I came to the Alexander Technique after developing repetitive strain injury/tendonitis in my forearms while studying flute and saxophone at music college. The pain not only stopped me from playing and continuing the music career I had started but also affected me while using a computer, writing, texting, using a till etc. I felt stuck as it seemed to close so many doors for me.
I tried many different therapies and followed doctors' advice without much luck and finally gave the Alexander Technique a go. I wasn't quite sure what it was at first but knew after a lesson I definitely felt more at ease and less stressed, and it gave me space to see things more clearly. I began to realise through taking lessons that it was not a condition that could be cured immediately but it was something in the way I was using myself in everything I did which was causing it.
The AT helped me to feel mentally better from the start. It enabled me to take responsibility for the injury and it gave me a way of helping myself to gradually improve the condition.
I trained as an Alexander Technique teacher at the Manchester Alexander Technique Training School, which is a 3 year full-time course, and I graduated in July 2008 and became a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. I now teach the Alexander Technique and also flute and saxophone in Liverpool (visit www.fluteandsax.co.uk for further information about the flute and saxophone lessons I offer).
The Technique has helped me in all aspects of my life and continues to do so.
