Like the Alexander technique and Feldenkrais Method, Aston-Patterning is a system of movement education that can be used for chronic pain relief. It was invented by Judith Aston in 1977.
Judith Aston was always interested in movement education. After graduating from college with a degree in education and dance, she developed a movement education program for athletes and dancers at Long Beach City College.
In 1968, Aston was suffering from pain after being in two terrible car accidents. She went to Dr. Ida Rolf to have some of her famous Rolfing bodywork done. After receiving Rolfing, Aston decided to become trained in it.
After learning Rolfing, she spent several years developing a system of movement education to compliment the bodywork. This system of movement became known as Rolf-Aston Structural Patterning and was taught at the Rolfing Institute.
During this time she made some discoveries that she found startling. She discovered that contrary to what was taught at the Rolfing Institute, bodies were asymmetrical. This caused her to break from the Institute in 1977 to do further work in movement education. This technique eventually became known as Aston-Patterning.
Aston Patterning consists of three different aspects.
Bodywork–This includes a non-compressive pain-free massage called Aston Massage, Myo-Kinetics which is a form of myofascial release, and Arthro-Kinetics which releases the bones and joints.
Movement Education–This includes being instructed on more efficient ways to perform everyday tasks.
Ergonomics–This includes looking at how your environment contributes to the problem.
There is also a fitness component to Aston Patterning. You are taught the proper way to move during exercise get maximum benefits.
This therapy is used by athletes to increase performance. It’s also used by dancers and musician, but it isn’t just for professional athletes and artists. Aston-Patterning can benefit;
- sufferer of chronic and acute pain
- senior citizens
- people in need of injury rehabilitation
Every session is tailored to the needs of the individual. Because we all how different bodies that are asymmetrical in different ways each person needs different thing to be focused on in their therapy session.
Aston-Patterning sessions are generally one-on-one between patient and practitioner, and can last from one to two hours. The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of the problem, but chronic conditions may require one to four visits a month. A typical session may include massage and other types of bodywork to relieve tension; lessons in improving common movements–sitting, standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and walking, for example; exercises that loosen, stretch, and strengthen muscles; and ergonomically sound suggestions for modifying one’s home and work environment to encourage proper posture and efficient movement.
While there are no scientific studies to prove the effectiveness of Aston- Patterning, anecdotal evidence suggests that it can improve balance and posture, increase strength and endurance, speed recovery from injuries, and assist in the management of chronic conditions such as headache and back and neck pain. Psychotherapists also find the whole-body approach of Aston-Patterning a useful adjunct to their work.