Alexander technique
Does it work?
Proponents of the Alexander technique often claim it can help people with a wide range of health conditions. Some of these claims are supported by scientific evidence, but some have not yet been properly tested.
There's evidence suggesting the Alexandertechniquecanhelp people with:
- long-term back pain lessons in the technique may lead to reduced back pain-associated disability and reduce how often you feel pain for up to a year or more
- long-term neck pain lessons in the technique may lead to reduced neck pain and associated disability for up to a year or more
- Parkinson's disease lessons in the technique may help you carry out everyday tasks more easily and improve how you feel about your condition
If you have one of these conditions and are considering trying the Alexander technique, it's a good idea to speak to your GP or specialist first to checkif it might be suitable for you.
Someresearch has also suggested the Alexander technique may improve general long-term pain, stammering and balance skills in elderly people to help them avoid falls .But the evidence in these areas is limited and more studies are needed.
There's currently little evidence to suggestthe Alexander technique can help improve other health conditions, including asthma , headaches , osteoarthritis , difficulty sleeping ( insomnia ) and stress .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
The Alexander technique teaches improved posture and movement, which is believed to help reduce and prevent problems caused by unhelpful habits.
Risks and limitations
For most people, Alexander technique lessons are safe and pose no health risks. No manipulation of your body is involved, just gentle touch. However, the technique may not be suitable for certain peo
Key principles
The main principles of the Alexander technique are: "how you move, sit and stand affects how well you function" "the relationship of the head, neck and spine is fundamental to your ability to funct
Learning the Alexander technique
The Alexander technique is taught by a qualified teacher (see Finding a teacher below for information about training)in one-to-one lessons. Lessons often take place in a studio, clinic or the teache
Does it work?
Proponents of the Alexander technique often claim it can help people with a wide range of health conditions. Some of these claims are supported by scientific evidence, but some have not yet been prope
Availability and regulation
Alexander technique lessons aremostly available privately.Each lesson usually costs around 35-50. However, in recent years some NHS trusts have started to offer Alexander technique lessons as part of
Risks and limitations
For most people, Alexander technique lessons are safe and pose no health risks. No manipulation of your body is involved, just gentle touch. However, the technique may not be suitable for certain peo
Key principles
The main principles of the Alexander technique are: "how you move, sit and stand affects how well you function" "the relationship of the head, neck and spine is fundamental to your ability to funct
Learning the Alexander technique
The Alexander technique is taught by a qualified teacher (see Finding a teacher below for information about training)in one-to-one lessons. Lessons often take place in a studio, clinic or the teache
Does it work?
Proponents of the Alexander technique often claim it can help people with a wide range of health conditions. Some of these claims are supported by scientific evidence, but some have not yet been prope
Availability and regulation
Alexander technique lessons aremostly available privately.Each lesson usually costs around 35-50. However, in recent years some NHS trusts have started to offer Alexander technique lessons as part of
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