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celloLWF
USA
49 Posts |
 Posted - 03/03/2008 : 18:49:28
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I'm a cured RSI sufferer, a cellist at the University of Maryland, and I am a strong supporter of Sarno's theory. It's how I got better, and how I stay better.
The other day, a presentation on the Alexander Technique was given at my school and many students listened in. The person is a resident advisor of the method. She said all sorts of things that really bothered me:
1. Alexander technique is THE WAY to get over physical pain
2. We must always be aware of how we use are bodies to find the most efficient and thus undamaging way of using our bodies.
3. If you let me touch you gently with my hands, I'll "adjust" you so you will be more relaxed and free
etc.
This made me extremely mad, for it seems to be perpetuating the things Sarno is against. All of it is giving into the "weakness" of out bodies, and then becoming nothing short of OCD about how we move!
I confronted the presenter afterward, in front of many students, and asked her if she had heard of Sarno's Approach. Of course, she hadn't. I told her I got better that way, and she said "you are very very lucky!" I said that tendonitus wasn't actually a real physical problem, (I could have explained that better) and she retorted "IT DEFINETELY IS! I have tendonitus in both of my knees!"
I said, "Well, you should read Sarno's book." She laughed and moved onto the next question.
If Alexander technique is supposed to prevent tendonitus, why does she have it? And why is she allowed to make these claims without any medical knowledge? OR any studies to back up her claims? It's a cult in it's worse form...
Loren |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2008 : 12:24:40
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It's interesting, although I certainly think of Alexander technique as rooted in the physical model, I also think of it as having neural reprogramming components and being fairly non-invasive (no adjustment -- the hands-on stuff is supposed to be showing your body how to assume a comfortable posture). It's not clear to me if this woman is really practicing Alexander Technique in the form that I'm familiar with -- which I enjoyed, but which did f-all for my RSI.
In general these things don't annoy me that much -- Alexander technique does seem to help a lot of people, even those not in pain, to feel more comfortable residing in and using their bodies. But this woman sounds like she is not a great example of the practice. Unfortunately there is little regulation of these claims, much like alternative medicine and herbal supplements.
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It's not 100% belief that's required, but 100% commitment. |
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Jackiethom
5 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2008 : 16:28:50
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I wholeheartedly agree with your frustration toward this woman and the Alexander technique. I too am a musician and had TMS in my arms for over a year, preventing me from playing piano the entire time. Throughout that time I came across many people, and books (for musicians) with similar messages.
I think many musician (students especially) are MORE likely to develop TMS pain BECAUSE of workshops like the one you described because it's conditioning the students to be concerned for their physical being while at their instrument.
I'm glad you recommended Sarno to this woman. No amount of Alexander technique is going to cure her knees. |
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Wavy Soul
USA
779 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2008 : 01:19:58
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I studied Alexander technique professionally for a few years, about 30 years ago, intending to be an Alexander teacher or whatever they are called. What happened for me was that I kept noticing that the people I was working on/with in class were repressing all kinds of emotional issues. I couldn't see the subtle details of their so-called "use" - just their "mother stuff," etc.
So I stopped doing that and became a therapist.
However, I did find great value in the technique. It just wasn't the be-all it was cracked up to be. Ah, but what is?
x
Love is the answer, whatever the question |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2008 : 10:08:20
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Wavy, that's a terribly funny and yet sad story. So you're a therapist? Wow! No wonder you're so insightful around here.
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It's not 100% belief that's required, but 100% commitment. |
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Does the Alexander Technique annoy you also?
