Q&A

Can postural improvement relieve pain?

Pain is often (but not always) due to mechanically incorrect movements, excess tension and poor posture. If you are suffering from back pain, sciatica, headache, RSI, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, or sport or other injuries, the Alexander Technique could speed recovery, by helping you identify harmful postural habits causing tension and pain.

The Technique can help manage progressive conditions through relieving pain and improving mobility.  Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, arthritis, back injuries or breathing problems can be alleviated.

The Technique has been included in the 2009 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for low back pain following very positive results from a clinical trial in 2008 funded by the Medical Research Council and the NHS.

And what about stress?

Perhaps you simply cannot ‘let go’. Or else you may be constantly preoccupied and anxious, or you may be experiencing chronic headaches, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal dysfunction, hypertension, or other stress symptoms.

The Alexander Technique can help you be calmer and more grounded, to breathe and speak more freely and establish an overall sense of confidence. It helps you take control of your responses to situations.

Why is the Alexander Technique taught to performers?

The Technique is  part of the curriculum in music and drama schools and is used in sport at competitive levels.  If you are an actor, dancer, musician, sport person, or a public speaker, the Alexander Technique can enhance your performance through better coordination for freer movement and speech. You feel more grounded, breathe better and learn to remove whatever is in the way of you achieving your full potential.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Alexander Technique like Yoga or Pilates?

No. There are no exercises in the Technique. The head properly balanced on top of the spinal column allows for the spine to lengthen and the rest of the body to align itself against gravity. The entire organism can then function more efficiently and with less effort.

Is it like massage or physical manipulation?

No. There is no physical manipulation, the light touch of a teacher of the Technique helps you identify and let go of tensions.

Is The Technique recognised by the medical profession?

Yes. Many GPs, physiotherapists and osteopaths know and recommend the Technique. As mentioned above, results from a medical trial have proven the effectiveness of the Technique for back pain sufferers (BMJ). Some health insurance companies have also been known to cover for Alexander Technique lessons.

I will not contravene the advice of your doctor. In fact, I am happy to consult with your doctor and explain how the Alexander Technique works in accelerating healing and recovery.

Does the Alexander Technique help with shoulder and neck pain?

Yes. Common causes of shoulder and neck pain are accidents and bad posture, which by compressing the spine and trapping nerves, can accentuate discomfort. Through lessons in the Technique, you learn to relieve pressure on your neck so that the spine is better aligned. In this way pressure on the discs is reduced and pain can be relieved.

Can the Technique help me to stay generally healthy?

In general the Alexander Technique is of benefit to everybody as we learn to use our bodies more efficiently and naturally. It is particularly recommended to those individuals who due to the nature of their professions or interests do repetitive movements or actions, or are bound to overuse parts of the body; desk workers, musicians, dancers, singers, actors, nurses, dentists, hairdressers, sports people and many, many others.