About the Feldenkrais Center of San Diego

A Unique Approach to Pain Relief in San Diego

The Feldenkrais Center of San Diego is not a traditional medical practice. It offers a unique, whole‑body approach to pain relief using the Feldenkrais Method — a gentle, safe, neuroplasticity‑based process that improves movement and reduces chronic tension.

A Method Not Taught in Medical School

The Feldenkrais Method is not part of standard medical school or residency training. Becoming a Feldenkrais practitioner requires completing a rigorous, accredited four‑year Feldenkrais Teacher Training Program. Dr. Lori Malkoff completed her training under the direction of Dr. Mark Reese, PhD, and became certified to professionally teach and practice the Feldenkrais Method in 1998.

A Lifetime of Learning and Medical Expertise

Dr. Malkoff has always loved learning. She was accepted into the Pre‑Med program at UC Irvine at just 16 years old. She earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine in 1980, graduating cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She completed her Medical Degree at UC Irvine in 1985, followed by post‑doctoral training in Family Medicine at UCLA. She practiced Family Medicine for 22 years.

Advanced Training in Public Health and Pain Research

In 2002, Dr. Malkoff earned a Master of Public Health degree from San Diego State University’s Graduate School of Public Health. Her goal was to conduct rigorous research on the effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method for common pain syndromes. Although the research was not funded, her commitment to evidence‑based practice remains central to her work.

Extensive Post‑Doctoral Training Across Multiple Disciplines

Dr. Malkoff has pursued additional training in physical medicine, rehabilitation, neuroscience, psychology, and nutrition. She is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health and Fitness Instructor and is one of the very few Medical Doctors in the United States trained as a Feldenkrais Teacher and Practitioner.

Nearly 40 Years of Pain Relief Expertise

With decades of experience treating acute and chronic pain, Dr. Malkoff provides individualized Feldenkrais‑based pain relief for seniors, athletes, and children. She has owned and operated her private practice for nearly 40 years, helping clients move with greater ease, comfort, and confidence.

Feldenkrais Method and surfing

A Life Rooted in Joyful Movement

Lori Malkoff, MD, MPH has spent her life exploring joyful, healthy movement. Growing up in San Diego, she was an age‑group swimming champion and later became a nationally ranked athlete in swimming, water polo, and surfing while attending UC Irvine for both undergraduate and medical school. She still loves surfing, and staying active through golf, swimming, and discovering new places around her hometown of San Diego.

Why Clients Choose the Feldenkrais Center of San Diego

  • Nearly 40 years of pain‑relief experience

  • One of the few MD‑trained Feldenkrais practitioners in the U.S.

  • Gentle, safe, non‑invasive approach

  • Personalized, one‑on‑one sessions

  • Evidence‑informed, neuroplasticity‑based method

If you’re ready to reduce pain and move with greater comfort, contact me today to schedule your Feldenkrais pain relief session in San Diego.