, visit http://www.feldenkrais.com  Sandy L. Burkart PT, OCS, PhDGuild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner Dr. Burkart received his certification in the Feldenkrais Method® in 1991. He has integrated the Feldenkrais Method® into rehabilitation practice and offers Functional Integration lessons at his home in the Boca Raton, FL. His unique style of Feldenkrais practice incorporates integrated movement systems to reduce pain, improve flexibility, strength, and endurance, and enhance performance in sports, theatre, dance, and other activities of daily living. Cash payment is required to receive Feldenkrais services as there is no insurance reimbursement. If insurance is required, the client can be seen in physical therapy by Dr. Burkart at the Palm Beach Institute of Sports Medicine. A valid Florida prescription is required from a licensed Florida physician or Chiropractor. Case Studies
Feldenkrais Annual Conferences 1) Feldenkrais Method Annual Conference - 2006 Defining Success and Framing the Future October 20-27, 2006 Rhinebeck, NY For more info, visit www.feldenkrais.com/events 2)Feldenkrais Method Annual Conference - 2006 Functional Integration and Recovery Following Stroke: Strengthening the Bridge Between Science and Feldenkrais Method Practice Sandy L. Burkart, PhD, PT, GCFP October 24, 2006 Rhinebeck, NY Abstract Stroke remains one of the prime causes of adult disability. First, clients affected by stroke rarely achieve complete recovery. This is due to the inability to reverse the ischemic process and the failure to institute effective movement strategies in the early and late stages of recovery. Second, there is a lack of understanding of the neural mechanisms that contribute to recovery of function following stroke. We will examine scientific and practice guidelines for movement re-education and functional recovery following stroke emphasizing the use of Functional Integration strategies and techniques to better facilitate the temporal evolution of brain reorganization. Feldenkrais Publications, Abstracts, and Posters 1) D. G. Nair, A. Fuchs, S. Burkart, F. L. Steinberg, J. A. S. Kelso: Assessing recovery in middle cerebral artery stroke using functional MRI Brain Injury December 2005: 19 (13): 1165-1176 PDF 2) S. L. Burkart, J. M. Brantley, R. Reubens, D. G. Nair, V. Mansourian: Recovery of arm and hand function following stroke using the Feldenkrais Method, a SaeboFlex™ orthosis, and specific task training: a case study: Stroke Rehab 2006 - Evidence for Stroke Rehabilitation - Bridging into the Future (abstract and poster): Goteborg, Sweden April, 2006: 89 PDF 3) S. L. Burkart, J. M. Brantley, B. Smith Assessing the recovery of standing balance and gait following removal of a meningioma using the Feldenkrais Method of closed chain muscle contractions in standing and posture neutral positions: Stroke Rehab 2006 - Evidence for Stroke Rehabilitation - Bridging into the Future (abstract and poster): Goteborg, Sweden April, 200: 88 PDF 4) S. L. Burkart, D.G. Nair, V.A.K Brown, J. Brantley, R. Reubens, Recovery of hand function following stroke using the Feldenkrais Method: a case study: Stroke Rehab 2006 - Evidence for Stroke Rehabilitation - Bridging into the Future (abstract and poster): Goteborg, Sweden April, 2006: 90 PDF Host A Feldenkrais Workshop The Feldenkrais Method: Implications for Orthopedic and Neurologic Rehabilitation The Feldenkrais Method: Improving the Quality of Life of the Elderly |
