- A fourteen degree improvement in my curve – Cassie James
- A practical tool for doing almost anything - Rupert Howe
- I cannot recommend Sara too highly - Phil Williams
- Having a baby at home - Lauren Bloxham
- Learning the Alexander Technique - Anne Smith
1. A fourteen degree improvement in my curve – Cassie James
I came to the Alexander Technique following routine check-up with my surgeon in 2003. I had had an operation for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in December 2000 and everything had been fine up until then. I had been working in an office job for a few years, and all that time spent slumped at a computer had taken its toll on my back.
The appointment with my surgeon served to confirm my fear that my condition had worsened. Facing another operation if it did not improve in 12 months time, I set about trying to find another way to achieve this.
After a lot of research on the internet, I started to learn about the Alexander Technique and I chose to have lessons with Sara. It was really nice to find someone willing to help me without the aid of a knife! After just a few lessons I felt my balance improving and a new ease of movement, where I had previously been tense. My posture has noticeably improved too – I feel taller and the bouts of pain I had been experiencing have gradually disappeared.
Re-learning everyday movements in order to move with using unnecessary force (easier said than done) and knowing when my muscles are tightening and how to release them has made a huge improvement to my life. Of course, the real test was my forthcoming hospital appointment – the x-ray showed a 14 degree improvement in my curve, which is good enough for me not to have to go through another operation.
My surgeon gave me the all-clear to go backpacking and we went straight to a travel agent that day and booked our flights to Peru. I have just returned from South America, where we walked the Inca Trail carry heavy backpacks, and I did not experience any pain throughout the whole trip, which I attribute to Sara’s teaching and “thinking my neck free”
> 2. A Practical Tool For Doing Almost Anything - Rupert Howe