Alexander Technique

Is it a good therapy for Back Pain?

Alexander technique is a therapy based on changing the habitual movements you make. Being a practical method, its’ overall desire is to improve the ease and freedom of movement, balance and support. The big questions remain…

What are the Principles?

The technique is based on educating the sense of kinesthesia or proprioception. This is a technical teem for your position in space. The Alexander technique believes you form poor habits both physically and mentally which alters how you move.

Changing these habits at both a physical and mental level helps you to move more freely.

Initially the technique was used more by performers to improve their posture while performing. Over the many years of use this has extended to those in pain, from back pain , sore necks, and carpal tunnel and shoulder problems.

The technique is taught by Alexander teachers. The teacher guides you through specialized hands-on modeling. Using light touch the teacher molds your movements trying to improve the direction and timing of the movement.

In the initial stages students may be placed on a table so they can experience the movement rather than participating in it. Lessons can also be in groups where observation is as important as doing the movements.

Students learn through direct experience, from observation of others, questioning and personal experimentation.

Although used for back pain, the technique is not commonly thought of in back pain issues. There are two main reasons: firstly, the time needed to learn the technique is extensive; secondly, the technique is not precise enough to target certain areas that need specific attention.

The disadvantages of the Alexander techniques are well documented. It does not mean this is not a great technique, but it does have its’ limitations.

The main drawbacks are that teachers recommend 20-40 private lessons or classes. Time constraints for most are the first hurdle. Time to change is also usually slow and requires perseverance. For most people it is other participants’ observation that indicates change, yet you may personally not feel or see anything.

There can be a time during mid-learning when the student can't yet reliably sustain the new ways of moving he or she prefers. What used to feel comfortable instead becomes experienced as an unpleasant sensation. It's a stage where every posture the student can assume seems to have something wrong with it.

The main hurdle is the technique is hard to practice yourself at home. It requires teachers to guide your movement. It is also less effective for specific back pain issues and therefore better used to help prevent back pain or in minor back pain issues.

The Back Pain Advisor gives you expert advice on back pain issues. The Alexander technique, although a great technique, is usually not specific enough to change back pain reliably. As with all therapies, if your Alexander Technique teacher passes the "Sugar Test" , then it is a good therapy for you.

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