John, I can relate some true stories to you that are representative of my
experience with Somatics (Dr. Thomas Hanna) and Feldenkrais. Please
understand that I/we do not use just one method of treatment/training (too
limiting). In any of these cases there could have been both Somatics and
Feldenkrais principles used or either of those with any combination of
appropriate basic physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and motor learning. I
don't have any knowledge of Trager or Alexander. In the interest to keep it
brief, there is no mention of our evaluation technique in what follows, just
the situation and the result.
First, an early 30's man sighting 3 years of headaches with a heaviness or
fatique in the frontal/forehead area. He performed about 7 'somatic'
exercises daily (about 20-30 minutes). The condition was resolved in a
week.
Second, a 30 something nurse was walking across a field, stepped on
something and fell backward hitting the ground. She complained of back pain
and couldn't sleep on her back (something she normally did) for 2 weeks.
Applying Feldenkrais/Somatics principles, she was able to sleep on her back
the next night and the back pain resolved in a day or two.
Third, an early twenties small business owner complained about severe pain
on the bottom of his foot. One exercise resloved it the next day.
Fourth, a high school football player (offensive lineman) wanted to play in
college but needed to reduce his 40 yard sprint time. It was 5.2 seconds.
After two weeks of some Feldenkrais and basic scientific prinicples his time
was reduced to 4.8 (note he did not sprint once during that two weeks).
Fifth, a minor league (AA) pitcher had a large ruptured disc in his low
back, but did not want to have surgery. He was able to pitch without pain.
Sixth, a 52 yearold newpaper publisher, in fantastic shape, had chronic low
back and neck pain. After a week he felt so much better he integrated it
into his regular workouts and then hired our company to design a movement
program for each department of the newspaper.
Last, a top high school swimmer completing in the year end regional and
state meets was held out of the pool because of shoulder pain. The time
between meets the swimmer did not swim, or even get in the pool. He won the
regional meet with a personal best time. I can't remember how he did at the
state level.
Hope this helps,
Robert Heppe
http://www.biosolutions.net
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-----Original Message-----
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[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2000 2:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Feldenkrais, Alexander. Somatics, etc
Can anyone share any experiences, insights or deep thoughts on such methods
as the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Trager, etc.? Thanks.
John Lowry
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