Alexander Technique and Back Pain Research
You might have seen all the recent articles in the newspapers about some research carried out by Southampton University that showed the Alexander Technique is more effective than massage and GP recommended exercise programme for chronic and recurrent back pain. The results and conclusions from the research (randomised controlled trial) were written up and published in the August edition of the British Medical Journal.
It states in the abstract results of this article that "Exercise and lessons in the Alexander technique, but not massage, remained effective at one year. [no.s not shown] Exercise after 6 lessons achieved 72% of the effect of 24 lessons alone. [no.s not shown] Number of days with back pain in the past four weeks was lower after lessons [no.s not shown] and quality of life improved significantly. No significant harms were reported."
The abstract conclusions state that "One to one lessons in the Alexander Technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. Six lessons followed by exercise prescription were nearly as effective as 24 lessons."
A couple of other comments from the main text:
Under Discussion section: "A series of 24 lessons in the Alexander Technique taught by registered teachers provides long term benefits for patients with chronic and recurrent back pain."
Under What this study adds section: "Lessons in the Alexander Technique still had a beneficial effect on pain and functioning after 12 months." (this was true for both 6 lessons and 24 lessons but is more significant after 24 lessons.)
It feels to me that finally research is proving what us teachers and students have known all along! If you want to find out more about the Alexander Technique just have a look at my website or drop me an email at barbara@unlockyourmindandbody.co.uk.
If you want to find a teacher near you (because Nuneaton and Hinckley aren't local!) then go to the Teachers Association website at: www.alexandertechnique-itm.org .
It states in the abstract results of this article that "Exercise and lessons in the Alexander technique, but not massage, remained effective at one year. [no.s not shown] Exercise after 6 lessons achieved 72% of the effect of 24 lessons alone. [no.s not shown] Number of days with back pain in the past four weeks was lower after lessons [no.s not shown] and quality of life improved significantly. No significant harms were reported."
The abstract conclusions state that "One to one lessons in the Alexander Technique from registered teachers have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. Six lessons followed by exercise prescription were nearly as effective as 24 lessons."
A couple of other comments from the main text:
Under Discussion section: "A series of 24 lessons in the Alexander Technique taught by registered teachers provides long term benefits for patients with chronic and recurrent back pain."
Under What this study adds section: "Lessons in the Alexander Technique still had a beneficial effect on pain and functioning after 12 months." (this was true for both 6 lessons and 24 lessons but is more significant after 24 lessons.)
It feels to me that finally research is proving what us teachers and students have known all along! If you want to find out more about the Alexander Technique just have a look at my website or drop me an email at barbara@unlockyourmindandbody.co.uk.
If you want to find a teacher near you (because Nuneaton and Hinckley aren't local!) then go to the Teachers Association website at: www.alexandertechnique-itm.org .
posted by Barbara @ 12:12 pm
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