It was while Hands On's Dr Romyna Menéndez was working and studying at Sapienza University in Rome between 2002 and 2005 that she was introduced to the Feldenkrais method by her mentor Doctor Pina Guadagnolo. This led to a further four years of study with Ruthy Alon in Florence.
"I was very curious about this discipline because I started to notice changes in my habits," Romyna writes.
"I started to discover that each part of my body had a different way of moving and if these different parts are connected, I can improve my movement overall.
"It was an amazing experience because I could see the potential that this form of movement-based therapy could have for the rehabilitation of patients; I was excited to learn more about this discipline in order to develop a treatment programme designed to address postural dysfunctions, alleviate chronic neck, back, shoulder, and knee issues, and to re-educate bodies about balance."
Romyna says that each patient is given an individualised assessment and is taught how to support their bodies from the centre.
"I worked in Italy for the Israelite Hospital in Rome for seven years and I learned to work with elderly people in the geriatrics department. I started to introduce the Feldenkrais method to my patients with wonderful results.
"People who had had a stroke, or were suffering from multiple sclerosis, muscle weakness, joint problems, pain, neurological problems (of the brain and nervous system) had the opportunity to receive this kind of therapy with excellent results.
"Improvements in posture, range and ease of motion are common. Many patients were able to reduce tension and live calmer, more relaxed lives. Chronic discomfort and pain may lessen, sometimes disappearing entirely.
"Those with limiting conditions such as stroke or cerebral palsy found their restrictions reduced, as they learned to function more efficiently in spite of their conditions.
"The lessons learned can generalise, leading to enhanced flexibility in all areas of life.
"Benefits are usually quickly apparent, so that you can generally tell after a few lessons if the Feldenkrais method is working for you.
"That's why I continue to teach people about this discipline."
Read a recent review of Romyna's work in this newspaper article.
To book a Feldenkrais appointment with Dr Romyna Menéndez, please call us on 01242-243333.
