If you have been injured in an accident, you may need to go through some form of rehabilitation and physical therapy—on top of the medical attention you receive. You should always follow the advice of your doctor or therapist when it comes to finding relief from the chronic pain you experience. However, there are a variety of alternative pain relief methods that have been gaining popularity in recent years, and you may find them helpful, as well.
Let’s take a look at a couple of the most popular alternative chronic pain relief strategies found across the country at this time.
The Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais Method is based on the principles of biomechanics and physics, along with an overall understanding of human development. Proponents of the method say it helps to repair impaired connections between the body and the motor cortex by using small, gentle movements. The result is improved ability to move the body while enhancing one’s own wellbeing.
The Feldenkrais Method has been used by a wide variety of people, including those who suffer from chronic pain caused by injuries and accidents, as well as children with autism and people with multiple sclerosis.
During a Feldenkrais session, the practitioner pays special attention to habitual movement patterns that are either strained or inefficient, and begins to teach new patterns of movement using gentle, repeated motions. Slow repetition helps the body ease into the new habit, which allows it to feel normal. The movements practiced in a session can be passive (performed by the practitioner on the recipient’s body) or active (performed by the recipient).
The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is another method used to change movement habits in day-to-day activities. It improves the ease and freedom of movement, balance, coordination and support. A primary focus is teaching precisely how much effort a person should put into a particular activity, which provides the body with more energy overall for all other activities. Thus, it is not so much a series of treatments or exercises as it is a reeducation of the body and mind.
As with many of these alternative chronic pain relief strategies, there is still plenty of research being done to determine the Alexander Technique’s long-term effectiveness. However, there is available evidence to suggest it is useful for long-term improvements to chronic back and neck pain, and that it can help people better cope with the effects of Parkinson’s disease.
The actions the instructor focuses on vary, but they may include squatting, sitting, lunging and walking. Students may also select actions that work with their everyday life or interests, such as lifting, computer use, sports and performance.
If you have been injured in a serious accident, you may have options to secure compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. To learn more, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer Bronx with The The Law Offices of Evan W. Kohn.