When I was in my late 20s, I developed some chronic neck and shoulder injuries. They were nagging at first, but soon demanded my full attention. Granted, I was pushing my body hard: road biking many hours per week, gym climbing, teaching violin for many hours, and playing in an orchestra. But when rest, physical therapy, and massage only helped a little, I turned to the Alexander Technique. And wow, did it help! I learned to take the pressure off my system and got 1.5 inches taller! I began to make more lasting changes in PT. I was able to change patterns and begin to really improve. It turned out that there was a deeper structural issue at play: despite (or because of?) having braces as a child, only two of my teeth met. This caused torsions, confusion, and strain on my system. Years later, I’m fortunate to have an amazing care team including holistic ortho and specialized physical therapy, which is addressing the root cause.
To be honest, it has been a bit of a mess. But in the midst of this life-altering, sometimes discouraging, time-consuming puzzle, the Alexander Technique has been there for me. It is the leavening that helps the healing all work together.
The Alexander Technique is an educational method, not a medical treatment. However, it was born out of FM Alexander’s desire to heal his voice. And, it can be a powerful tool in your wellness toolkit. The Technique teaches people how take the pressure off their systems, which can create better conditions for healing and restoration. This is a case study of how Victorinix, a Swiss knife company, dramatically improved their worker’s well being and injury rate by incorporating the Alexadner Technique into their company’s wellness program. This is a study about how the AT reduced low back pain.
Does this resonate with you? Would you like to learn to better cooperate with your design and the healing work you are seeking from your medical team? Let’s be clear: before coming to an AT lesson for pain, you should be getting treatment from your doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor, dentist, therapist, etc. My work is complimentary to theirs. I can help you move better, be a better PT patient, take the pressure off your spine, and cooperate more fully with your healing journey.
Want to see if the Alexander Technique is a match for your wellness toolkit? Here is how lessons work. Contact me.
Lisa Toner Studio 