Medical
endorsement of the Alexander Technique.
I am happy to endorse the use of
the Alexander Technique, particularly for people with neck and back pain. I think
it offers patients additional information over and above conventional physical
therapies about their spine and its relationship to the external environment,
which should assist them in coping with pain and adapting their lifestyle accordingly.
Dr
Christopher Kelsey MSc. MB, FRCP Consultant Rheumatologist Testimonials Index
A nationally ranked table tennis player for whom the
days of being stressed out are long gone feels confident in his understanding
of his body.
Over 20 years
working at a desk job in the City and 20 years playing table tennis up to National
level. My back got tighter as the days,
weeks, years rolled on. Maybe there would not have been a problem if I had
completed stretching exercises morning and night, but we don’t do we?Well
one evening while training for a table tennis tournament my back ‘went’ and I
was left bent over finding it difficult to pull myself up straight. Rest and a
course of physiotherapy helped, but I knew my lifestyle had to change or it would
happen again.Nowdays I rarely have problems with
my back thanks mainly to the Alexander Technique, a method of releasing the unwanted
muscular tension that accumulated over years of stressful City working. My
teacher Annie Kaszina adopts a very relaxed approach to her teaching of the Technique,
gradually guiding her pupils through the various learning stages. Long
gone are the days when I am stressed out, causing my back to tighten and leaving
me with the kind of pain that just makes me just want to retire to bed early.
I am able to identify when and how to adopt a beneficial approach to what ever
I am doing, so as not to put my body in a tense state.I
achieved my national ranking for table tennis a few years after my back first
‘went’. These days I also swim and do other various sports feeling confident I
am in total control and have a complete understanding of my body.
Ian
Davidson (Billericay) Testimonials
Index
Postural improvements lead to a stronger back, and more
confidence.
When I first started
having lessons in the Alexander Technique, I was asked what I was hoping the Technique
would do for me. I answered that I hoped to achieve better posture as I
have been round-shouldered for over 30 years since my early teens – due to being
self-conscious about my height. I wasn’t sure I could be helped, as I felt
I might have left it too late. I also mentioned, in passing, that I had
suffered in the past from a bad back, ‘restless legs’ and pain in my legs generally.
Not only has my whole posture improved, my back feels
stronger, the pains in my legs have gone and the ‘restless legs’ are very much
better (although not gone completely). I was surprised to find that, in
addition to my back feeling stronger and a general feeling of being physically
more robust, I also feel much stronger mentally. I also feel more confident
and a good deal calmer
Tina Bolton (Gidea Park) Testimonials Index
‘I was amazed by what I could achieve just by taking
the time to think about what I was doing.’
I
had been suffering from a jaw problem (malocclusion) for some time and conventional
treatments (which can only do so much) had done little to improve the problem.
At this point in time I had very limited knowledge of the Alexander Technique
and was quite sceptical about the type of treatment I may be given.
Annie dispelled my worries regarding the Alexander Technique. The Technique helped
me overcome bad habits I had acquired over the years so I could use my body better
and more freely in my everyday life.
For me this entailed allowing
my back to lengthen and widen (with the guidance of Annie's hands). Although it
took sometime for me to grasp this concept I was amazed at what I could achieve
by just taking time to think about what I was doing and how I was using my body.
I also started to think of my body as a connected whole. This meant that
having a problem in one area of my body could affect other areas.
I would thoroughly recommend the Alexander Technique. I have learnt
and am still are learning a great deal about myself with the AT. Perhaps
the emotional benefits have been the most significant, as I now react differently
– and better - to certain situations. I know that my emotional state can
also affect the way my body reacts. The AT enables me to calm down and relax.
It’s not counselling, but it is a great help in dealing with stress.
Louise Thompson, (Elm Park) 23 Testimonials Index
Benefits
of the Alexander Technique for an MS sufferer.
After
being diagnosed with MS in July 2000 I decided to learn the Alexander Technique
to help me with my balance and posture. Over a series of lessons I have
regained some of the balance I had lost. When I started learning the Technique
I felt quite unstable when standing or walking. By encouraging me to become
more aware of my feet, Annie has helped me to feel more grounded. Previously
I tended to focus on my knees, which I felt were weak. Now, I am able to
feel more confident about walking and walk for greater distances without my knees
playing up. The AT has also improved my posture and the tremor that was
very evident at first has almost disappeared. Overall, I have been pleasantly
surprised by how beneficial the AT has been for me.
