Physical Therapy & Feldenkrais NYC — Local services in New York

I am an 80 year old man. Although I lead a relatively active life, I have suffered from back pain and sciatica all my life due to a childhood injury to my spine. Over the years I have tried many therapies and interventions with little success. Chiropractors hurt me, physical therapists hurt me worse, osteopaths charged me for useless appointments, orthopedists gave me counterproductive exercises, lifts in my shoes made me stumble, back braces . . . Only bed rest and pain killers were effective. Late in life I discovered Feldenkrais which, alone among the modalities, provided some relief from pain, a little improvement in mobility, and most importantly, an understanding of my situation and what I might do to improve it. Over the last few years I have attended a few classes, done recorded ATMs and had FIs from three practitioners. I would say I am a casual student of Feldenkrais, not a devote. I had my first session with Marek Wyszynski in late April. We talked about my back, he watched me walk and move, and he taught me to do a simple set of exercises. I did those exercises for a month and a half and found them very effective in loosening up to start out my day. I also felt that they were having a cumulative strengthening effect. I went back last weekend for a series of three sessions in three days with Marek. The first session was devoted to reviewing and adding to the exercises, and only a little table work. The second session was an FI from which I arose feeling better than I have in decades! The third session gently reinforced the work done in the second. It is now eight days since my sessions. I continue to feel incredibly better than I have in years, walking more comfortably, standing more comfortably, putting on my socks more comfortably - ah, there’s some real data: last week I could just barely - with difficulty - reach the end of my toes with the sock, this week I’ve got an inch to spare. In my experience, Marek is a truly extraordinary practitioner. Actually the words don’t do him justice. I am not comfortable piling on the adjectives. Anyway, the facts speak for themselves. His FI felt like the most sensitive investigation of my muscles and joints imaginable. His fingers seemed to reach into the ball and socket of my hip so that he could make the most precise movements of the joint. He relieved a spasm that has been painfully pulling on my pelvis forward for as long as I can remember. With his hands, he showed me some things about my shoulder that I wasn’t aware of and then moved it into a new and more comfortable position. I plan to continue to book sessions with Marek and follow his advice regarding my exercise regimen. Obviously my experience so far leads me to recommend him without...

I can unreservedly recommend Physical Therapy & Feldenkrais NYC and Marek Wyszynski! I live in RI, so it’s a trip to get to NYC, but in 2017 I came down to attend a continuing education course for PTs called Treatment of Hip Dysfunctions. We were maybe half/half PTs and Feldies (me, for one), and he managed to keep us all engaged and learning together– movement lessons, theory, developmental concepts, anatomy – and each bit of intellectual info was made concrete with the Awareness Through Movement lessons. His knowledge, passion and compassion were so evident, I knew I’d like to work more with him.

Spring 2022 I needed help recovering from a knee surgery, so I finally booked a series of 3 hands-on Feldenkrais lessons with Marek. I have been working with Feldenkrais since the mid 1980’s, first as student and then as teacher (but always student too!) and I can say these were the most effective Functional Integration lessons I have ever had. His touch is so precise, so informative. He includes anatomy lessons, information about current research, theory and homework in a way that make the lessons more than just pleasant sensations. I could bring the changes with me in a meaningful way into my life.

I have also done his Awareness Through Movement lessons, taped and over zoom, including the Dynamic Legs series and the ongoing Fabulous Feet and Ankles series. Even when he teaches “classic” lessons that I have done many times before, I always find something new with his teaching, some deeper understanding or interesting connection. And he always, always stresses the basics, to move within your range of comfort, be kind to yourself. He is a masterful teacher. I’ve been down a few more times for lessons, and even managed to convince my partner, who has had back pain for years, to come. He was blown away.

A shout-out to Wallace on the desk, who is as efficient as he is personable. He makes booking fun! Thank you, Wallace!

So, five starts to Physical Therapy &...

I had never heard of Feldenkrais before but having had a labral tear in my shoulder, I had tried traditional physical therapy and all pain relieving modalities - anything and everything- I tried it just to manage the pain. I’ve been coming here for almost a year now and they have made a believer out of me- it really works. All I can say is that I’m so amazed at all that I have learned and my body is totally different than when I walked in. I’ve worked with Marek & Valerie and they have an incredible ability to see - by just having me walk - what I can work on to help me move with less effort/pain and more ease. They are super insightful and creative to work with you in whatever you want to get better in. I am happy to say that my shoulder is doing fine without surgery- the combo of Feldenkrais and strengthening exercises has gotten me further than I had ever thought was possible. I’m an athlete and continue to participate in my sport and do other things I didn’t think I could continue to do after my injury. The front desk is also amazing- welcoming, cheerful, always helpful and very organized! They have a gem of a team and I wouldn’t recommend anywhere else but this place. They offer private sessions as well as workshops and I’ve done both and they complement each other so well.

My recommendations for people - if you’re considering surgery but are hesitant I would recommend coming here first. As an athlete, if you want to improve technique and movement I recommend coming here. If you’re just a New Yorker with a desk job where you have to sit all day- I’d recommend coming here. If you are getting older each day and get some aches here and there- I’d recommend...