Alexander Technique Q&A

What is the Alexander Technique?

It’s a technique for everyone from daylong computer users to professional athletes. The technique helps you become more aware of your posture, takes stress off your body and mind, and helps you move more freely. It helps if you have backache, or a stiff neck and shoulders, if you want to improve your posture, if you suffer from RSI, or if you just get uncomfortable sitting at your computer.

An NHS study proved it can reduce days with back pain by 86%.

It’s also great to learn if you’re a singer, musician, actor, dancer or athlete and feel you’re not performing to your full potential.

And if you get headaches, problems sleeping, or stress and anxiety, use the Alexander Technique to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable in your body.

What should I wear?

There’s no need to wear anything special, just come as you are. Loose fitting trousers are best, and it’s best to come in trousers rather than a skirt. You may well take your shoes off, so socks are handy. You might even win my prestigious “Socks of The Week” award.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes, you can always bring someone along with you. You can also choose to come as a couple, or even as a group, and I’ll tailor the session to suit you.

Does it hurt?

No. Never! Even for the 2400 sessions that were held for the big clinical study in the British Medical Journal, not one contra-indication was reported. In my sessions, we don’t ‘do pain’ and we certainly don’t go for the ‘no pain no gain’ attitude that you’ll find with some other, less effective, methods!

Do I need to see my doctor first?

It’s important to note that I’m not a GP or medically trained professional. Whilst there’s absolutely no need to see a doctor if you’re coming for self-improvement, for those who come for help with back pain I would recommend you speak to a GP first, in case there’s a more serious cause of your pain.

How many sessions will I need?

That’s a good question! Some of my clients find they have no back pain after just two or three sessions, or they’ve got out of their fix really quickly. For them, they are happy to move on, but they do miss out on the subtlety of this fascinating subject.

One client’s sciatica stopped after one session, but another who still has sciatica has been coming for months. It all depends on your current mess, and your commitment to learn – for some a few weeks, for others it can take a lot, lot longer. And for people who come for self-improvement, the sky’s the limit. This is why I offer introductory sessions, and sets of 6, 12 and 24 sessions. Most people take a set of 12, one a week, and then come less frequently after that. Some I call my ‘old-timers’ – they started regularly and have eased it out to once a month, or once a quarter. Some come for for a yearly ‘recharge of the batteries’. Whatever suits you.

Think of this as learning a new skill, like learning a new instrument, and once you’ve learnt it you have it for life, but there’s always more skill to learn!

Are you qualified?

Yes, I’m CRB checked every year, insured, and approved to teach by the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. GP’s are recommended to refer to me because I’m a member of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, and Alexander Technique is recommended by the Government watchdog the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E.).

Only ever choose an Alexander Technique teacher who is approved by the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, which means they’ll have three years full-time training, like me! We’re used to the idea of physicians who can’t heal themselves, child psychologists with unruly kids, singing teachers who can’t sing and football coaches who can’t make it from one end of the pitch to the other. Teaching the Alexander Technique is different.

Before an Alexander teacher can help you, they have to know it inside out. For themselves. No excuses. I’m happy to say I use the Alexander Technique all day, every day, and my results prove it, as my testimonials show!

What if it doesn’t work?

Then take advantage of my no-hassle, risk-free guarantee!

Try out a trial session, and feel the benefits there and then, or pay nothing at all. No obligation!

I’m so confident you’ll enjoy and benefit from your session I can happily offer you this guarantee. You really have nothing to lose (and no-one has ever needed to take advantage of this, so it’s easy for me to offer, but it’s there if you want, you’re free to choose!)

OK, so what do I do to learn it?

Learning the Alexander Technique with a set of six sessions is proving really popular right now, and you can also book sets of 12, 24, or even a one-year pass.

But if you’re not sure then just dabble with my free online course, or let me know how I can help you.

Call me now on 0161 4316977 (you may need to leave a message if I’m already helping a patient) to set up your first session, email me, or use the contact form.

I’ll get straight back to you. If you have any questions just ask me – no matter how daft you think your question is. It’s not daft to me. Go on, get in touch, you’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain.