What had begun as a badly sprained ankle some years before (an ankle incidentally, which ended my teaching career because an inspector was convinced that a sprain could not last so long and concluded that I must be malingering), became a chronic weakness of the ankle and foot.
Eventually I agreed to surgical intervention to correct a bunion which had troubled be since adolescence. The operation seemed to be a success until one day I ran towards home in the rain, slipped and fell. The fall fractured my Fibia and Tibia in my left leg and further damaged my ankle.After three operations, lots of pins and screws and physiotherapy which lasted months I was told no further healing was possible and I would not be able to walk again without crutches, which seemed to be true.
I saw a publicity flyer for Alexander Technique lessons in Pimlico (with one free lesson offered as a taster), I telephoned and made an appointment. A couple of days later I hobbled over to Pimlico. The lesson seemed unbelievably simple and I doubted its effectiveness. Yet as I walked towards the bus afterwards I was aware that my steps seemed lighter and less painful. I telephoned the Pimlico Centre and booked more lessons. Within a month I had abandoned my crutches and could walk un aided. I still limp a little and from time to time my foot seems to become frazzled, but with the confidence that I have acquired in my lessons and the ability to put things right when they seem troubled, I now get around without difficulty.
Michael Brown
