Alexander Technique for Neck Pain

Neck pain and related stiffness, loss of mobility and flexibility is one of the main reasons people come for Alexander lessons.

Often caused by compressed postures such as periods of sitting in the "head poking" posture characterised by desk workers staring at their screens. The head/neck area comes forward thus compressing the entire body. This basic pattern needs to be addressed to remedy the pattern of postural compression.

FM. Alexander who developed the AT after losing his voice and confounding the medical experts, discovered, after prolonged self observation that it was the habitual position of his neck in relation to his body that was causing his loss of voice as well as postural compression. He discovered that the key to the door in terms of resolving his voice problem lay in changing this habitual pattern. He achieved this through a series of thought processes to "re-programme" his old habits.

Many people move their head with too much muscular effort and tension, thus fatiguing and tensing the muscles. In addition, they may be articulating their head from the lower neck vertebrae, creating reduced mobility and wear and tear. The head is designed to balance lightly from the top of the spine which is located approximately from between the ears.

In an Alexander lesson your head will be gently guided by expert hands into a new poised balance which will encourage your spine to lengthen and your back to "wake up". Pain is reduced through practice of this new poise rather than painkilling medication/strengthening exercises or manipulations.

"My chronic neck problems are now much better thanks to the Alexander Technique. Rachel has helped me improve my posture. Strongly recommended whatever age you are."
A.G. Cheltenham