The Alexander Technique: Mind-Body Practice for Pain Relief

The joy of relaxing neck and shoulder tension with Alexander Teacher HOPE Gillermanclient.

learning how to ease neck and shoulder tension is how you begin

to find your calm

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE: A long-term solution for chronic or re-occuring pain and tension

"With the Alexander Technique, you learn how to release your body's harmful reaction to stress and restore balance. Learning how to destress your body can affect the health of your joints, your breath, and especially your neck and your back. Our habitual ways of sitting, standing, walking, bending and working at the computer is where this strain on the body originates. It follows that shedding these habits helps the body to heal and makes every day movement effortless and pain-free." - Hope Gillerman

Sign up for my next group class if you want to check out how the AT works

The Alexander Technique is an awareness method for observing and reducing misuse of the body with special attention given to the support of the head, neck and back. The result is a more upright posture and deeper sense of comfort and breath with less muscular tension. With the support and expertise of certified practitioner/teacher, their highly-trained hands guide you and help you to restore your body's natural alignment and coordination.

As you experience a feeling of lightness with less pain and restrictions and increased flexibility, your body can heal. The results are both immediate and long-term, leaving you beautifully poised for action.

Studies indicate it is useful for those experiencing:

Back pain, scoliosis, whiplash, headaches and chronic neck and shoulder pain and tension
Balance and movement dysfunction
Repetitive strain injuries related to occupation, performance arts, crafting, and sports

Is the Alexander Technique Right for Me?

Today, there are many individuals that can benefit from a series of Alexander Technique sessions. Some of the individuals listed below represent the common types of Alexander Technique clients:

Actors & Performers

IN the early 20th century, professional actors and people with tuborculosis were among the first to utilize the Alexander Technique. The founder, FM Alexander, was himself an actor who developed vocal production issues that halted his career. After a decade patient examination of his whole body in action he located the source of his diffculty was a stress response in the muscles of his neck, shoulders and back and even in his feet. in 1998, with this discovery, he perfected a way to prevent the pattern that was causing his laryngitis.

Chronic Back Pain

Pain from a back injury can persist long after tissues have healed. The Alexander Technique works with the nervous system to replace an injured neural map with a healthy one.

Artists and Athletes

Repetitive strain injuries are often exacerbated by postural misuse and stress patterns we aren't aware of. As we play an instrument, act, sing, sculpt, paint, draw, work out, or play sports, the Alexander Technique uses a holistic approach to identify these patterns and promote healing.

Pregnancy

Gestation impacts the lower back and the breath as a baby grows in the womb. The Alexander Technique helps you adjust to these changes while creating more space for the breath and for the back to elongate. Postpartum, the Alexander Technique helps women reduce strain while nursing, lifting, carrying, and sleeping.

The Elderly

Poor posture, loss of strength and flexibility, and conditions like arthritis can increase wear and tear on the body. But it is never too late to change patterns. A study on the Alexander Technique and Parkinson’s disease demonstrated how improvements are possible and beneficial, even with a progressive disease.

Kids and Young Adults

Children’s body misuse patterns can begin early or during adolescence. The Alexander Technique can help kids tap into their inherent poise and resilience, improving self-image and building self-confidence.

People with Parkinson's Disease

The Alexander Technique can help reduce the suffering of those living with Parkinson's Disease. Patients have noted the following results:

Improved posture, balance, and gait
Deepened breath to support the voice and calm stress
Reduced muscular strain, especially in the neck, back, shoulders, and hips
Shifting focus away from anxiety
See better results with a PT, OT, or fitness program

FAQS:

What Occurs During an Alexander Technique Session?

During your Alexander Technique session, Hope will help you understand where repeated body misuse relates to your complaints and symptoms, and how to replace these with more beneficial patterns.

The session includes neuromuscular adjustments with a subtle and relaxing touch. If you wish, Hope can include an aromatherapy application using her H. Gillerman Organics® remedies to wake up the senses and prepare the body for deeper release and fuller breath. Ultimately, Hope will leave you with ways to easily integrate your learning into your daily life.

How Does The Alexander Technique Work?

The Alexander Technique gives you a unique and reliable form of self-directed relaxation and functional adjustments that you can use anytime, anywhere. As you progress, your body will begin to automatically switch out uncomfortable patterns for comfortable ones.

This will give you access to a sense of lightness and ease for the rest of your life. The Alexander Technique can assist you when you are getting ready for sleep, working at the computer, going on a hike, hitting the gym, or performing onstage.

What Should I Wear To a Session?

Wear street clothes, fitness attire, or any other clothing you are comfortable in that is not tight-fitting. Comfortable pants and a shirt with sleeves are suggested.

How Many Sessions Should I Do?

Every patient is different, and I will evaluate this for you during your initial 90-minute consultation. Most of my clients take a course of 10 weekly sessions over three months to give time for their internalized habits to change.

Why Do Clients Love the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique teaches us to self-direct the body in ways that become a moving meditation that calms and focuses us. As technique founder F.M. Alexander discovered over 100 years ago, this can help us become a complete and integrated whole instead of feeling like our bodies are a burden.