research AND RESOURCES
The Alexander Technique in the News
The Alexander Technique has been the subject of peer-reviewed research - and recommended by health professionals, performing artists, conservatories, and everyday people to address a wide range of challenges. Please scroll down to find out more.
BACK PAIN
In 2008, the British Medical Journal published a study finding the Alexander Technique to be a highly effective and economical approach to addressing low back pain, showing a long-term benefit to a small number of Alexander lessons.
In 2010, the Mayo Clinic recommended the Alexander Technique as a means of improving health and well-being.
NECK PAIN
In 2015, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a study finding the Alexander Technique to lead to significant reduction in neck pain and associated disability. The Alexander lessons were also associated with increased self-efficacy, which researchers believe may explain why long term benefits were sustained.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
In 2016, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders published a study finding the Alexander Technique to significantly reduce the pain and disability associated with knee osteoarthritis. The study showed that the abnormal leg muscle function that tends to accompany knee osteoarthritis responded favorably to the Alexander lessons - the degree to which normal leg muscle function was restored seemed to correspond to the reduction in pain experienced.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
The Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation found the Alexander Technique to be a valuable tool in managing idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Research suggests that Parkinson's sufferers tend to experience both physical and psychological benefits following a course of Alexander Technique lessons. Click here to read an abstract of this study.
MENTAL HEALTH
A recent review of relevant research showed that lessons in the Alexander Technique tended to yield a range of 'non-physical' outcomes, including greater confidence, greater sense of empowerment and choice, improved mood, lessening of fear and anxiety, improved quality of life
and increased self-awareness and self-acceptance. The researchers acknowledged that while it isn't possible to truly separate physical and non-physical outcomes, positive psychological changes are much less often the focus of research studies on the benefits of the Technique, and yet no less deserving of attention.
You can also find out about how the Alexander Technique has helped people suffering from depression and other mental health issues by reading this article from the Times of London.
DEMENTIA
There is a lot of fascinating insight and perspective coming out of the 'Alexander Technique in dementia care' research that is relevant to quality of life more broadly, in any circumstance. If you're a 'watch and listen' person, this video interview summarizes some of the work being done from the point of view of helping people with dementia. If you're more of a 'magazine article' sort of person, this is a short and readable summary that touches on how the Alexander Technique can help both caregivers and those being cared for - and includes a window into the tremendously positive results for both in an initial small-scale study.
EATING DISORDERS
People struggling with disordered eating have found the Technique helpful as a means of staying connected to their bodies in positive ways. For more information, listen to this interview with a registered dietician and teacher of the Alexander Technique, who has a good deal of experience in working with eating disorders.
A TOOL FOR MUSICIANS
Read or listen to this NPR interview with a professional musician who used the Technique to help him manage the demands of his work.
The Alexander Technique has been the subject of peer-reviewed research - and recommended by health professionals, performing artists, conservatories, and everyday people to address a wide range of challenges. Please scroll down to find out more.
BACK PAIN
In 2008, the British Medical Journal published a study finding the Alexander Technique to be a highly effective and economical approach to addressing low back pain, showing a long-term benefit to a small number of Alexander lessons.
In 2010, the Mayo Clinic recommended the Alexander Technique as a means of improving health and well-being.
NECK PAIN
In 2015, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a study finding the Alexander Technique to lead to significant reduction in neck pain and associated disability. The Alexander lessons were also associated with increased self-efficacy, which researchers believe may explain why long term benefits were sustained.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
In 2016, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders published a study finding the Alexander Technique to significantly reduce the pain and disability associated with knee osteoarthritis. The study showed that the abnormal leg muscle function that tends to accompany knee osteoarthritis responded favorably to the Alexander lessons - the degree to which normal leg muscle function was restored seemed to correspond to the reduction in pain experienced.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
The Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation found the Alexander Technique to be a valuable tool in managing idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Research suggests that Parkinson's sufferers tend to experience both physical and psychological benefits following a course of Alexander Technique lessons. Click here to read an abstract of this study.
MENTAL HEALTH
A recent review of relevant research showed that lessons in the Alexander Technique tended to yield a range of 'non-physical' outcomes, including greater confidence, greater sense of empowerment and choice, improved mood, lessening of fear and anxiety, improved quality of life
and increased self-awareness and self-acceptance. The researchers acknowledged that while it isn't possible to truly separate physical and non-physical outcomes, positive psychological changes are much less often the focus of research studies on the benefits of the Technique, and yet no less deserving of attention.
You can also find out about how the Alexander Technique has helped people suffering from depression and other mental health issues by reading this article from the Times of London.
DEMENTIA
There is a lot of fascinating insight and perspective coming out of the 'Alexander Technique in dementia care' research that is relevant to quality of life more broadly, in any circumstance. If you're a 'watch and listen' person, this video interview summarizes some of the work being done from the point of view of helping people with dementia. If you're more of a 'magazine article' sort of person, this is a short and readable summary that touches on how the Alexander Technique can help both caregivers and those being cared for - and includes a window into the tremendously positive results for both in an initial small-scale study.
EATING DISORDERS
People struggling with disordered eating have found the Technique helpful as a means of staying connected to their bodies in positive ways. For more information, listen to this interview with a registered dietician and teacher of the Alexander Technique, who has a good deal of experience in working with eating disorders.
A TOOL FOR MUSICIANS
Read or listen to this NPR interview with a professional musician who used the Technique to help him manage the demands of his work.
Alexander Technique Websites
For more information on the Alexander Technique, please visit these websites:
The Canadian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
The American Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (the British professional organization)
Also, The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique offers a wealth of information in the form of articles, interviews and video clips.
Books
The following book offers a good, highly readable introduction to the technique:
Body Learning, by Michael Gelb
(Henry Holt and Company, Inc, 1981)
This book is available from most online booksellers.
"Many types of underperformance and even ailments, both mental and physical, can be alleviated, sometimes to a surprising extent, by teaching the body musculature to function differently."
- Scientist Nikolaas Tinbergen, (Nobel Prize winner for medicine in 1973), speaking of his experience of the Alexander Technique
- Scientist Nikolaas Tinbergen, (Nobel Prize winner for medicine in 1973), speaking of his experience of the Alexander Technique
