Movement Education
Everyone can benefit from learning to move better, especially anyone dealing with pain or impaired movement. But the benefits of learning to move better aren't limited to people with physical pain or grossly impaired movement.
There are many different approaches to movement education and my approach is an extension of the Feldenkrais Method.
The benefit of this approach isn't merely improved physical coordination, but more importantly, improved mind-body coordination.
What makes this approach different from other systems of movement like yoga and Pilates, is that it avoids repetitive movements and stretching & strengthening exercises. Instead, it emphasizes the integrated functioning of the entire body during any given action. It does this by teaching functional movement patterns that enable new patterns and possibilities of movement.
"I'm not interested in developing Flexible Bodies but rather, Flexible Minds"
Moshe Feldenkrais
My Own Movement Challenges
In 1996 at the age of 24, I was in a serious motorcycle accident that left me with a shattered left ankle, two broken shoulders and a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). My injuries put me in the hospital for a month before being released to convalescent care.
Prior to my accident, I'd always been extremely athletic with no serious injuries or broken bones. I was already working as a fitness trainer and bodyworker while also enrolled in acupuncture school. My accident forced me to shift my focus from working with athletes and sports performance training, to working with injuries and rehabilitation training. To say that my recovery changed my perspective on wellness, health & fitness, is an understatement.
My left ankle is now essentially bone on bone and lacks the forward & backward motion that's typical of a normal ankle. In short, my ankle doesn't bend. You might think this causes me significant problems and it's true that I can no longer run, ski, rock climb, ice skate or numerous other activities I grew-up doing. However, I have zero pain and walk without a limp. Most people with similar ankles as mine, suffer with tremendous pain and movement limitations. However, unless someone sees me barefoot, they'll never know I have such a major disability.
This is why movement education plays such an important role in any long term solution to physical pain and dysfunction. It helps the body learn to function optimally and normally.