Postural Approach in Physiotherapy for Greater Montreal

🧠 Origin of the HG Method

Holistic Gymnastics was developed by Dr. Lily Ehrenfried, a German-born physician and physiotherapist. After relocating to France in the 1930s, she created this method, which is based on conscious movement and body awareness, and it remains effective to this day.

Main objectives:

• Reduce chronic or acute pain
• Improve flexibility, balance, and breathing
• Promote mental relaxation
• Prevent injuries
• Strengthen day-to-day autonomy

A unique characteristic of Holistic Gymnastics is the absence of visual demonstration. Movements are described verbally by the therapist, allowing patients to explore them through sensory and intuitive experience. This method enhances body awareness and promotes the creation of new neuromuscular connections, reinforcing brain plasticity. This guided self-learning process makes each session both educational and therapeutic in nature.

Did you know? This body education method doesn't just treat symptoms—it addresses the root causes of your discomfort by working on postural imbalances and inefficient movement patterns. With in-depth evaluation and a highly personalized approach, our physiotherapists guide you in optimizing your body's overall function.

A Comprehensive and Personalized Approach

The postural approach based on Holistic Gymnastics offered at AMS Clinics aims to restore body balance while respecting each person's individual needs. It is suitable for anyone seeking to improve overall well-being, relieve pain, or enhance physical abilities. This gentle, personalized method can:

• Treat or support various conditions:

• Acute, subacute, or chronic pain
• Stress and muscular tension
• Postural issues or body imbalances
• Joint stiffness or limited mobility
• Pre- and post-partum periods
• Spinal or fascial pain/pressure

• Achieve various goals:

• Improve posture and alignment
• Promote cervical relaxation and thoracic curvature
• Maintain or increase flexibility, strength, and autonomy
• Optimize performance in daily life, work, sports, or the arts
• Encourage physical and mental relaxation
• Prevent pathologies and improve body awareness
• Support the specific needs of each individual
• Support the body's use in a more balanced, harmonious, and efficient way

This approach can be utilized for educational, preventive, or therapeutic purposes, depending on the individual's specific needs and requirements.

Who Is This For?

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Here's what to expect at your first postural physiotherapy visit at AMS Clinics:

• Thorough and personalized evaluation: clinical interview, balance, breathing, and muscle tone assessment
• Observations to identify tension, compensations, or imbalances
• Analysis of how you use your body
• Development of a personalized and evolving treatment plan

📝 Bring the following for your first visit:

• Doctor's prescription (if applicable)
• List of your medications
• Private insurance card (if applicable)
• Test results (X-rays, MRI, etc.) if available

💡 Simple tools may be used during sessions depending on your needs: Tennis balls, buckwheat cushions, rollers, wooden blocks, etc. These accessories help release tension, improve balance or breathing, and enhance proprioception.