Bodywork or movement therapies are based on the premise that emotional stress brings about physical problems. Each technique offers its own approach and attitude, but generally they use special mental and physical exercises to teach patients how to discover and relieve tension and correct improper ways of moving. Practitioners claim the therapies are useful in arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Some physicians and physical therapists recommend them for these conditions and others such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and recovery from joint replacement surgery. Even some major health organizations, like California’s Kaiser Permanente, offer classes in them. However, there is little scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

Feldenkrais: “awareness through movement”

The idea behind Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais’ technique is to work with gravity, not against it. During his “awareness through movement” sessions, people become aware of and correct certain poor physical habits that may put unnecessary strain on muscles and joints. They learn new methods of moving, sitting, and standing which are less harmful or damaging. People with injuries or conditions that hamper movement may focus on flexibility and range of motion exercises to find which movements require the least effort and strain.

Trager’s “light touch” approach

Milton Trager, M.D., and his followers believe pain begins in the subconscious mind as people develop mental and physical patterns that limit movement and create tension. To root out the problem, they use the “light touch” approach. During sessions, the practitioner rhythmically moves and rocks the client, gently manipulating joints and limbs, all the while promoting a sense of lightness, looseness, and well-being. The goal is to let the client experience – both consciously and subconsciously – what it feels like to relax and move freely. Simple exercises called “mentastics” (for mental gymnastics) are done at home to help clients increase their mind/body awareness and maintain better health.

Alexander Lowen’s bioenergetics

Bioenergetics, developed by psychiatrist Alexander Lowen, also combines psychotherapy and bodywork. It is based on the notion that psychological problems lead to chronic muscle tension that saps the strength needed for everyday life. This, in turn, may cause illness. For example, a person who reacts to life’s normal frustrations by getting tense may develop ulcers, colitis, or arthritis. Sessions involve putting the client into various positions so the practitioner can detect tension spots. These are then relieved by a combination of talk therapy, deep breathing, massage, and bioenergetics exercises. Clients are even allowed to kick, scream, or strike objects to reduce tension.

The Rubenfeld Technique

Ilana Rubenfeld, a former musician and conductor, developed yet another mix of psychotherapy and bodywork. In her technique, gentle touch is combined with subtle movements and adjustments as well as emotional relaxation to relieve tension and reduce pain.

Practitioners also provide a caring presence that helps clients tap long-repressed memories and express deep feelings so they can further release tension and achieve physical comfort.

The Rosen Method

The Rosen practitioner uses gentle and deep pressure to relax the client, then pays attention to what is said and felt during the session to help the person deal with repressed feelings and release tension.