Sue
Battie (Grays) Testimonials
Index
Better sleep, a new ease in managing daily routine and
pain and optimism about facing the years ahead.
Although
I have only attended ten sessions of Alexander Technique with Annie I really do
feel I have benefited a great deal mentally and physically.
I started
learning the AT because I had trouble sleeping. I was also in constant pain with
sciatica in my right hip and leg.For as long as I
could remember I had slept in the foetus position often experiencing disturbed
sleep and usually feeling exhausted in the morning. Having learned a different
way to lie on my side, the result has been blissful nights of sleep. This has
had a tremendous impact on my life. I feel much happier going to bed knowing that
I will sleep and wake up refreshed and positive towards the day ahead. As
for my sciatica problem, Annie encouraged me to lie in semi-supine daily -which
has helped tremendously. Prior to seeing Annie, I was generally in pain. Sometimes
it was difficult to go about my usual routine of work/home life etc. Now I feel
that this is under control. Since Annie has
taken me through the mental route of organising my movements, I feel positive
about facing my future years. I feel that I will be able to handle normal,
routine movements such as getting into a car and going down stairs easily.
The Alexander Technique and Annie's direction have guided me onto a
path of self-help and awareness. I have become aware of how I can do things in
a constructive way, I no longer feel I have to just accept pain.I
can't sing your praises enough, Annie, and would like to take the opportunity
to let you know that you truly have helped me enormously.
Eileen
Wainwright Testimonials
Index
Physical
and emotional transformation.
At
the age of 21 I spent almost a year being sent around various NHS consultants
as my GP tried to determine why an increasing percentage of my body was failing
in one way or another. I was becoming more and more limited as regards
what I could do in a day. A little digging around in health books, mixed with
some male intuition (now you don't hear of that often!) led me to a chiropractor,
who instantly recognised the "shopping list" of symptoms and had me
back on my feet within a couple of sessions of back treatment.As
I became more aware of the importance of a healthy back, I came into contact with
the Alexander Technique. After my first experience of chair work,
I was instantly in love with something that could make everyday activity feel
so much more natural, pleasant and pain-free. I contacted Annie for further lessons
and have been receiving work nearly
every week since. The
Technique has given me not only a method to cope with my original problem, but
also an improved capability to deal with all the stresses of day-to-day life.
Friends and family have noticed the change in physical posture and presence, as
well as the more laid-back, serene and in-control "me"!
Chris Harrad (Laindon) - www.circlesolutions.co.uk Testimonials Index
The
benefits of the AT on golf.
The
A T has improved my posture and body shape, most noticeably in my shoulders and
chest Using the AT has also improved my golf-swing, leading to more consistent
ball striking and a lower handicap. This is due to improvements made to the way
I set up to address the ball, and how I use myself throughout the swing
without unwanted interference. In particular, I now feel able to not become too
goal focused and just allow the movement to flow.
Mark
Crowhurst (Brentwood) Testimonials
Index
A long-term back pain sufferer overcomes everyday problems
and regains his enthusiasm for ‘once unthinkable tasks’.
As someone
who has had considerable back problems for nigh on 30 years, I feel that my old
recurring problems may be something that I have to live with. However, I
am sure that the Alexander Technique has helped to reduce the incidence of these
through sensible and enlightened physical awareness.
While preventive techniques, by their very nature, will not always overcome the
sceptic, I can only attest to the benefit that I have experienced. I am
sure that many chronic ‘Back Pain sufferers’ would benefit from the AT, if only
in overcoming those everyday problems, like getting in and out of bed, sitting
and rising from seats/chairs of all heights etc. I feel they could realistically
expect to overcome the intense apprehension that accompanies these most simple
yet necessary and often painful movements, and accomplish them in an easy and
pain-free way. As
an old No Pain No Gain merchant, I must express my relief and gratitude at finding
painless and effective ways to help my body recover from those ungainly and often
agonising distortions and stoops which have littered too many of my years. I
now use my experience to look for alternative ways to accomplish once unthinkable
tasks and surprise myself at how much I have managed to rekindle my enthusiasm
for gardening and general recreation.
I
believe that a great deal of the benefit to be gained from the AT depends not
only upon the teacher’s knowledge, but also upon their patience and understanding,
which help the pupil to build confidence and find solutions to their own particular
difficulties. This sums up Annie’s caring professional approach and is where
I believe she excels.
