Marg Bartosek, GCFP
Navigating the Territory: Updating the Movement Map for People Living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Track: Neurological Challenges
Sunday May 5th, 2019, at 12 noon EDT (New York)
The terrain of daily life is challenging for everyone living with Parkinson’s due to declines in balance, flexibility, and coordination. Automatic movements like walking seem particularly affected, as if the internal map guiding movement has somehow been altered.
The Feldenkrais Method® and Bones for Life® invite us to notice the sensations we experience when performing an action in a variety of ways. We develop a clearer sense of what we are doing, what we are not doing, and what we can do. Making a small change in the way we do something, or in how we think about what we do, expands movement options and increases safety. This way of paying attention activates parts of the brain that are less affected by Parkinson’s disease. Developing this internal compass also builds confidence and resilience, making it easier to meet new challenges.
This presentation explores the contribution the Feldenkrais Method makes in managing the wide-ranging challenges of Parkinson’s disease and will include:
- Awareness Through Movement® lessons related to everyday movements and PD-specific exercises
- Posture-enhancing and fall-prevention strategies from Bones for Life an application of the Feldenkrais Method focused on posture, balance, fall prevention, and walking.
About Marg Bartosek
A paralyzing illness in her mid-30’s propelled Marg Bartosek into a new career. Guillain-Barre Syndrome severely limited her physical mobility and posed significant mental and emotional challenges. She “walked away” from that illness thanks in large part to the Feldenkrais Method®, and was convinced of its value in maintaining independence and well-being throughout life.
A Guild Certified Feldenkrais® practitioner for over 25 years, Marg specializes in helping people move well into middle and older age. Her interest in posture, balance, fall prevention and walking led her to become a Certified Teacher of Bones for Life, an awareness-based program based on Feldenkrais principles. Marg extends the approach to walking, in Walk for Life® workshops using walking poles.
Four years ago, Marg created a class specifically for People with Parkinson’s disease. Her two weekly Mindful Movement with Parkinson’s classes integrate the Feldenkrais approach with PD-specific exercises and concerns. One class is faster-paced and involves floor work, as well as standing, walking and seated practices. A second class is chair-based for those with more limited mobility. Marg is a Certified Instructor for PWR! Moves (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) and has completed the Delay the Disease training for movement instructors.
Prior to becoming a Feldenkrais Practitioner, Marg used her Masters degree in Public Administration and a Certificate in Gerontology in community-based aging services for 15 years.
Learn more about her practice at www.margbartosek.com