'Quality of life increased enormously' - Daily Mail article

In today's Daily Mail there was an article on how choosing the right exercise can cure your health problems which included the Alexander Technique for back pain. Here is an extract:

BACK PAIN
THE CURE: Alexander Technique.
HOW OFTEN: A course of 24 lessons, then daily.
HOW IT WORKS: Regular activity has long been known to ease chronic back pain, but a study published in the British Medical Journal last year suggested the popular postural awareness therapy Alexander Technique could provide the greatest benefit.
Devised by Frederick Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor who suffered stressinduced breathing problems, this method re- educates the body to achieve postural harmony.
A teacher will assess your posture and how you move about. Then he or she will teach you how to sit up straight, walk without hunching over and other techniques to improve balance and co-ordination and relieve pressure on the spine.
Professor Paul Little, a primary care specialist who specialises in back problems, found that one year after the trial started, the average number of activities limited by back pain had fallen by 42 per cent in the Alexander group, and the number of days in pain were only three a month, compared with 21 days in the control group. The Alexander group said their quality of life increased enormously as they were pain-free.
To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton go to :
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Running with the Alexander Technique

In last nights Evening Standard there was an interesting article :
'The Best Ways to Jog Yourself Fit', the Alexander Technique came out very well and gives some good tips. Here is an extract:

THE RIGHT MOVES By Jackie Annesley

On the wrong side of 45 and having abandoned the gym long ago, I knew I had to get back into exercise. I'd tried running after one of the children was born but my knees protested. So I turned to the Alexander Technique for help.
Its core principle is to bring your body into balance. Noel says: “You need to run efficiently, and for that you must lengthen' in stature as you run.”
First he showed me how to free up my neck and allow my head to “balance” on top of my spine. Another rule is to relax the shoulders, keep the arms bent, hands flexible and to lead with the knees, not the feet.
This prevents muscles over-tightening which can lead to neck and lower back damage. And never tuck your bottom in. Instead, think of your back widening as you run.

Verdict? It works. There was no more knee ache because AT improved my posture. About 4lb seems to have fallen off me, fortuitously around my thighs. Some mornings I think I could run for ever. I've even fantasised about running the London Marathon. Perhaps one day.

Singing with Alexander Technique

Read Lesley Garrett's recent article in The Guardian ' The body needs to be full of energy' where she tells of the importance of standing correctly and how the Alexander Technique has helped:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/10/lesley-garrett-warm-up-singing

Improve your singing with the Alexander Technique

The Alexander technique can help release tension in the body, allowing the voice to become fuller and freer.
The Guardian and Observer had an article at the weekend in it's joint guide to Performing.
The article 'Your very first release...' highlights the way we use ourselves has an effect on our voices. It also gives some useful tips and observation exercises.
My client Mike can testify to this ( see blog 'Mike gets his voice back').
To read the full article go to:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/10/alexander-technique-singing

RSI - Alexander Technique can help

Tina is a florist and has been suffering from RSI for sometime. She has been coming to me for a course of 8 lessons and today was a real turning point. Her back pain has reduced and her RSI in both arms is almost non-existent. Tina is so pleased as she will be able to continue working as a florist which she really loves.
"My RSI has 90% disappeared, I am so relieved" Tina
For tips on reducing the effect of RSI and how the Technique can help go to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton/RSI_Brighton.html

A video of the man himself - Frederick Alexander

Take a look at this rare video footage of FM Alexander taken from TheSTATchannel on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbeXjewVmME&feature=channel_page

To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton got to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Video explaining 'Alexander Technique and the Back pain trial'

Take a look at these two 6 minute British Medical Journal videos posted on YouTube :
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GbwzqT9piU&feature=PlayList&p=F4E86857536497E5&playnext=1&index=29


Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmimtk381U&feature=related

To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton go to :
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com