Physical Therapy With the Feldenkrais Method® in Scottsdale, AZ
At Arizona Pain & Posture, LLC in Scottsdale, AZ, physical therapy is gentle, effective, and covered by most insurance plans. Our dual-licensed physical therapist, Jeanne Hills, PT, GCFP, is the only physical therapist in Arizona who also holds a four-year Feldenkrais degree, which allows us to accept insurance for Feldenkrais sessions.
Jeanne specializes in helping chronic and complicated pain patients reach their full potential and reclaim control over their lives through the freedom and ease of movement most of us knew as children. The Feldenkrais Method® is an innovative way of learning to move again, focusing on simple, gentle, and pain-free “movement explorations.”
How the Feldenkrais Method® Works
The Feldenkrais Method® was created in the 1950s and 60s by Moshe Feldenkrais, a physicist, biomechanical engineer, and martial artist, after a repetitive knee injury left him facing surgery. Instead of having the operation, he developed a method that is used today by professional athletes, dancers, and everyday people with neck and back pain. It has been changing lives for more than 60 years.
The technique repairs connections between the motor cortex and the body by retraining movement patterns. Based on the principles of neurology, physics, and physiology, it eliminates movement habits that create pain and replaces them with new, healthy habits. As the brain and nervous system learn to move properly, new muscle memory develops, posture improves, and pain fades.
Functional Integration® and Gentle Physical Therapy
Jeanne has completed the four-year professional training program to become a Guild-Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner® and uses Functional Integration®, a hands-on, one-on-one approach, with every physical therapy patient. She then teaches gentle movements for you to practice at home.
Jeanne’s motto is “Don’t move into more pain!” Physical therapy has a reputation for being painful, but not at our office. Her meditative approach allows muscle tension to release and movement to increase gradually, always staying within your comfort level. Learn more about our gentle physical therapy.
Awareness Through Movement® Classes
Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) classes are verbally guided movement explorations based on developmental movements, everyday functional activities, and explorations of joint, muscle, and postural relationships. The easy movements gradually build in range and complexity, with an emphasis on never moving into discomfort. Afterward, participants often report feeling lighter and taller, with free and easy movement.
“Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.” — Moshe Feldenkrais
Who Can Benefit?
The Feldenkrais Method® improves posture, coordination, flexibility, and athletic movement, and patients of any age can benefit. It is especially helpful for chronic back and neck pain, balance problems, recovery after injury or surgery, and patients who have not tolerated traditional physical therapy. It pairs well with the Bonacci Method℠ in our Three-Step Chronic Pain Program.
Insurance Coverage for Physical Therapy
Most insurance plans cover physical therapy. If you have had trouble getting chiropractic coverage in the past, consider seeing Jeanne for physical therapy instead. Jeanne Hills is in-network with Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, Optum, United, Humana, and Medicare. Call your insurance company or our office to confirm your coverage. See our insurance page for more details.
Arizona Pain & Posture also handles workers’ compensation cases through AZ Risk Management, SW Risk Management, Travelers, Chartis, Corvel Enterprise Comp, Rising Medical Solutions/Copper Point, FCS Administrators, Hartford SW, Industrial Network Solutions, Dept of Labor, NY State Fund, Perma/Corvel Corp, SCF, Sedgewick CMS, Industrial Commission of AZ, York Risk Services, 3-hab, AMRRP, BNSF Railway Co., Farmers Insurance, Medical Administrators Inc., One Beacon, Paradigm, Zurich, and others.
Corrective Exercises to Support Your Progress
Muscles and connective tissue that are out of place can cause back pain, neck pain, and headaches just as much as skeletal misalignment. Corrective exercises strengthen weak areas and correct the irregularities that cause pain, and most can be done at home. Each plan combines stretching, aerobic conditioning, and strengthening, customized to your mobility and pain level. Doing your exercises regularly and with proper technique is essential to your healing.
Feldenkrais Method® FAQs
What is the Feldenkrais Method®?
The Feldenkrais Method® is a gentle approach that retrains movement patterns through the nervous system, helping you move with less pain, better posture, and greater ease.
Is Feldenkrais physical therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Because our provider is a licensed physical therapist, Feldenkrais sessions can be billed to insurance. Jeanne Hills is in-network with Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, Optum, United, Humana, and Medicare.
Who provides Feldenkrais therapy at your office?
Jeanne Hills, PT, GCFP, a licensed physical therapist and Guild-Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®, provides our Feldenkrais physical therapy.
Is Feldenkrais physical therapy painful?
No. Jeanne’s motto is “Don’t move into more pain.” All movements are slow, gentle, and kept within your comfort level.
What is Functional Integration®?
Functional Integration® is the hands-on, one-on-one form of the Feldenkrais Method®, in which the practitioner guides your movement through gentle touch.
What are Awareness Through Movement® classes?
ATM classes are verbally guided group movement lessons that gradually increase range and complexity without moving into discomfort.
Who can benefit from the Feldenkrais Method®?
People of any age can benefit, including those with chronic pain, balance issues, injuries, or limited mobility, as well as athletes and dancers.
It’s Time to Try Something Different
Discover gentle, insurance-covered physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ. Call Arizona Pain & Posture, LLC at (480) 585-0252 or request an appointment online.