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Testimonials
"Dr. Feldman has given me back the summer. With the encouragement of my internist, I first visited him because of a painful shoulder cramp. It had troubled me occasionally for many years, but now it seemed to have settled in to stay, and nothing I tried would alleviate it.
He listened intently to my symptoms, asked questions about my lifestyle and explained, clearly, what he planned to do. Using a combination of gentle techniques, the Feldenkrais Method and CranioSacral therapy, he relieved my pain completely in our first four sessions.
I was a slow starter as a student of these unfamiliar disciplines, but Dr. Feldman is not only a kind and patient man, but a very good teacher. With his help I grew more conscious of my body and its interaction with my mind, and as my self-awareness evolved, my posture and balance improved, I found I was dealing more easily with stress, and I began to sleep better for the first time in years.
A few months ago I was dreading the coming summer, always a busy, active time for our family. Now I can hardly wait for the beach days to begin."
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– BSG, Reference Librarian (retired)
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"My experience with Dr. Feldman began abruptly, when my back was seized with terrible pain. I had sensed that something was wrong for several weeks, and after a long session in the dentist's chair it finally hit. As I drove home I could feel my back muscles begin to cramp, and by the time I arrived at my house the pain was so intense I barely made it out of the car.
I managed to walk through the garage to the kitchen door, but could go no farther. I had to continue on my hands and knees and finally crawled to my bedroom, but I could not stand up to get into bed. My wife put a blanket on the floor and there I lay. Several hours later I managed to crawl into bed with my wife's help, but I was unable to get up for the next two days, even to go to the bathroom.
My wife, who was seeing Dr. Feldman for help with a balance problem, told him what had happened to me and that I could not get out of bed. To our astonishment, he volunteered to help and arrived at our front door that afternoon. He was very kind and sympathetic as he gently applied the CranioSacral and Feldenkrais methods, enabled me to get to my feet, and suggested that I come to his office for further work as the pain subsided. For the first time in days I was able to relax and get some sleep (and also to walk to the bathroom!).
Over the next few weeks with Dr. Feldman, my muscle strain gradually disappeared and, as an unexpected bonus, so did the arthritis pain in my lower back and that from bursitis in my right hip. I learned from the doctor that I had not been walking properly since I’d fallen, hard, on one knee several years earlier. My body was compensating by walking off-balance, resulting in the arthritis, bursitis and strained back muscles.
The sessions with Dr. Feldman made me aware of the way my mind, bones and muscles coordinate, and of how important it is to be conscious of what my body is doing."
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– ALG, Director of Engineering (retired)
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"After severely injuring my right leg in a rock climbing accident, I felt I would never be normal again. I had suddenly changed from an athlete to a slow-moving 24 year-old who needed a cane to walk from the car to the office. My ankle and lower leg would get sore quickly, and sometimes I hardly wanted to move for fear of the random, shocking pains that would shoot through my body as soon as I took a step. Worst of all, I had no idea what to do except continue to limp, pop an Advil, or hope things would get better.
After a few sessions with Dr. Feldman, my condition improved noticeably. Using the Feldenkrais Method®, we worked through basic movements – like bending a toe or rolling a shoulder – that helped me use my entire body in a more efficient way. Unlike physical therapy, where I was supposed to push and pull my way back to heath and strength, Dr. Feldman used calm, non-intrusive movements. I never even broke a sweat.
Soon, my leg stopped tensing up with each step. I ditched the cane. Walks to the office were easy, and I now can take hikes or walk for miles. When I feel a twinge of pain, I think of the way Dr. Feldman taught me to move: Back straight, eyes forward, feeling the weight distributed through every joint. It took several sessions, including some time with CranialSacral Therapy and the occasional chiropractic adjustment, but I feel more aware of my body than ever before. Now, I tend to feel better after each and every session. I’m so glad I came to see Dr. Feldman, and would recommend it to anyone who feels as though daily movements have become a struggle. After most sessions, I feel terrific. He truly did help me learn to move without pain."
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– Ryan Tracy
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"Before I began doing Feldenkrais, my back has always felt complicated with tension and pain and I never felt like it was aligned very well because I have a minor case of scoliosis. I just went along believing I could achieve temporary relief through massage or regular exercise, but for the first time I'm experiencing a type of rehabilitation that lasts.
