CHRONIC PAIN. According to a recent survey, it's something that one in eight people will suffer at some point during their life (Pain in Europe Survey, 2003). With a good proportion of your time spent at work, it is important that you are not working in a way that may cause this debilitating condition. With our increasingly busy lives, it can stop us in our tracks, which is not an option for some of us who are continually trying to juggle many things at once. More and more you must be aware of your workspace, your posture and anything else that you can do to ensure that you protect your body whilst carrying out everyday duties. That is where the Alexander Technique may be able to help you.

What is it?

The Alexander Technique addresses the causes of pain, stress and tension by concentrating on the body's natural balance and co-ordination. Alexander Technqiue practitioners claim that by paying attention to this balance, you can improve not only your overall coordination, but also other functions that we take for granted, such as breathing, posture, freedom of the joints, staying calm under pressure, and maintaining good overall health.

How does it work?

The Alexander Technique examines the way people carry themselves, move and hold tension and from this assessment practitioners determine the underlying cause of the pain or problem. A qualified teacher uses explanation and a guiding touch to help you rediscover the balance within yourself. Starting by working with simple movements and positions, such as sitting, walking, or bending the knees, you learn how your coordination works, how you create tension and how you can prevent or release it. It is claimed that this awareness helps you to discard bad habits and function more efficiently.

Sarah Bartlett, a Practice Manager from Angle House Orthodontics based in Edgware, had first hand experience of the Alexander Technique when her practice organised an in-house course.

‘It was about two years ago that we had a six week course on the Alexander Technique,’ says Sarah. ‘A teacher would come into the practice on a Tuesday afternoon. It was really helpful for all of us and I still use the techniques that we were taught now. It was mainly things like how to position yourself at your desk and general posture. It is about giving yourself personal time. Then I was suffering from migraines and the exercises really helped me. It was lovely for our boss to organise it for us. It felt like a real luxury!’

Stephanie Smith, a qualified teacher and member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique Council, agrees that it can be particularly helpful for the dental team.

‘Performing dental procedures requires a combination of delicate use of hands, repetitive movement and sheer strength and power, all of which are performed routinely with excess muscular tension. This can lead the dental professional to suffer physical problems and chronic pain. The Alexander Technique is a unique, practical, self-help method that is non-invasive, non-manipulative and empowering. It gives you a tool that helps you understand and resolve the root cause of pain and tension.’

The Alexander technique may help you improve your posture and provide a new way of coping with stress and pain or be used as an aid for rehabilitation after an injury or illness. The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique can provide further information along with a list of UK teachers and courses running across the country.