Scientific Evidence
“…one-to-one lessons in the Technique led to long-term benefits: a reduction in the number of days in pain and significant improvement in function and quality of life.”
A randomised controlled trial of Alexander lessons was published in the British Medical Journal 20th August 2008. Its main conclusion was that individual lessons in the Technique have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. 579 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain were recruited from 64 GP practices. Patients were randomly allocated to certified teachers, and control groups included patients receiving massage, exercise, or GP normal care. Lessons in the Alexander Technique outperformed all control groups. The results showed that taking one-to-one lessons in the Technique led to long-term benefits: a reduction in the number of days in pain and significant improvement in function and quality of life. The original research article is published online: British Medical Journal
The research results were widely reported in the press:
The Benefits
The Alexander Technique is taught at most music and drama schools, as well as many large corporations, as it is famous for its ability to help with the following:
- neck and shoulder problems including migraines and RSI
- poise, posture and general self-awareness
- pain associated with an old injury
- stress and tension
- breathing and voice problems
- pregnancy and birth
- greater ease and movement in walking, running & swimming
- balance and co ordination
“Back pain – single biggest cause of sickness absence… resulting in lost working days, increased sick pay and reduced productivity” Healthatwork.org.uk