Parkinson’s Disease and Help from The Alexander Technique

Parkinson’s Disease and Help from The Alexander Technique

On July 21st, I will be giving a talk/lesson to the Parkinson’s Network of Mt. Diablo in Walnut Creek, CA about how the Alexander Technique can help those suffering with PD. See excerpts here of my talk, and next week I will have some video of the speaking engagement.

“As Alexander Technique teachers, we are Habit Specialists, or some might call us postural specialists. We look at what you do repetitively, or habitually every day, like standing, sitting, lying down…and we can see the patterns of how you are using your body.

When you were a child, you most likely used your body very well. You naturally balanced your head up and over your feet. You were in constant teeny tiny movements all the time, as you instinctively found your balance.

And then you started to grow up and you started to copy your parents, your teachers, your friends. You started to know what it was like to be afraid of something–like falling down for example…and so you learned a habit–a way to keep you from falling down. The problem is, that habit may hold a lot of unnecessary tension. And that unnecessary tension is causing you pain. Or stiffness. And with Parkinson’s Disease, what that means is that you can’t have as much autonomy and independence as you would like, because your habits or holding tension in your body is keeping you from it.

So that’s where we, A.T. teachers come in. We, very kindly, introduce you to your habits. “Hi! Hi, Habit, I see you now.” We teach you how to press the pause button on them, and then we give you a better way to move with less stiffness, less pain–possibly no pain, and with more control over your body. We are going to teach you how to manage your symptoms of PD.

Let’s take a short look at some of the scientific research behind using the Alexander Technique for Parkinson’s Disease.

 

In a Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease

C StallibrassP SissonsC Chalmers

First Published November 1, 2002

In a Randomized controlled trial of the Alexander Technique for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease done in 2002 (16 years ago)… The Alexander Technique group improved compared with the no additional intervention group. The comparative improvement was maintained at six-month follow-up.

What was the improvement? The Alexander Technique group was comparatively less depressed post-intervention, and at six-month follow-up had improved on the Attitudes to Self Scale. Their balance and control over their body was also improved.

But please do not just take my word for it. Here is an Alexander Technique student with PD talking about her experience using the Alexander Technique.

As you can see in the video, a lesson will consist of lying down, although in my studio, you are not on the floor, but on a massage table. We will work on you learning to soften your muscles and make space in your joints. And then we will work on the things that you do regularly every day–like sitting, standing, walking. We will also work on the activities that are giving you trouble. Maybe getting in and out of bed? Maybe opening your wallet?

Many of my students want to know before they start, how long it will take them to learn these new skills. Of course, everyone is different, but what I suggest is anywhere between 12-24 lessons. In fact, most of the studies done comparing Alexander Technique to massage and acupuncture, find that 12-24 lessons gives you lasting improvement. Which of course is what I am after. I want you to be able to say to me…’Lena, I feel so much better, and I can do all this on my own now! When I stall or start shaking, I know what to do! My knees don’t hurt anymore. I’m sleeping better! I can use my voice better. I can get out of a chair at a restaurant much smoother!’ This is what I want for you.”

Book a lesson today! Let me know what problems you are having in the comments–and I will tell you honestly if AT can help.

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