What are the effects of the Feldenkrais Method?
With CVI patients, neither the valves of the veins or the muscle pump work properly, due to inefficient walking. Stiffening in the ankle creates poor action of the foot when walking. The foot does not roll efficiently, rendering the muscle pump inactive. If a patient is given instructions to ‘walk properly’, they will fall back into their non-efficient habitual pattern as soon as they stop concentrating. The Feldenkrais Method offers lessons by which patients spontaneously adopt a more efficient way of walking, without having to think about it. Other Feldenkrais lessons will effectively reduce swollen ankles. On a psychological level, medical exercises remind patients that they are ‘ill’ and become a chore that the patient has to do. The Feldenkrais Method has a much more positive philosophy in its lessons. Exercising is more pleasurable, exciting and fun. This improves self-image, which is of great importance to anyone wanting to get well. Very importantly, Feldenkrais lessons reorgan