My back has always felt "jumbled" -as though the different parts of my back were competing with each other. I never felt like there was a connection between each of the parts of my body. Now, I am very aware of the connection between everything, and that moving one part involves moving others too. This is how the body communicates within itself, but I never thought to be purposely aware of it. After a Feldenkrais session, my body is reminded of the process it goes through for each simple movement. Reinforcing this pattern reorganizes the body and restores it's natural communication between each part.
Afterwards, I feel like my body is firmly planted and aligned. I feel lifted and instead of being aware of the pain of my back, I feel nothing--my back is free from most of the tension. I also feel as though my body moves with more ease, and I stand with more balance.
Feldenkrais empowers me to control my body and have an active influence over it. Learning about movement from the this perspective means that I can correct problems within myself without being dependent on a doctor. This means I am completely connected with my body and how it moves. This awareness cues the body to re-arrange itself to move freely and without tension. I've never felt so in control of my well-being before. Try it!"
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– Christa Bruneau-Flynn
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"From sitting all day, my back feels like I have all these disconnected parts that don't operate together. After the lesson I felt very different-my legs no longer feel numb, they feel part of me again.
I've been very disconnected from my lower legs, almost like they were not there-now I have a greater feeling to the legs, a greater aliveness. My pelvis feels so much better. The lower spine is able to hold the upper body with much greater strength and is connected with the lower body, to the legs in a more integrated manner.
Oh my God my spine feels very mobile, like an elastic rubber band, giving and taking, going very fluidly in an elastic movement, all integrated in a very fluid motion."
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– MF, Research Chemist
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"I have suffered from terrible back pain for years from scoliosis. After a single one hour session with Dr. Feldman, the relief was almost unbelievable. I have been "shrunken" and my waist was the same width as my shoulders. My waist is now noticeably longer and narrower, my spine straighter. I had a muscle "clump" on the side of my waste that was very painful. It was gone for days after my first session with Dr. Feldman. I was able to walk 3.5 miles for the first time in two years. I used to run that route everyday early in the morning before work, and I am thrilled to be able to walk that far again. I cannot believe the progress I have made after only one session and cannot wait for my next session!"
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– Rachel Jeanne Lehr
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"In April 2009, I was shocked to learn that my mobility issues related not to a back problem but to Old MS, mild multiple sclerosis that I supposedly contracted in my 30’s or 40’s, some 25 or 30 years ago. It left me with a weak left leg, which has worsened with age.
I was referred to Dr. Feldman to work on improvement of my movement through the Feldenkrais Method. Having completed four sessions, I am beginning to have a new appreciation and awareness of my total body. By helping me to realign and reorganize the parts and feel where they are in my body, Dr. Feldman has instilled in me a greater confidence when walking. For example, I am not looking at my feet as much when walking or when climbing up and down stairs.
Although Dr. Feldman's work has not eliminated completely the numbness and stiffness of the leg, there has been a noticeable difference. I no longer seem to be limping when the leg gets tired, though endurance and strength are still a challenge. As a result, my gait has improved, and I am walking more normally. Additionally, my muscle cramps are fewer and much less severe.
Furthermore, there is greater fluidity and less hesitation in my movements, noticed not just by me, but by my trainer, who works with me weekly on strength-building, coordination and balance.
I am beginning to sense that I may no longer be a prisoner of my body. I have a long way to go, but as a result of Dr. Feldman's patient instruction and skilled manipulation, I have begun the process."
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– Sheila Kremer
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"I have suffered with Crohn’s disease for over 20 years. While my symptoms were fairly controlled using a variety of different medications, each year at the annual checkup with my gastroenterologist, the story was the same – significant inflammation always showed up during the endoscopic exam. I started seeing Dr. Feldman in April of 2007, and he suggested that CranialSacral Therapy might help my condition. We started off meeting once a week for about two months, and then reduced the frequency of my visits to monthly. By the time of my 2008 annual exam, my gastroenterologist pronounced the condition of my colon 'ridiculously improved'. I have since weaned myself off all my medications and don't even miss them. Probably the best testimony to my improved health is that, without changing my eating habits, I have put on about 15-20 pounds due to improved processing of the nutrients I take in. Now I guess I have to find out if Dr. Feldman has a cure for undesired weight gain!"
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- David Cohen
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"To be a client of Dr. Edward Feldman and to learn the practice of Feldenkrais® treatment is to find a reduction of pain and a new freedom of movement.
