I’m feeling old, mostly.
My posture is also getting worse (I used to have wonderful posture), and my joints are not as forgiving as they once were. And I’ve heard and read something about the above movement things - but admittedly not very much.
Has anyone done either one? Does anyone know anyone who has done either of them, or something similar? What were you trying to accomplish? Did it work? Is this just a way for someone to relieve me of money?
Thanks
My sister used to do the Alexander technique. She was impressed with the results one can achieve with it.
I’d recommend that you get some references from former clients of the person you choose to see.
I have not personally used either, but my Mom is a classically trained violinist and told me long ago that several of the really good music schools insist that their students be trained in the Alexander technique. There is a lot of room for bad training in violin playing that can end up causing the player pain later on, to the point of damaging their career. Alexander teaches specific muscular habits so that they will avoid those problems to the greatest possible extent. Admittedly, this isn’t the typical perspective on it, and you might not be a professional violinist, but … honestly, if they can figure out a way to work around the horrific shoulder problems that strings players get, I’d think that they probably have good things for people with a more … uh, traditional? … lifestyle.
I have personally had Alexander technique used on me for about three years a few years back. This was in order to relieve back pain I was suffering from. I found the sessions relaxing, and they helped greatly to improve my posture. I probably would carry on going to a practitioner if a cheap one could be found in Silicon Valley, even though my back pain is pretty much cleared up.
If you are interested email me, and I can give you a longish discription of what happens in a typical Alexander technique session.
It is true also that the technique is popular with performers, as it teaches you to stand comfortably without being in any way slouched.
Cheers, Bippy
A friend of mine, a musician (noticing a common thread here…) used the Alexander technique/method and said it really helped her posture. I’m under the impression that the Alexander method focuses on the upper back & neck, as one of the exercises is to apparently visualize your body as dangling from a point near the top of your head.
A year ago, I’d never heard the term Pilades, but now it’s everywhere. I think that it involves strengthening core muscles in your abdomen to help your lower back posture. Some of the exercises (described to me by a Pilades instructor at a loud party) seem very similar to things I’ve learned in physical therapy for lower back problems.
Sorry I can only offer scraps of second hand info.