Research approves Alexander Technique
This August sees the publication of some research in the online British Medical Journal. It is by the Universities of Southampton and Bristol into the use of the Alexander Technique. The trial involved some 580 patients who were suffering from chronic back pain. The standard treatment is painkillers like tramadol. Doctors also recommend massage. The study found massage produced some benefits but the effects faded after three months. The results of the study show an impressive improvement in the group taught the Technique both over six and twenty-four sessions. There was a lower use of tramadol and other painkillers, better long-term mobility and an improved quality of life. In one sense, this is a surprising result because the use of any technique relies on the patient’s motivation. It seems that reducing or relieving back pain is a good spur to learning. This is a reasonably large clinical trial.