This has been my experience, and I am glad to share it. I came to Dr. Feldman’s office just one year ago; with a number of herniated discs, four compression fractures and terrible posture. I could not stand up straight and walked with a cane. At the age of 82, I assumed this was to be my state from now on.
I was wrong, Dr. Feldman started with a gentle tour of my body structure, introducing me to muscles and bones that I didn't know I had, and teaching me to become aware of their relationships with each other, their ability to act appropriately and to share the work of moving, so that effort could be shared and stress avoided in the body’s movements.
Dr. Feldman's work was so gentle that at first, I didn't feel any changes in my body and, certainly, no pain. But as I learned to relax and focus on just one body area at a time, I began to recognize a new flexibility and a wider range of motion where I had been stiff and constrained before.
The end result of my year with Dr. Feldman is that I am stronger, more comfortable, and can sit and walk upright without pain. Credit for my wonderful recovery is due to Dr. Edward Feldman, D.C., and his skillful use of the Feldenkrais Method®."
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- Elizabeth S. Flemer
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"I have a a habitual pattern of tilting my head to the right and slightly forward--round shouldered. Today, Dr. Feldman did a neck and head lesson that was quieting and pleasurable.. When I stood up at the end, I felt straight. My head felt like it was balanced on top of my spine. My shoulders felt back and down and my chest forward.
He is the only doctor I have been to where I feel better before I leave the office. But, today, I realized that I felt the possibility of how I can move optimally."
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– Linda Adler
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"I went to Dr. Feldman with a neckache that I'd been treating on and off for three years, through visits to a chiropractor. After two sessions, the neckache went away! I'm noticing how my posture is improved, and everything in my body seems to work better. As a swimmer and one who enjoys dancing, I can move my body in ways that I hadn't moved before, or just hadn't, in ages. The most important thing has been that I can move better with my young children."
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– Lisa Wojtowicz, Family Therapist
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"CranioSacral Therapy is a phenomenon! During an extremely stressful period in my life, and fearing a relapse of a former illness, I felt ungrounded and off center both physically and mentally. CranioSacral Therapy quickly and effortlessly addressed the core of what was wrong, restoring my sense of balance and wellbeing. I highly recommend CranioSacral Therapy either alone or to complement other medical treatment."
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- TB, IT Professional
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"Unlike other forms of body work, Dr. Feldman has provided me with permanent changes that have improved the quality of my life and health. I feel healthier, more energetic, and flexible. It's been a quantum leap for me, and has supported my mental and emotional growth as a human being."
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- M. F. R., Ph. D.
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"Dr Feldman's not a fixer. He doesn't set out a stall that promises to wipe away your pain TODAY nor does he suggest that there are magic buttons that doctors can press to solve your problems. In fact, he often seems irritated if you dwell too much on the source of pain. He seems to want to get behind the pain and connect with your whole body, to help it figure out what it needs to do about itself. Your conscious mind appears not to be required. He asks (implicitly, often) that you give him your trust and relax into a journey that will allow you to relearn how to use your body. On the way, you may stumble across parts of your life. When you were eleven, someone kicked you and you limped to avoid the pain and choked down embarrassing sobs. Right then you set up a pattern of using one side more than another or tensing muscles unnecessarily. Now, at 40, this habit turns out to be hurting your neck. Perhaps, at Dr Feldman's table, you will weep a little for the bullied child and your body will reach a new understanding ("Oh! I can let that go of that now!") Perhaps none of the learning will penetrate your conscious mind, but it will happen. Your body will gradually unravel its secrets, develop new self awareness and discover new freedom of painless, delightful movement."
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- Zoe Brooks
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"I woke up one morning with terrible pain in my back that went all the way down to my toes, I could hardly stand up. I went to the emergency room where they gave me a shot and some pain medication and diagnosed that I had Sciatica. After a week I was still in a lot of pain when a friend of mine suggested that I go see Dr Feldman since he had helped her. I figured that I had nothing to loose. After a few sessions with Dr Feldman where he performed his CranioSacral Therapy and Feldenkrais Method the pain subsided and I was able to stand and walk without the terrible pain I had before. I have continued my therapy with Dr Feldman because, not like other chiropractors, he personalizes his therapy to you and your body. I would highly recommend him if you want your whole body and self to feel better especially without having to continue to take over the counter medicines and pharmaceuticals."
