Feldenkrais Center of Chicago : About Us : Instructor Bios

Testimonials

I injured my knee and was sent to physical therapy. Subsequently, I had to have surgery on my knee. I was then sent back to physical therapy. But progress was slow and slower. Then I found The Feldenkrais Center of Chicago! I no longer work with just my knee, but stretch, strengthen and exercise my whole body, including my eyes, brain, and sternum, to name a few body parts that I was unaware would directly affect my knee. The result: my orthopedic surgeon is very pleased with my progress, I can now sit on the floor with my grandchildren, wear dress shoes, and, best of all, walk in the park whenever I wish and for as long as I want.

Libby Dorsey
President
Arts Management & Education Services, Ltd.

The Feldenkrais Method has had a positive and significant impact on the health and well being of both my husband and myself. We are especially grateful for the compassionate skills practiced by George Krutz, our Feldenkrais Practitioner.

My husband attributes his relief from severe back pain, diagnosed as spinal stenosis, to the Feldenkrais Method. Standard medical therapies afforded little success, and proposed surgery had only a 50/50 chance of success, but weekly Feldenkrais lessons have not only restored his ability to move without pain but have helped him resume an active lifestyle.

My own experience working with George Krutz and the Feldenkrais Method has been equally positive. I first sought his help because of backache caused by long hours working at a computer. As I became more aware of my body movements through the lessons, my back problems were relieved. Through the lessons, and in consultation with George, I became aware that my neck and the manner in which I held my head were strained, and that I was compensating for impaired vision in my left eye. After consulting with my ophthalmologist and having elective cataract surgery, I found that my greatly improved vision, coupled with continued Feldenkrais sessions with George Krutz, have helped me improve the way in which I moved and my neck pain was relieved as well. I truly believe that I would not have made the connection regarding my eye and neck positioning without Feldenkrais and George's help.

Over the last year and a half, I have lost 30 pounds through healthy eating, exercise, and the mind/body connection that I credit to Feldenkrais and my work with George. I am proud of my success and believe that this program was a big factor in this achievement. My husband and I both continue to learn from our Feldenkrais lessons, feel less stress, and find that we now enjoy our daily physical activities.

Roslyn J. Pollack

As a modern dancer, I am in constant pursuit of information that will enhance and facilitate my movement. The more somatic knowledge one has, the more thoroughly one can accomplish even the smallest tasks, and Craig Trompeter of the Feldenkrias Center of Chicago has gently guided me to uncluttered pathways that I would not have found on my own.

During (and usually for an extended period following) a lesson, I feel as though I can truly let my mind rest and allow my body to implement its own wisdom as I move. I have found a calm awareness that flows through my entire day: the desk job, walking down the street, dancing in rehearsal or class.

While I have no debilitating injuries or chronic pain, the small aches and pains that I bring to Craig are tended with a calm, steady, giving hand. He is always ready to talk about any issues or concerns I have regarding my studies, and brings a fresh perspective and wealth of knowledge to every discussion.

Kristina Fluty, dancer

More than two years ago I began my Feldenkrais experience as an enthusiastic if somewhat skeptical show of support for my friend Craig Trompeter's growing interest and expertise in this method. It wasn't long before I realized I had experienced some real changes in mind and body which kind of snuck up on me. A long-time-sufferer of chronic back pain, I was rarely able to get a pain-free full night's sleep. I now notice I'm enjoying comfortable rest, usually all night long. This alone would keep me coming to class, but in addition, the classes have truly helped me with my progress as a serious amateur musician. I have been given an acute awareness of ways I make playing my instrument unnecessarily difficult. With my new awareness, I seem to be able to identify and isolate these "issues" in detail and find better and easier ways to move. This, in turn, has enabled me to achieve a greater focus and clarity in my playing. I would recommend these classes to anyone who is breathing--YOU might find some answers as well!

Russell Wagner
Cello Restorer, Violist da Gamba
Chicago, IL

General Testimonials from Musicians on the benefits of the Feldenkrais Method