Do-It-Yourself exercises help reduce stress-related TMJ problems and create healthy, pain-free habits

BERKELEY, Calif., May 18 /PRNewswire/ — The Feldenkrais Movement Institute announces the release of The Intelligent Body(R) TMJ Program as part of its The Intelligent Body(R) DIY-series of movement reeducation lessons available on CD. The program offers sufferers of jaw pain an inexpensive and effective self-care method to help reduce chronic tension in the jaw, face, neck and upper back. The lessons also reverse long-standing movement habits often responsible for the original TMJ symptoms.

TMJ-related problems such as headaches and grinding teeth (bruxism) have been on the rise as the current economic downturn causes increased stress in people. These problems, while often triggered by outside factors, are increasingly recognized as being related to improper postural habits. Frank Wildman, Ph.D., Director of The Feldenkrais Movement Institute, designed the Intelligent Body(R) TMJ Program to help reverse many people's longstanding habits that create tension and stress and replace them with healthy patterns of movement. This Program contains six lessons, each averaging 10 minutes in length. The lessons are based on the Feldenkrais Method(R) and teach sufferers of jaw and facial pain new ways of using their muscles. When practiced with regularity, these easy, DIY-exercises can relieve pain and improve posture.

Dr. Wildman explains: "Most people don't realize how postural habits can significantly affect their jaws, or how a problematic jaw can be at the root of headaches, bruxism, neck and facial pain, and other health challenges. I wanted to create a Feldenkrais program to specifically address postural and other factors that contribute to these problems. I know from experience with my clients that this do-it-yourself program, which addresses specific postural problems underlying jaw dysfunction, can produce amazing results."

More than 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from jaw pain, and 80% of them are women. The symptoms range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, and frequently persist for years. Current treatment options can be cost-prohibitive and surgery, considered a last resort, is often irreversible. The Intelligent Body(R) TMJ Program designed by Dr. Wildman is an inexpensive and ideal first step in the treatment of jaw pain. Symptoms can disappear within days of beginning the exercises and in most cases it will eliminate the need for further measures. If additional medical intervention is needed, the new movement patterns created will increase the chances of treatment success. To learn more, go www.TMJ-Lessons.com.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Dr. Frank Wildman, CFT, Ph.D., has designed effective TMJ programs and courses for members of the dental and medical professions, as well as for the general public, for more than two decades. He is the Founder and Director of THE FELDENKRAIS MOVEMENT INSTITUTE, the world's most experienced training organization for the Feldenkrais Method(R). Dr. Wildman is widely recognized for introducing the clinical applications of the Feldenkrais Method(R) to the medical community and other health professions and has designed programs at the University of California to help alleviate back pain and aging-related ailments. Holding degrees in physical education, biology and psychology, Dr. Wildman is a former professional dancer and performing artist, and apprenticed for more than a decade with the creator of the Feldenkrais Method(R), Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. He maintains a private practice in Berkeley, California, as well as in cities throughout the world. His first book, "The Busy Person's Guide to Easier Movement," is in its tenth printing, and he is a regular contributor to health and sports periodicals internationally.

SOURCE The Feldenkrais Movement Institute