Testimonials
Ann's story - back and knee pain and poor balance
After a lifetime of living with a body that just didn't work right, I decided to invest in some Alexander Technique sessions as opposed to shelling out on massage and osteopathy whose benefits were short term.
I had increased the exercise I did after retirement - yoga, pilates aquatics etc. But although these disciplines helped to strengthen me, some basic problems never went away.
Four months ago I embarked on my Alexander Technique sessions starting with two sessions weekly for the first six weeks, subsequently reducing to weekly sessions. I found the taster session shocking, in the real sense of the word. After 20 mins on the couch, being gently arranged by my teacher, I felt unable to stand up!
Intrigued, I have continued, initially with a degree of scepticism, but now totally accepting that change is possible.
My main problems had been: a lack of balance, a painful middle back on standing for a couple of hours and right knee pain.
In such a short time I have seen an improvement in all these conditions. I am especially impressed by the reduction in pain, which was limiting my activities. I was not however prepared for another benefit - a reduction in blood pressure. After thirty years of treatment, my medication has now been significantly reduced and there is no other explanation for this improvement.
I am an Alexancer convert! I have no problem extolling the benefits of this technique.
Ann I
Retired hospital consultant
I had increased the exercise I did after retirement - yoga, pilates aquatics etc. But although these disciplines helped to strengthen me, some basic problems never went away.
Four months ago I embarked on my Alexander Technique sessions starting with two sessions weekly for the first six weeks, subsequently reducing to weekly sessions. I found the taster session shocking, in the real sense of the word. After 20 mins on the couch, being gently arranged by my teacher, I felt unable to stand up!
Intrigued, I have continued, initially with a degree of scepticism, but now totally accepting that change is possible.
My main problems had been: a lack of balance, a painful middle back on standing for a couple of hours and right knee pain.
In such a short time I have seen an improvement in all these conditions. I am especially impressed by the reduction in pain, which was limiting my activities. I was not however prepared for another benefit - a reduction in blood pressure. After thirty years of treatment, my medication has now been significantly reduced and there is no other explanation for this improvement.
I am an Alexancer convert! I have no problem extolling the benefits of this technique.
Ann I
Retired hospital consultant
Guto's story - back pain
"The sessions have made a huge difference to my posture and have majorly reduced the aches and pains in my back.
I act a lot and do a lot of physical work in the field and it used to make my back hurt a lot. I was unable to do some things but since doing the technique I have not had these problems again.
The lessons have been fun to go to and I looked forward to the sessions. In my work in a restaurant I would be standing up for many long hours and the soles of my feet would be very sore and of course my back was sore and achy as well, but that is no longer a problem now either.
My posture by now ensures that my weight is spread across the foot which has made my feet feel a lot better. My back is in a better position and I now have the knowledge to prevent the aches due to knowing how to pick things up and how to stand or sit."
Guto Gwilym
Actor
I act a lot and do a lot of physical work in the field and it used to make my back hurt a lot. I was unable to do some things but since doing the technique I have not had these problems again.
The lessons have been fun to go to and I looked forward to the sessions. In my work in a restaurant I would be standing up for many long hours and the soles of my feet would be very sore and of course my back was sore and achy as well, but that is no longer a problem now either.
My posture by now ensures that my weight is spread across the foot which has made my feet feel a lot better. My back is in a better position and I now have the knowledge to prevent the aches due to knowing how to pick things up and how to stand or sit."
Guto Gwilym
Actor
Carol's Story - neck and shoulder problems
I began Alexander Technique Lessons after finishing a course of Physiotherapy treatment for a wrench injury to my shoulder and arthritis in my neck. I had found that the exercise I did during my treatment had helped with the pain I experienced, especially when I led down to go to sleep at night and I felt it would be good to see if there was any more I could do to help myself further.
The Alexander Technique Lessons I have completed have helped me much more than I could have imagined. Yes there are occasions when I do need to take medication for the pain, but these occasions are considerably less than they were before.
The way the lessons helped me was mainly with how I move my body, and how to prepare myself for movement, instead of going on ‘automatic’ all the time. Getting in and out of a chair could be a problem, but I can now sit in a chair and get up from the chair with ease. Also I used to feel as if my bones had set, if I sat down for too long. I am much better now and can usually move with considerable ease after sitting for any length of time.
My posture is improved so much I no longer scuff the toes of my shoes and my husband has commented on how I stand more upright and how I walk much better than I did before the lessons. Because my posture has improved my clothes fit much better and I can even carry a handbag.
One of the best things is I can do more physical work than before, such as gardening and housework. I now listen to my body more and if I think I need a rest I will stop for a short while and maybe do a couple of exercises to ‘loosen’ up. I very rarely have a bad night’s sleep anymore, which in itself should never be under estimated. I feel much more relaxed in the ‘core of my body’ and have much more freedom of movement as a result.
And in case anyone might feel that the exercises would be too difficult for them, I would just like to say it is more about your body and mind working together in harmony and listening to one another, rather than anything strenuous or overtly physical. I can truthfully say that taking Alexander Technique Lessons was one of the best things I have ever done and would say to anyone thinking about trying the lessons it is well worth giving it a go.
Carol Humphries
The Alexander Technique Lessons I have completed have helped me much more than I could have imagined. Yes there are occasions when I do need to take medication for the pain, but these occasions are considerably less than they were before.
The way the lessons helped me was mainly with how I move my body, and how to prepare myself for movement, instead of going on ‘automatic’ all the time. Getting in and out of a chair could be a problem, but I can now sit in a chair and get up from the chair with ease. Also I used to feel as if my bones had set, if I sat down for too long. I am much better now and can usually move with considerable ease after sitting for any length of time.
My posture is improved so much I no longer scuff the toes of my shoes and my husband has commented on how I stand more upright and how I walk much better than I did before the lessons. Because my posture has improved my clothes fit much better and I can even carry a handbag.
One of the best things is I can do more physical work than before, such as gardening and housework. I now listen to my body more and if I think I need a rest I will stop for a short while and maybe do a couple of exercises to ‘loosen’ up. I very rarely have a bad night’s sleep anymore, which in itself should never be under estimated. I feel much more relaxed in the ‘core of my body’ and have much more freedom of movement as a result.
And in case anyone might feel that the exercises would be too difficult for them, I would just like to say it is more about your body and mind working together in harmony and listening to one another, rather than anything strenuous or overtly physical. I can truthfully say that taking Alexander Technique Lessons was one of the best things I have ever done and would say to anyone thinking about trying the lessons it is well worth giving it a go.
Carol Humphries
J Arthur - pregnancy
"I found the Alexander Technique extremely helpful both in pregnancy and in childbirth. Even during the later stages of pregnancy when I was much heavier than normal I felt a wonderful sense of lightness and rarely felt dragged down by the weight. During childbirth, I was able simply to focus on the present, instead of anticipating the pain to come. This made me far more relaxed and less anxious. The 'whisphered ah' [an Alexander proceedure] was also a very helpful way of tackling the start of each contraction and made a huge difference to pain levels. The midwives actually commented that I was dealing very well with labour!"
J Arthur - Mother
J Arthur - Mother
To come...
