The Alexander Technique

What is The Alexander Technique?

An opportunity to:

  1. Learn how to release painful muscular tension particularly in the neck, back and shoulders.
  2. Understand the causes of lower back pain.
  3. Correct poor postural habits which lead to discomfort while sitting, standing and walking.
  4. Appreciate how stress and pressure affect everything we do.
  5. Use a computer on a regular basis and not develop RSI, eye strain, a stiff neck or back pain.
  6. Be more relaxed while driving.
  7. Understand better how to pick up and lift many different objects - whether a baby, a crate or shopping.
  8. Enjoy going to the gym or other form of exercise without suffering stiffness later.

 

Why a Teacher?

The Technique is not a therapy nor an exercise: it is a learning process, except in many ways it is an unlearning process.

Sue Lusher, your teacher, will enable you to become aware of how you can "undo" inappropriate muscular tension so that everyday movement becomes easier. In a one to one lesson she will use gentle "non-doing" hands to reinforce the spoken word. Click here to find out more about Sue.

New clinical research

A major study published by the British Medical Journal in August 2008, click here for further details, demonstrated that The Alexander Technique offered significant long-term relief for low back pain.This was a randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise and massage for chronic and recurrent back pain. 579 patients were recruited from 64 GP practices and 58 Alexander Technique teachers participated in the trial.

In summary:

24 lessons proved to be most beneficial;

6 lessons followed by exercise were about 70% as effective as 24 lessons;

long term benefits were unlikely to be due to the placebo effect;

lessons were one-to-one, provided by experienced teachers

 

What should I do now?

As the Technique is not a "quick fix", be prepared to allow yourself the time for a series of 45 min weekly lessons, ideally between 10 and 20. No special clothing is required but trousers for ladies are helpful. Lessons are informal, relaxed and should be throughly enjoyable.

 

How much does it cost?

Individual one-to-one lesson £35.

Series of 3 lessons £90, paid at first lesson.

Four week introductory courses, £45 for the course.

"Top up for a Tenner" special evenings £10.

Cancellations with less than 24hrs notice will be charged at the discretion of the teacher.

Please call 01376 571536 to book an appointment or click here to email KCHC.