Benefits

With the Alexander Technique you learn how to look after yourself better in daily life. While the Technique is often thought of as a way of improving posture, other benefits include:

… and finding a greater sense of well-being.

A major clinical back pain trial has demonstrated long-term reductions in pain levels, as well as improvements in quality of life and associated incapacity following Alexander Technique lessons with a registered teacher.

Other scientific research has demonstrated significant benefits from Alexander Technique lessons in reducing disability in people with Parkinson's disease. As a result of this research, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has stated that Alexander Technique lessons may be offered to benefit people with Parkinson's by 'helping them to make lifestyle adjustments that affect both the physical nature of the condition and the person’s attitudes to having Parkinson's'.

In addition, some small studies suggest that Alexander Technique lessons may help in improving posture, balance in elderly people, breathing, stuttering and reducing performance anxiety in musicians. In addition, reduced muscle tension and stiffness, and improved balance and coordination have been seen in individuals after Alexander Technique training. This may help explain why people with a wide range of chronic conditions can benefit from learning the Technique because, while it does not act on the underlying medical condition, people find carrying out the tasks of daily life to be easier and more enjoyable.

The Alexander Technique is not a 'quick fix'. By gradually developing a new way of thinking and learning through hands-on experience, you improve the use of yourself, allowing your natural mechanisms of coordination and balance to function as they should. You are then less likely to develop future problems that are caused by misuse. Over time, an improved use of yourself also generally leads to better posture.

While the desire to overcome an existing medical or other physical problem is probably the most common reason for beginning Alexander lessons, the Technique offers much more than this. You can become more effective in your daily life, whether this is in a busy and stressful job, playing sport or a musical instrument, or doing the housework or gardening. At the same time, through working with the Technique, people can find their attitude to life change, becoming more open and positive, and less stressed.

Further details and a full list of the published studies described here can be found under Scientific research.