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- Jo Ann Cousin
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"Attending the (Feldenkrais) workshop has greatly reduced the amount of stress that I experience as a reaction to the daily events around me. (The whole body movement exercises have opened up areas in my body... and in my life...that were previously 'stuck'. I now seem to have more room for pleasure and joy)."
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- L.J., educator
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"I wish I had started mentoring a lot sooner. After being introduced to the fundamentals, I wasn't clear. The work is so elusive that I always had questions. My questions are not your questions. Working with Dr. Feldman was good for me because his attention was focused on my needs. While we worked, he gave ongoing feedback about what I was doing and making me redo until I could feel the difference. I could feel how it should feel. My timing and touch improved but, most valuable, was that he made me think through and explain what I was doing and why. So, it becomes not a memorized performance but a reasoning and understanding of the individuals needs. It is never too soon to start mentoring. It builds understanding and confidence"
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- Linda Adler
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"I came to see Dr. Feldman after a fall that aggravated what had been a chronic stiffness and soreness in my neck. From the start I was impressed with Dr. Feldman's approach. He listened attentively as I described my problem, and carefully reviewed my history. The treatment itself has been extremely helpful. He has combined chiropractic, craniosacral and Feldenkrais work to promote a real and deep healing. We began with several craniosacral sessions. Immediately, those sessions resulted in an improvement in the way my neck felt.
Furthermore, the sessions left me feeling rejuvenated and with a sense that the real work of healing was taking place. Dr. Feldman was able to reach a space that promoted a very deep feeling of well being. In addition to the craniosacral therapy, we have also begun to use Feldenkrais® to address other areas of tension in my body. The Feldenkrais® has been a revelation. I have begun to recognize areas in my body that hold tension and the movements that Dr. Feldman has taken me through have helped me to release some of that tension and improve the way I feel in my body.
I would recommend craniosacral therapy and Feldenkrais® to anyone dealing with pain, fatigue or general malaise. For me, these modalities have been complementary - the craniosacral represents a deep healing force and the Feldenkrais® seems to be teaching my body new techniques to maximize healthy movement. During the experience I have learned to work with and listen to my body in new ways and the overall result is a much improved sense of well-being."
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- Jennifer L. Poacelli
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"I've worked with Ed for a couple of months and have learned a great deal about myself. Turns out, I've been using my body to absorb emotions that I'd rather not feel. Through Feldenkrais, I've "unlocked" my muscles and move again like I did in my 20's (how cool is that?). Cranio Sacral work has released childhood emotional and physical traumas stored in my body. I am delighted to be able to work with my inner child as memories surface; I can relive the events in a non-traumatic way and provide the love and support I longed for.
A benefit of working with Ed is experiencing alternative healing modalities that are covered by medical insurance. Another positive result is that
Ed has re-minded me of the body/mind connection. His quiet wisdom and healing hands helps people heal themselves from the inside out. He is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to rid themselves of pain and regain health."
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- Ellen at Natural Order
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"I've had back and neck issues for a while - finally I found Dr. Feldman and after learning about his methods I was very excited to get started. I noticed great results very quickly, mainly in my posture and overall feeling. I walk straight, hold my head high and my shoulders are square. I’ve been attending individual sessions for a few months now and I am learning how to walk and recognize how my body moves. My back and neck feels 110% better!"
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- Andy Wong
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"When I started seeing Dr. Feldman I didn't have any 'major' issues – I mostly wanted to use the sessions to prevent anything in the future. Right after the first session I felt different, I could feel my body being re-organized. After a while, I noticed I no longer clench my jaw and I walk different, more straight and I hold myself with my confidence. I feel like both my feet are more grounded and my shoulders are back. Even though I didn’t have any physical pain when I started my treatment, I do feel better and I could (and still can) tell the difference after each session."
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- Dora Marchel-Wong
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"I have tried many different treatments for my stiff neck and headaches and low back issues, massage therapy, physical therapy, stretching, yoga etc. Feldenkrais® is the first "treatment" that reaches deep into where my issues originate through non-repetitive movement . Feldenkrais addresses the source and the essence of years of poor movement and injury with a holistic approach noting that there is a mind/body/spirit connection. The benefits are profound and organic lasting well beyond an office visit.
Nothing has offered any lasting solutions or addressed the core of my problems with the long term value of Feldenkrais®. With every session my body is learning a new way to move to prevent injury and wear and tear on my body."
