From a Feldenkrais® perspective, a crucial part of what is needed in order to move out of pain is an internal understanding of how to move differerently. When most people are in pain, they try reduce it by avoiding the activities that tend to increase discomfort, by strengthening certain muscles, or by following advice about how best to move.

While all of these approaches can be helpful, when you gain an understanding of your body's design for effortless movement, from the inside out, you learn to discover for your self what is easiest for you in any given situation.

As you gain awareness and more choices in movement, you will likely find yourself moving and breathing more easily, sleeping more soundly, and returning to the activities that you enjoy. Because of the intimate relationship between mind and body, many people find changes in movement also have positive effects on stress and anxiety, as well as other aspects of their emotional lives.

While most people experience positive changes after their first Functional Integration lesson, a course of lessons is suggested to help these new habits become part of your daily life. Many students have found combining private Functional Integration lessons with Awareness Through Movement classes to be particularly powerful.