Donald
Harris (Hornchurch) Testimonials Index
From: ‘I was very sceptical but by that stage I would
have tried anything’, to: ‘I have become virtually pain free. I no longer
take painkillers.’
Dear
Annie,This is just to put into writing my appreciation
for everything you have been able to do for me.I
slipped a disc during the birth of my daughter 18 years ago, and since that time
I had been in constant pain, unable to do the simplest of tasks because I could
stay in one position for more than about 10 minutes. In work, I would be
sitting at my desk as I started to take an order, then I would be moving around,
pushing the chair back and kneeling on the floor, even standing upright.
I underwent various treatments, including electric traction, none of which worked.
In the end, I ‘rattled’ with the amount of pills I was taking in an attempt to
control the pain.
It
was suggested that I seek your help, before considering an operation. To
be honest I was very sceptical about ‘alternative treatments’, but by that stage
I would have tried anything.
Since I have been learning the Alexander Technique with you, I have become virtually
pain free. I no longer take any painkillers. Once this would have
been unthinkable.Two
years ago I went into hospital for another problem, which required me to have
a lumbar puncture. My disc was once again dislodged and I was in so much
pain that I could not even walk. Fortunately, after a few Alexander lessons
I was able to move around again – without the need for painkillers.When
asked what you do … well that’s really hard to describe. What I do know
is that I am not manipulated and generally ‘pulled about’ as in other treatments.
The Alexander Technique works for me!
Lyn
Shelton (Hornchurch) - www.kockneykoi.co.uk Testimonials Index
‘It doesn’t just help with physical problems, it also
lifts the spirit.’
If
it had not been for my son's wedding three years ago I probably wouldn't have
heard of the Alexander Technique. For years I had suffered lower back pain and
had taken pain killers which helped a little, but I knew I had to get to the cause
of the pain and I didn't want to take pain killers indefinitely. My GP suggested
that I tried the AT as it relaxes the body and mind, which he thought was the
cause of the problem. After a few sessions and by regularly practising the Technique
every day at home, I found that gradually my pain eased. I enjoyed my son's wedding
free of pain, which was wonderful. Since then I have practised the Technique at
home almost every day and I find that it prevents my muscles tightening.
There were other benefits too. For
medical reasons unrelated to my back pain, I had been unable to attend my choir
and my singing voice had suffered. The Technique enabled me to breathe more freely
and helped me to sing again. The
AT is very enjoyable, relaxing, and completely painless. I would highly recommend
it, not just for physical problems but also for lifting the spirit. Of course
it is essential that you find a fully qualified Alexander Technique teacher who
you have confidence in. I consider myself very lucky to have found Annie Kaszina.
I know that she is there if ever I need her.
Janet
Titley Testimonials
Index
‘I floated home!’
I
wasn't sure what to expect from my first session with Annie and Sharon, but was
amazed how light and fluffy I felt afterwards - I floated off the couch and out
of the front door to my car! (I understand that fluffy is often used to describe
the feeling after a session)
Rob D (Chelsfield,
Kent)
Better
posture, balance and walking at 76
Since
starting Alexander Technique lessons in March 2003, I am happy to say that the
Technique is working for me in my life in various ways.
" Posture was
the first improvement I was aware of, including better muscle control when standing.
" Balancing exercises were meant to be part of my routine, as one way of
combating osteoporosis, but I was initially unsuccessful. However since I discussed
this and Annie suggested a different approach to the problem, I have found that
I was gradually able to overcome 'the wobbles' and gain confidence.
"
Walking is very important to me and I find that I can now walk further and more
freely.
To
sum up, I am grateful for these benefits. At my age (76) they make a significant
difference.
Doreen
Hellis
The
Alexander Technique for Riders.
Annie
has asked me to give an account of how the Technique has helped my riding, so
that other interested horse-people can find out more. The first step on my riding
career was when a friend asked me to ride out on an elderly ex-hunter with her;
this was about 6 years ago now!
I
became totally hooked and zoomed around the countryside on Hector and a couple
of other horses, culminating in the purchase of my own horse, Flicka, two and
a half years ago. Flicka had a very severe ligament strain four weeks after I
bought her. (Apparently this is not uncommon when a horse is sold, especially
if the horse has sussed out that you will love and care for them even through
the bad times!) After being used to play polocrosse for the past 10 years, Flicka
came to me for a well-deserved rest and recuperation
Now
the story of how I got into the Alexander technique in the first place, is also
the story as to why it has helped me immensely too. Flicka's injury caused me
to spend a lot of time understanding how and why lameness is caused. This led
me to the point where I began to understand that the way a horse is ridden, how
the rider sits etc. has a huge impact on the horse. If things aren't working as
well as they should, then the horse finds it more difficult to stay sound and
injury-free.
