NeuroTalk Support Groups - Feldenkrais compared to Physical Therapy

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Feldenkrais compared to Physical Therapy

Some people find that physical therapy (aka physiotherapy) has not been useful for them in dealing with TOS. Therefore, the following should be of some interest:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feldenk...ntific_studies

Quote:

In 1999, a randomized controlled trial investigated whether physiotherapy or Feldenkrais interventions would reduce the complaints from neck and shoulder pain and disability. The participants were randomly assigned to 1) physiotherapy treatment, 2) the Feldenkrais program, or 3) a control group. The physiotherapy and Feldenkrais interventions were given over 16 weeks of paid work. The Feldenkrais group showed significant decreases in complaints from neck and shoulders and in disability during leisure time. The two other groups showed no change in complaints (Physiotherapy group) or worsening of complaints (Control group).

The reference is to this paper:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/p140qq2036hq8jq1/

Whose abstract is:

Quote:

The present study aimed to investigate whether physiotherapy or Feldenkrais interventions resulted in a reduction of complaints from the neck and shoulders (prevalence, pain intensity, sick leave, and disability in leisure and work roles) in 97 female industrial workers (not on long-term sick leave). Range of motion of neck and shoulders, VO2, endurance score (i.e., summation of pain intensity ratings during a static shoulder flexion), cortical control according to the Feldenkrais methodology, and physiological capacity according to a dynamic endurance test of the shoulder flexors with simultaneous surface EMG were also recorded. The workers were randomized to: (1) physiotherapy group (PT-group; treatment according to the ergonomic program of the PTs of the occupational health care service), (2) Feldenkrais group (F-group; education according to the Feldenkrais methodology), or (3) control group (C-group; no intervention). Pre- and post-tests were made at one-year intervals. The two interventions lasted 16 weeks during paid working time. The F-group showed significant decreases in complaints from neck and shoulders and in disability during leisure time. The two other groups showed no change (PT-group) or worsening of complaints (C-group). The present study showed significant positive changes in complaints after the Feldenkrais intervention but not after the physiotherapy intervention. Possible mechanisms behind the effects in the F-group are discussed.

Note that this is not specifically a TOS study and the study participants were "not on long-term sick leave". On the other hand, what little I have read and seen on youtube looks like it could be useful.

current pt protocol is AWFUL so i am not surprised

Feldenkrais is my favorite modality, and trust me, I've tried them all. For me, Feldenkrais alone will not "cure" me, but it adds flexibility, ROM and freedom of movement without disturbing the angry nerves.

I started with a few private ATM classes and then used Feldenkrais audios from there. Excellent audios can be purchased through Feldenkrais Resources http://www.feldenkraisresources.com/ You can also share your audios with fellow TOSers through Dropbox to spread the cost. :)

Many communities have group Feldy classes. Although tempting to join because of the lower cost, IMO private should be done first to access your abilities. I only speak from personal experience of joining Somatic classes and being asked to spend the entire class on my hands and knees - the ultimate heinous TOS pose.

Feldenkrais and Awareness Thru Movement has helped me so much! Not surprised with the findings. Hopefully this will help get the modality added to the Insurance List of approved intervention. I had to stop because I cant afford it and Medicare does not cover it (yet).

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspennyloafer (Post 840798)

current pt protocol is AWFUL so i am not surprised

For the record, my PT has helped me immensely, so some PTs are definitely helpful for TOS. I don't want any newbies to get the impression that they should not investigate PT. As with any profession, the skill level and approaches vary immensely between practitioners.

My PT does more soft tissue work rather than the classic strengthening and extreme stretching regiment. She also looks at the whole body and fixes things in the pelvis, back and ribs since the whole body is connected. She does prescribe me stretches and exercises, but since I do them outside our sessions (which are dominated by the soft tissue work), I get to control the duration and reps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by astern (Post 840894)

You've probably already seen this, but just in case:

"Feldenkrais:The Busy Person's Guide to Easier Movement"
http://www.amazon.com/Feldenkrais-Pe...6491437&sr=1-1

Good reviews and at least one reviewer said they got more out of the book than they did the classes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chroma (Post 840919)

yeah when i said protocol i meant standard tx

im putting my whole paycheck into pt because i believe in it. you gotta address the entire torso. i think the problem is (an american thing???) reductionism.

the sad thing is whatever tx you find that actually works is gonna cost an assload of money and take years to fix

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anne4tos (Post 840828)

Many communities have group Feldy classes. Although tempting to join because of the lower cost, IMO private should be done first to access your abilities. I only speak from personal experience of joining Somatic classes and being asked to spend the entire class on my hands and knees - the ultimate heinous TOS pose.

this is so true, you basically need a babysitter

i actually just tried getting on all fours (elbows actually, wrist is too messed up) and i got my dad to put a ruler on my back to make sure i wasn't cheating somehow.

anyways, im not doing it on my own again. i didnt flare but i dont trust myself. too advanced.

I took a Feldenkrais movement class at my local community college.
It felt cult-y.
But that coulda just been my teacher.....
I did learn to become more aware of how I move and have tried to make better choices in how I use my body.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspennyloafer (Post 840968)

the sad thing is whatever tx you find that actually works is gonna cost an assload of money and take years to fix

I'm impressed you got "assload" past the forum's asterisksizer which takes words like **** and **** and turns them into ****.

yes, i am a firm believer people with tos should be allowed to curse :)