Posture

RE: Posture

Hi Aura, sorry to have taken a while to reply, but I was waiting to see if you'd get a reply from an A.T. person.
You could ask your GP if he could refer you to a pain clinic - I believe they are pretty widespread. They usually have AT, as well as acupuncture, and a pain psychologist.
Another way in is through Body Control Pilates, as it incorporates AP - I could send you my beginners' advice notes if you like - it's got postural advice. It would be better if you saw someone though if possible.
Hope you'e feeling a bit better,
Sharon.

RE: Posture

Dear Spinal Music,

Apart from trying to remember to hold the bottom of my stomache in, i haven't a clue.
So i would be very gratefull if you would send me your notes on posture.

Thankyou,
Aura

RE: Posture

Have e-mailed them,
Sharonx

Very old thread I know, but...

In the AT, you wouldn't be expected to hold your stomach in, but think about keeping your neck free, feeling the weight of your head, and think about the directions of your back

This doesn't mean much until you have a few Alexander lessons

The thing about the Alexander Technique isnt about what you do, its 'how' you do it. It isnt a set of exercises.

Im not a teacher, but I would recommend NOT holding anything, stomach or whatever. If you have back pain/poor posture then the chances are you are over clinching/holding parts of your body too much without you even knowing it anyway, dont hold more!

If you are a naturally tight person, then its worth looking at the psychology of what tightens you up. What are the most tight spots/lines on your body? Why is tight? can you visualise that area of the body releasing/relaxing? did it release for a second then tighten? move slowly around the body in your head. is there any other uncomfortable areas? why? what are your fears related to that area? dare yourself to let go, how does it effect the other areas, You've got to notice the smallest of changes to make big changes.

The Alexander Technique is impossible to be taught or described over a forum unfortunately, so I would look it up on yell. all the best.

Thanks for your replies. I re-joined as energy3 when i couldn't get onto the site for some reason.
I was told, a while back now, to hold the bottom of your stomach in gently to help support the bottom of your spine. Though i'm not standing by that bit of info as it obviously hasn't helped over the years.
I think years of tension for many different reasons over the years has now done irrevesable damage to my neck, according to my last M.R.I. But i do wish i had of had more knowledge at the start, on how i could of maybe prevented it getting this bad.

energy3,

have you had any alexander lessons?

im sure they wouldnt tell you to hold your stomach. it sounds like some kind of inexperinced pilates talk.

when you say 'irreversible damage'. was that what the doctors said?
or your guess from what you feel?

I really recommend A.T but try and concentrate more on your thoughts and the psychology. its your thoughts and fears that are the main problem in muscular bad habits (the nervous system). if you can use AT to find the 'smoking gun' (the root-fear) causing your problems then thats the best route out of your situation. then the next problem will be to defeat it once and for all - in other words be able to think of it without reacting/flinching. then your life will change forever.

it may sound a bit wishy-washy (i am a very rational type atheist person!)
if somebody wrote that to me when i had my problems (8 year chronic back/ rsi pain) i would have instantly dismissed it. but i know it definitely worked for me.

Matty 30,

No i've never had any lessons. I've been interested in AT for a while but i'm sure i wouldn't be able to afford it.
You're are right about your thoughts affecting your body. Although i did a lot of damage doing sport, i am also a tense person and have always been aware of my anxiousness hurting my neck.
I've been told by my GP and the last specialist that i saw that there is nothing that they can do, and it is going to get worse as it's degenerative. Because of my neck, my jaw is affected now and my back, which also affects my hips.
I still believe though, what you say about changing your reactions and thoughts, could give at least some degree of relief; and believe me i am trying!

its about £30 per session, once a week would be best to start.

if i was you, i'd somehow find a way of affording it because nothing is more important than your health.

also, GPs dont know everything, i found them pretty inept with these types of problems, also the specialists i saw too, when i look back were pretty useless too, they talk about symptoms, not the causes.

im sure AT teachers will be more optimistic about you making a full recovery (although they will probably be thinking it rather than tell you too much to begin with- its a one-step at a time approach).

You can't reverse a disc that has completely collapsed and fused over, which was a part of what was showed and explained to me on the MRI in 2003. Though i agree AT would more than likely give me relief, and help to put right learned bad habits.

Its something you got to show and discuss with your AT expert.

Ive seen some horrific spinal injurys & long term spinal defects fixed in examples in AT books.
I was given a 'no hope' diagnose after shattering my collar bone (it had to be set with bone looking like its poking out of my skin) leaving it hard for me unable to pick up even a mug- electric shocks down both my arms.

now I am much fitter than i was before the accident, never any pain.

All Im saying when you think all is lost, sometimes it isnt.

Sounds like you've been through the wars yourself.
Thanks Matty30 for all your advice.