I
was introduced to a fantastic riding instructor who trains with Mary Wanless,
inventor of the Ride With Your Mind, (RWYM) technique. Mary has spent years researching
how we as riders impact on our horses positively and negatively and how we can
modify this negative impact by changing how we ride.
So,
I started to have lessons and quickly realised that I had a hollow back, a wobbly
middle, and that I also looked as if I 'had no bones'! After getting over the
shock that my mount and I looked more like the Thelwell cartoons than Kyra Kurklund,
I started to make improvements with my riding. Another Mary Wanless instructor
suggested that with some Alexander lessons, I could make changes much faster and
more effectively. Hence my visit to Annie.
Six
months later, what is the difference? Well, I would very much like to show you
before and after photos as I look very, very different. I now also have two horses,
the original Flicka and a youngster, Molly.
Molly
and I look like a 'grown-up' Thewell together! I have a straighter back and I
use my stomach My bottom has muscles and I can use my hands, elbows, shoulders,
knees, ankles and thighs pretty much independently of each other. (The situation
before was that giving my hand meant that my whole body came too!)
What
is most amazing though is that both Molly, and now Flicka, mirror these improvements
in me! As my body awareness and actions have improved, so have theirs.
Safety
has also been a key concern since I got Molly, who didn't realise that the rider
was meant to stay on, even if she disagreed with their instructions! The Technique
combined with my RWYM lessons has helped me to develop a much more secure seat.
When you are riding a young horse that wants to test the limits of your ability
this can be life saving. It has also helped Molly to learn that she can voice
her opinion, but I'm not always going to listen to it!
Which
brings me full circle to the reason why I started to consider the impact my riding
and the riding of others over the years had on Flicka. She had a severe injury,
which could have been prevented if she had been ridden more efficiently from the
start. There were other mitigating factors, a badly fitting saddle, and poor conformation,
but the riding played a big part.
Now, with the Alexander technique and some effective riding lessons, I have got
to the point where my riding isn't putting more strain on Flicka. Indeed it is
starting to help her to lift her back up and to use her topline rather than carrying
me in the hollow of her back.
Like
most horse-people, my horses are very precious to me. But unlike most people I
spent a lot of time considering whether riding was actually the 'right thing to
do'. Horses, after all, are not bio-mechanically designed to be ridden. However
I believe they do enjoy it - especially when you are doing fun things!
For me knowing that my riding was not contributing to future strains, pain and
injury for my horses was a really important goal. Becky Chapman, my riding instructor
uses the term 'ethical riding', which I think is so true, and the Alexander technique
complements this ideally. The concept of balance, connectivity and economy of
activity, as well as the physical embodiment of the technique has added immense
satisfaction and enjoyment to my riding.
I
hope that after reading this others will be interested in how the Technique can
help them to become better riders.
Karena
Gomez
What a marvellous thing this
Alexander Technique is echnique is
I
thought I would write and say just how much the AT has helped me. When I came
to you I had no prior knowledge as to what may or may not be achieved. I had no
idea of just what was possible. I was absolutely amazed after my first session
to have regained my height of earlier years. I have grown 1 inch. [So much for
shrinking as you get older!]. I am definitely walking better, straighter, and
with more poise and improved balance. And that after one lesson! However after
the 2nd lesson - I am completely blown away. You get used to your own body and
its funny ways and I suppose I had got used to my shoulder always clunking and
being painful. So I get up and move it round in a circle this morning to get it
mobile.......but it doesn't clunk and it is `free', not heavy and it doesn't hurt
- and it is already mobile!!! Wow!! What a marvellous thing this AT is......thank
you so much. I am really impressed. My body appreciates it too.
Shirley Caldwell
'Paracetamol used to be an essential handbag item'
Paracetamol Paracetamol used to be an essential handbag item, but no longer! I went to Annie due to concern about back and joint pain, and now find I am also remarkably headache free. I never thought I would see the day! I never have to give my back more than a passing thought either. I can't recommend this approach too highly, it's subtle but extremely effective and the lessons I learned are proving useful to me every day. I am still reaping benefits from the education gained in our sessions.
Wendy Fey
Testimonials Index
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