Medical Research into The Alexander Technique
The first medical studies on the Alexander Technique were conducted in the 1960s, but it wasn't until 2008 that a large randomised trial into how it could help with back pain brought it to the attention of mainstream medicine.
The growing list of studies confirming the benefits of learning The Alexander Technique has led to some NHS trusts offering lessons as part of their outpatient pain clinics. To find our if this is available through the NHS in your local area, please ask your GP.
The NHS now has a page on its website. They list the largest research study to date, known as the 'Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain'. The researchers concluded that one-to-one instruction in the Alexander Technique by registered teachers has long-term benefits in chronic back pain.
You can read the full details here or watch the videos below for more information.
The growing list of studies confirming the benefits of learning The Alexander Technique has led to some NHS trusts offering lessons as part of their outpatient pain clinics. To find our if this is available through the NHS in your local area, please ask your GP.
The NHS now has a page on its website. They list the largest research study to date, known as the 'Randomised controlled trial of Alexander Technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain'. The researchers concluded that one-to-one instruction in the Alexander Technique by registered teachers has long-term benefits in chronic back pain.
You can read the full details here or watch the videos below for more information.
Perhaps the most striking endorse of the Alexander Technique comes from Professor Nikolaas Tinbergen, Nobel Prize winner for Medicine and Physiology in 1973. On learning the method, he said...
“We notice, with growing amazement, very striking improvements in such diverse things as high blood pressure, breathing, depth of sleep, overall cheerfulness and mental alertness, resilience against outside pressures, and in such a refined skill as playing a musical instrument.” .
“We notice, with growing amazement, very striking improvements in such diverse things as high blood pressure, breathing, depth of sleep, overall cheerfulness and mental alertness, resilience against outside pressures, and in such a refined skill as playing a musical instrument.” .
British Medical Journal Video
More information on research into The Alexander Technique can be found on this video by the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
Other research trials include:-
Effects of Alexander Technique training experience on gait behavior in older adults - read more here.
The benefits of Alexander Technique lessons for sufferers of chronic pain - University of Bristol
Self-efficacy and self-care-related outcomes following Alexander Technique lessons for people with chronic neck pain in the ATLAS randomised, controlled trial - further details.
For a full list of all the trials, please visit AlexanderTechnique.com
Effects of Alexander Technique training experience on gait behavior in older adults - read more here.
The benefits of Alexander Technique lessons for sufferers of chronic pain - University of Bristol
Self-efficacy and self-care-related outcomes following Alexander Technique lessons for people with chronic neck pain in the ATLAS randomised, controlled trial - further details.
For a full list of all the trials, please visit AlexanderTechnique.com
Medical Endorsements of The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique remains the best of the self-care strategies to prevent the sequel of poor posture and poor breathing.
Harold Wise, MD, PC, New York, NY
I recommend people to the Alexander Technique who have not improved with traditional rehabilitative therapies. Part of their pain may be due to posture and the improper use of their bodies. Many people who have neck or back pain and have gone through heat, ultrasound and massage with no relief can be helped by learning the Alexander Technique. It definitely works. Nothing works for everyone, as one well-versed in using physical therapy and biofeedback, I know how valuable this technique is. I highly recommend it.
Barry M. Schienfeld, MD, Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine and Pain Management, Community General Hospital, Harris, NY
The Alexander Technique makes sense in that appropriate use of the body will lead to reduction of various musculo-skeletal disorders and re-mediate others which are established. No equipment is needed, just he skill and training of the teacher. This technique is very worthwhile as a primary preventative therapy. It is especially useful when posture is a key factor in back injuries while lifting and for workers who perform repetitive tasks while sitting.
Robert D. Greene, MD, Emergency Department, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT
Robert Rickover, an Alexander Technique teacher based in the US, has recorded a number of interviews with doctors and experts in the field of pain management about the effectiveness of this method. You can listen to them all here.
Harold Wise, MD, PC, New York, NY
I recommend people to the Alexander Technique who have not improved with traditional rehabilitative therapies. Part of their pain may be due to posture and the improper use of their bodies. Many people who have neck or back pain and have gone through heat, ultrasound and massage with no relief can be helped by learning the Alexander Technique. It definitely works. Nothing works for everyone, as one well-versed in using physical therapy and biofeedback, I know how valuable this technique is. I highly recommend it.
Barry M. Schienfeld, MD, Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine and Pain Management, Community General Hospital, Harris, NY
The Alexander Technique makes sense in that appropriate use of the body will lead to reduction of various musculo-skeletal disorders and re-mediate others which are established. No equipment is needed, just he skill and training of the teacher. This technique is very worthwhile as a primary preventative therapy. It is especially useful when posture is a key factor in back injuries while lifting and for workers who perform repetitive tasks while sitting.
Robert D. Greene, MD, Emergency Department, Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT
Robert Rickover, an Alexander Technique teacher based in the US, has recorded a number of interviews with doctors and experts in the field of pain management about the effectiveness of this method. You can listen to them all here.