What is the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is an educational method used worldwide for over 125 years. It’s primarily concerned with increasing the sensitivity of the sensory mechanisms by eliminating interference within the nervous system, often caused by faulty movement & muscular holding patterns. Equally important is the Alexander Technique’s study of the automatic reactions (habits) to the various stimuli of life. In effect it enables improved mobility, posture, performance and alertness along with relief of chronic stiffness, tension and stress.

Why do people study the Alexander Technique?

People study the Alexander Technique for a variety of reasons, most commonly to overcome problems with chronic musculoskeletal pain, improve posture, general well-being, or skilled performance (Eldred et al., 2015). The Alexander Technique is also commonly used to enhance performance. Athletes, singers, dancers, and musicians use the Technique to improve breathing, vocal production, speed, and accuracy of movement. Additionally, people study the Technique to achieve greater conscious control of their posture, balance, coordination, and habitual reactions.

A 2014 systematic review of trials concluded that AT sessions may improve performance anxiety in musicians (Klein et al., 2014). A recent study found that purpose-designed AT classes for music students may beneficially influence performance related pain and the associated risk factors of poor posture, excess muscle tension, stress and performance anxiety; there were also reports of improvements to instrumental technique, performance level and practice effectiveness indicating the relevance of AT training to musical skill development (Davies, 2020). The AT was as effective as beta-blocker medications in controlling the stress response during an orchestra performance in one study (Nielsen, 1994), and in another study application of the AT to music performance showed improvement relative to controls in overall music and technical quality as judged by independent experts blind to subjects’ condition assignment; there were also improvements in heart rate variance, self-rated anxiety and positive attitude to performance (Valentine et al., 1995).

What does a typical lesson consist of?

Activities in the lessons usually begin with relatively simple (and very habitual) tasks such as sitting down and standing up from a chair, walking, & climbing stairs. From there you can take the skills learned in easier tasks and apply them to more complicated activities such as playing the violin or horseback riding. Workers with repetitive stress injury and/or carpel tunnel syndrome often experience relief when applying the Alexander Technique to their work.

Is there scientific proof of the Alexander Technique’s effectiveness?

Yes, a 2011 systematic review of clinical trials concluded that “Strong evidence exists for the effectiveness of AT lessons for chronic back pain and moderate evidence in Parkinson’s-associated disability” adding “Preliminary evidence suggests that AT lessons may lead to improvements in balance skills in the elderly, in general chronic pain, posture, respiratory function and stuttering” (Woodman & Moore, 2011). Visit the Research page for more.

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