This leaflet explains more about the benefits of Alexander technique lessons as part of your pain management plan. It describes what the Alexander technique is, as well as what to expect before, during and after your lessons.

How did the Alexander technique develop and what is it?

The way you use your body can have a direct effect on how well it’s able to function, especially if you have chronic pain.

• Do you tense up when in pain?
• Do you restrict or distort your movements because of pain?
• Do you hold your breath when pain kicks in?

These are all natural responses to pain which can unfortunately become habitual, causing problems.

The technique, named after its creator, was developed more than 100 years ago. The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) was founded in the UK in 1958 in order to oversee teaching and training.

Qualified teachers will have completed a full-time three-year course, approved by STAT. They will adhere to the society’s code of professional conduct and hold professional indemnity insurance.

Is the Alexander technique suitable for everyone?

Your first appointment will be an assessment with your Alexander teacher. Together you will determine whether or not Alexander Technique is appropriate for you. Not everyone with chronic pain will benefit from lessons.

Attendance at lessons

One-to-one lessons are a valuable resource and require a big commitment. You will be expected to attend weekly lessons, the number of which will be agreed between you and your teacher, but will not exceed 12.

Continuity of lessons is important. If you are unable to attend regularly, please contact us.

What will happen in a lesson?

Wear comfortable clothing so you can move easily.

The aim is to teach you a greater awareness of how you use yourself – sitting, standing and moving in your everyday life – and to recognise when you are using too much tension in these activities. This will be done by a combination of gentle hands-on guidance and verbal explanations.

You will spend some time during lessons lying in semi-supine (lying on your back, knees up with your feet flat on the floor). Experiencing the letting go of some of your excess tension, while lying down being supported by the table, encourages greater awareness of your habitual use.

You will also work with your teacher guiding you to find more ease and balance within yourself during simple, everyday movements.

Your teacher will support you in learning to apply the technique in your day to day life, ultimately encouraging change and improving your wellbeing.

Your pain management plan and the Alexander technique

When you have finished your course of lessons, we recommend that you continue to use your semi-supine audio as a reminder of the principles of the Alexander technique. Reading about the Alexander technique and related topics is a very useful supplement to lessons.

Visit alexandertechnique.co.uk for more information, a list of teachers in your area and relevant publications.

Useful websites

• alexandertechnique.co.uk
• hypermobility.org
• britishpainsociety.org