Postural Reeducation     

Postural Reeducation therapies are directed towards retraining the body to come into alignment in order to change faults within an individual's posture and movement patterns. Learning how the body moves affects its physiological structure and functioning and can improve coordination and balance and relieve stress.

A major principle of Postural Reeducation therapies is th awareness that the therapeutic movement prescribed needs to be experienced rather than simply taught. Long appreciated and utilized by singers, dancers and actors, the Alexander technique, along with its offshoot therapies of Feldenkrais and Trager, has taught many people how to use their bodies more efficiently. 

Alexander Technique     

• This treatment was developed by F. M. Alexander after he began experiencing bouts of voicelessness. He studied himself in the mirror and discovered that tense muscles were constricting his larynx. Correcting his posture eased the tensions in his head and shoulders, thus eliminating the voice problem.
• Incorrect positioning of the head with relation to the neck and torso results in misplaced musculature effort and unnecessary tension. Once the head, neck and torso are brought into alignment, the body follows, easing pain, tension and other problems.
• In order to reinforced techniques taught in class, students are told to keep their instructions in mind while going about their daily activities. In time, the new beneficial movement patterns will replace the harmful ones. 
• Conditions benefited most include back and neck pain, asthma, headache, ulcers, spastic colon, and TMJ (a painful jaw condition).

Feldendrais     » top of this page

• Moshe Feldendrais believed we learn only enough to function and much of our physical range remains undeveloped.
• Movement occurs when the brain sends a signal to a muscle to move in a certain way. Feldenkrais believed that if these patterns never change, then the areas of the brain that control these patterns do not change or expand.
• This technique uses over 1000 movements and exercises to help the body program the brain.
• Functional Integration, the manipulative Feldenkrais therapy, involves a teacher and one student. Movements are tailored specifically to the needs of the student/patient.
• Group work, usually called an "Awareness Through Movement" class, aims to produce the effects of the manipulative technique with a group of people. 

Trager Therapy     » top of this page

Trager body work, also known as Trager Psychophysical Integration, aims to alleviate neuromuscular patterns that interfere with the natural movement of the body. These blockages may come from emotional or physical trauma, poor posture, or simply daily stress. Gentle, rocking massage is used to help release the body's harmful "holding" patterns. Clients are usually given a series of exercises to do at home that are intended to recreate the sensory feelings experienced during the sessi9on with the Trager practitioner. 

The aim of Trager is to greak throught the coscious awareness of the client so that positive results continue to ocdur long after the sessions. To accomplish this, it is important that the practitioner and the client establish a strong, trusting communication. 

This style of treatment was developed by Dr. Milton Trage. It first gained recognition at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Certified practitioners can be found in Europe and the United States.