The
Alexander Technique
An Introduction for Health Professionals
THE
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE is a learned method to improve postural
and movement dysfunction. It engages the mind and body to reduce
and eliminate body misuse in daily activities. In a series
of one-on-one lessons with a certified teacher a student of
the Alexander Technique develops the skills to execute any
action with minimized strain and maximized balance. The result
is optimal functional mobility and decreased pain.
The Alexander Technique was developed more than
a century ago by F.M. Alexander (1869-1955), an Australian actor
who lost his voice while reciting. The Technique he developed
while solving his own physical problem focuses on correcting
the misuse of the neuromuscular activity of the head, neck and
spine. He observed this misuse as a fundamental cause of maladaptive
functioning.
A AmSAT-certified Alexander Technique teacher is a highly
trained professional having completed a 1680-hour training
program over a minimum of three years. The emphasis of the
training is on observation and modification of human movement
patterns to identify and eliminate sources of movement dysfunction.
In a process of psycho-physical reeducation, the teacher uses
specific clinical skills, including manual guidance and verbal
cuing, to improve each student's postural and movement patterns.
A lesson consists of guided basic movements such as sitting,
standing, walking, bending, reaching, carrying and lying down.
The teacher's consistent manual guidance stresses the adjustment
of the head, neck and torso relationship throughout all activities.
In the beginning, the teacher monitors the student. Later,
the student monitors him/herself and makes the psycho-physical
adjustment on his/her own.
The Alexander Technique produces substantial
benefits as a primary approach to self care. Over a course of lessons, the
student acquires a new index of postural awareness. The student
can simply and effectively modify his/her muscular response
to stress, initiating new pathways of behavior at will. As
the student's independence increases, accurate proprio-ception
is heightened and functional strength and overall flexibility
increases. The body's carriage is consistently more upright
with decreased effort in the musculature of the neck and back.
Improved general coordination in daily activities results in
increased safety and energy conservation. Specialized movement
problems of the athlete, musician, artist, or technician are
addressed; pain syndromes are decreased or eliminated while
skill level improves. In addition, the Technique maximizes
the benefits of therapeutic and recreational exercise for overall
health.
Indications and contraindications:
-
Students with neurological or musculoskeletal
dysfunction have used the Technique to effectively manage chronic
pain and
repetitive strain injuries.
-
The Technique is particularly
effective for neck and back disorders because of its emphasis
on spinal decompression and balancing of the trunk musculature.
-
The Technique can improve the
respiratory mechanism and functional mobility.
-
The Technique can successfully relieve the
psychological states of depression and anxiety that frequently
accompany
chronic pain and disease.
-
There are no
known contraindications Students must be conscious, willing,
and beyond the
level of pain or dysfunction
that precludes learning.
The Alexander Technique is cost effective.
-
A course of lessons is not a passive treatment
but an educational program tailored to each student's needs.
-
The
recommended course is 30 lessons, depending on the student's
participation and initial level of functioning.
- The Technique promotes independence. It does not require special
equipment or prescribed exercise, but can be done anywhere, in
any activity. A student, therefore, directly activates the Technique's
benefits throughout his/her day.
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