Case Study - Chronic Back Pain
John G, a senior public servant in his 50's, had chronic back pain.
He had been to his GP, an orthopaedic specialist, two physiotherapists
and a Chinese-trained doctor. A cat scan had revealed two prolapsed
discs. John had been particularly diligent with an exercise/stretching
program, and with trying hard to maintain "good posture". While
previous treatments had resulted in some improvement, particularly
in regard to flexibility, there was still lots of low back and hip
pain; on walking, sitting or standing, in each case within minutes.
As it turned out, a great deal of John's pain stemmed from the excessive
effort required to maintain his overly rigid "good posture". John's concept of "correct posture" involved lots of tension and rgidity.
Initially the Technique brought: (1) release
from pain, and (2) a feeling of wellbeing. John also noticed a looseness/freedom
in the limbs which was new. John learned how to be upright (i.e. good posture) without
excessive tension or "holding up". This meant he was in less pain, and
movement was freer.
There was a positive reaction from others to
both his general wellbeing and the fact that his posture had so
clearly improved. "I now play tennis 2-3 times a week and ride my
bike - these are activities which I haven't done for 10 years, which
I had been told I would never be able to do again. I couldn't contemplate
being able to do these activities even 3 months ago."
Case Study - Chronic Neck Pain and Overuse Syndrome
Forty-six year-old Debra C started Alexander
Technique lessons to see if it would help her chronic neck pain.
She had bulging discs in her neck, and tenosynovitis extending back
over three years.
Debra learned to make links between her (controllable)
habits of use of herself, and the functioning which they affect.
She was able to progressively reduce the vice-like grip her muscles
had held on her neck, allowing it to find a less strained position.
Neck pain, a constant companion for the preceding 3 years, gradually
disappeared. Her arms became significantly less painful. She was
able to sit comfortably for longer and able to write more freely.
An unexpected further benefit was a very noticeable increase in
energy, as she learned to not invest energy in unproductive and
pain-inducing tension.
Case Study - Self-management - Rheumatoid Arthritis
Jackie M, a 47 year-old pharmacist, started
Alexander Technique lessons hoping to reduce pain levels, especially
in her neck. She had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years.
She found that she was indeed able to influence her pain levels
and to be more comfortable in everyday life, as well as learning
a procedure to help her when things were particularly bad. Of course,
the Alexander Technique did not address the rheumatoid arthritis,
but it helped Jackie to cope better. It helped Jackie to recognise
where she had more power and control over her situation than she
had thought. Jackie found there was scope for applying her lessons
in all the activities of everyday life, with valuable pain-reducing
results. Her back improved generally, particularly her neck and
lower back.
An intelligent woman, Jackie had been doing
her best to manage her condition, including paying attention to
her posture. Like John and also Debra, her understanding of what
good posture consisted of, how to achieve it and how to maintain
it, were all based on a series of common but potentially dangerous
misconceptions. Their Alexander Technique teachers were able to
gradually correct these.