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- Elyse
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"Five months ago, I injured myself in a yoga class. Visits to my osteopath and Rolfer did not provide me with an adequate diagnosis nor treatment plan for my shoulder and back pain. When I came to Dr. Feldman, I had already resigned myself to losing most of the use of my right side. Dr. Feldman's thorough diagnosis and the Feldenkrais® approach provided me with immediate and lasting relief. I have hope and confidence again. If anyone can restore me to perfect health, it is Dr. Feldman."
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- Josephine Giaimo, Consultant
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"Before I came to see Dr. Feldman, I had chronic stiffness, pain, numbness in my arm and reduced mobility in my neck due to a car accident and whiplash injury in 1975.
I've now had about a dozen sessions with Dr. Feldman, and I credit them with achieving a level of well-being in my mind and body that I've never experienced before.
His Feldenkrais® and CranioSacral work seem to be developing core strength in me and more decisiveness, taking me beyond the level of not being depressed to a deeper level of well-being and productivity."
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- Jan Hempel
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"I have been a patient of doctor Feldman for only few weeks. I came to see him because of intense pain in my neck and shoulder, as well as in my lower back. My pain was like 9 on scale of 10. After only two sessions the pain in my neck and shoulder improved, and by the third session it was almost gone. Lower back pain had also improved some, but there was still discomfort traveling from my lower to middle back.
When I saw Dr Feldman on my fourth session he suggested that I try Feldenkrais® instead of cranial this time. After only 40 minutes, the magic happened! My posture was better, my body felt lighter, my energy felt more expanded and open, the pain was gone and my back was flat. I don't remember myself walking like that with full alignment since I stopped acting and dancing. I feel lucky to be able to be treated by Doctor Feldman, and I will continue my treatment with him because he cares about his patients and puts all his energy and attention into fully helping them."
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- S. Hamati
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"...I wanted to express my thanks while the words are fresh in my mind. I have to admit that at first the Feldenkrais Method® sounded like a lot of "hocus pocus" and I was skeptical to say the least. I have to thank you now for nudging me a little to convince me to give it a shot.
Having been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease nearly five years ago I have since sought some alternative, or rather a strong non-chemical complement to the medication I take to maintain my equilibrium.
I still find Feldencrais® mysterious and frankly I have to say that as of now I still don't "get it", but it sure works. My sciatica problem lasted several weeks and your work rid me of the pain in one session. I feel lighter on my feet than I have in two years or more, and my wife commented that I look like I'm an inch taller!
I hate to sound like I was falling apart, but one more thing. A sports injury - actually a wearing out due to sports - affecting my knee made walking so painful it was hardly worth the effort. It's still uncomfortable but a few days after your only treatment of the knee I went on a hike of two miles or more on an uneven trail and despite the discomfort that day, I felt dramatic improvement the next day.
Thanks to you, and thanks posthumously to Dr. Feldenkrais for implementing his amazing discoveries."
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- RJ, Bridgewater, NJ
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"The Feldenkrais Method® of movement therapy is different from any other bodywork that I have ever had. Because of my work with Dr. Feldman, I no longer have a need to take Advil several times a day for pain and muscle stiffness that I have had for about 10 years. I had come to believe that I would have to give up some of my favorite activities such as walking and biking. His methodology is worth trying--put aside any misgivings, and go with it!"
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- E.C., mother and massage therapist
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"I have come to your weekly Feldenkrais® class for 5 years and have learned so much about movement and how to use my body in the process."
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- BH, state employee
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"Five years ago, I had foot surgery, which partially destroyed my sense of balance, and caused misalignment of my whole right side. Working with Dr. Feldman, I am learning awareness of body movement as a whole, rather than separate parts. This is helping my ability to function, and use some parts which I thought were totally disabled."
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- B.T., retired music teacher
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"I applaud not only your Feldenkrais Method® healing skill but also your attention to my wellness. Your use of Feldenkrais® to empower me to keep myself well meant that I was not put in a pattern of repetitive costly office visits."
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- D. G., Attorney, Businessman
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"After the first session [with Dr. Feldman] my pain had dramatically reduced...This effect lasted...considerably longer then by any single method I had previously...I have continued to attend [Feldenkrais®] training sessions and have gained a much greater range of movement with almost total freedom from pain."
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- S. B., Chemist-Engineer
Suffered from back pain from pronated disc since 1960's
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