Alexander Technique LessonsAlexander Technique lessons are the fastest, deepest, most effective way I have of helping you solve your back pain. Lessons are quiet, one-to-one sessions in which I put my hands on your head, neck and back, and guide you through various movements. I give you feedback with my hands, and verbally. The basic idea behind Alexander Technique lessons is that many back problems are to do with how you learned to move-- it is not so much structural damage to your back that is the source of pain, but the way you use your body. If you learn to move with more freedom and alertness, you will almost always find that your pain reduces significantly or disappears. As a result of a recent study, the University of Southampton described one-to-one lessons in the Alexander Technique here (MS Word format) as "one of the few very effective interventions for long term chronic back pain." In the study (MRC ATEAM, Southampton University, 2006), chronic back pain was halved after 6 Alexander Technique lessons. 21 days of pain each month became 11 days-- as measured a year after the lessons began. Although the research is not yet peer-reviewed, this is excellent news for Alexander Technique students and teachers. Please contact me to discuss one-to-one lessons further. Where and When?
Lessons are usually during office hours, 9-5, Monday-Friday but I am happy to discuss other times, especially if local to Ravenstonedale. Is the Alexander Technique Right for Me?If I think the Alexander Technique is not suitable for you, I will not hesitate to tell you. Here are some possible reasons: I think you have a structural injury that it would be better to treat at this stage (using Osteopathy, physiotherapy, surgery or other options.) Rarely, I could ask you to check for a dangerous medical condition before coming for lessons (usually because you have severe back symptoms such as paralysis.) After treatment has concluded, Alexander Technique lessons or groups might be appropriate to stop the injury happening again, or to help you rehabilitate. I perceive you would rather be treated than taught-- some people just don't want to have to think about what they do and how they do it. I don't blame you at all, but lessons are unlikely to help either of us in the long term. Group LessonsI also run two back saver groups for people with back pain, back ache or back injury. You can find more information about these here. If you're really feeling keen, there's nothing to stop you having one-to-one lessons and back saver groups over the same period. You get the one-to-one attention, opportunity to observe other people, and the social aspect of Back Saver Groups. I look forward to meeting you. Nick Mellor MSTAT
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