News Flash - BMJ article on Economic Evaluation of Alexander Technique

I am pleased to announce that the following article was published online in the British Medical Journal yesterday 11th December 2008:

"Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain: economic evaluation" .

The article concluded: " A series of 6 lessons in the Alexander Technique combined with an exercise prescription was the most effective and cost effective option for the NHS"

To view the complete article and watch the Video go to:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/337/dec11_2/a2656

Mike get's his voice back.....

I have been working with Mike for some time now and we have seen a real change in him ( See his testimonial on main site). Mike has been struggling with his voice for over 4 years now. However we have recently been doing some work on his breathing and voice and things seem to be getting better. He reports that his voice is not so hoarse and it doesn't seem to run out on him like it used to. This week he was thrilled that he was able to sing several songs with his band that he plays with, something he couldn't do a few weeks ago.
To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton go to:
http://www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com/

Hope for back pain sufferers

Here is an article I wrote for 'Tutor Pages' - hope you find it interesting:
http://www.thetutorpages.com/tutor-article/subject-research/alexander-technique/hope-for-back-pain-sufferers/972

It's cold outside

Well winter is upon us but have you ever noticed what effect the cold is having on the way we carry ourselves? Are you pulling your head into your shoulders and holding onto your shoulders? The effect of this is actually the opposite to what we want. This tightening in the muscles restricts blood flow to the tissues. So wrap up warm and invest in a scarf!! Let your head just balance ontop of your spine and leave your shoulders alone, allowing your arms to swing forward and back as you walk. Try it for yourself.
For more info: www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Alexander's secrets

A full page article in tonights Evening Standard gives a pupils verdict on lessons. The BMJ recently claimed that the Alexander Technique could not only reduce back pain but also enhance your quality of life.

"In the past seven weeks, as well as managing to unfurl an inch, I've improved my sleep pattern, felt less stressed, been more patient with the children, played perceptibly faster tennis, gained a better complexion and reduced the shoulder tension that invariably led to migraines" Jackie Annesley

Thought for the week

"Prevent the things you have been doing and you are half way home" F M Alexander
Most of us are unaware that we are using far more tension in our bodies that is necessary. For example just in standing up straight we might be holding onto our arms or bracing our legs unnecessarily. The problem is that our brain has registered this habitual tension as normal so you might not notice you are doing anything. The Alexander Technique helps you to be more aware and gives you a means of reducing such tension patterns, so as FM says 'you are half way home' to moving with ease and better co-ordination .

Thought for the week

" It's not getting in and out of chairs even under the best conditions that is of any value. That is simply physical culture. It is what you have been doing in preparation that counts when it comes to making movements" Frederick Matthias Alexander.
Some people come to Alexander Lessons and think that it is all about how to sit up straight and how to stand. However we use the chair because it involves alot your body's co-ordination and it is something we do many times a day without thinking about it. We do tend to go into our old habit pattern that may include pulling or collapsing infront, pushing and tensing the legs and pulling our heads back. The Alexander Technique helps to to become more aware of what you are doing to yourself and gives you the skill to move with better
co-ordination and less tension so you can apply it to what ever you do.

Thought for the week

''As soon as people come with the idea of UNLEARNING instead of learning, you have them in the frame of mind you want'' F.M.Alexander - the founder of the Alexander Technique, referring to his pupils coming to lessons.

Alexander Technique Awareness Week

Today is the start of Alexander Technique Awareness Week with events across the country. Our theme this year is 'back pain' following the results from the back pain trial published in the British Medical Journal in August. '' Lessons in the Alexander Technique have long term benefits for chronic back pain''
I am offering half price intoductory lessons, just download the voucher on the website . This Special offer will only apply to lessons booked in October. www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

''Watch your back in the credit crunch'' - Telegraph article

Practicioners report an increase in back, neck and shoulder pain since the onset of the credit crunch...... One of the suggestions to prevent neck and back pain is The Alexander Technique . To see the full article in the Saturday Telegraph 4th October 2008 follow link below:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/health/3130261/Watch-your-back-inthe-credit-crunch.html

Ugly Betty

Did anyone see 'Ugly Betty' last night on Channel 4?
Alexander Technique mentioned.
Glad to see the Americans are catching on....

Welcome

Welcome to my brand new website and blog!
New features of the site include :

Latest news - The Back Pain Trial published in The British Medical Journal.
Alexander Awareness Week 6-12th October including half price downlaodable voucher.

Also there is a Shop where you can buy gift certificates online and a bookstore of my recommendations.
I hope you enjoy the site and let me know your comments.