Method of balancing posture and movement, claiming to affect conditions such as respiratory dysfunction and pain (especially back pain). There was also an early study (1982, Knebelman) on Alexander technique for craniomandibular (jaw) dysfunction. Developed by an Australian actor, F M Alexander. It is not a simple technique: to become fully trained as an Alexander teacher takes four years.
Little research has been done, but a systematic review of evidence in 2003 found two well-conducted studies that showed promising results (neither with cerebral palsy, but one with back pain).
Some physiotherapists are also trained in Alexander Technique.
Professional Association Of Alexander Teachers, tel: 01746 761024, www.paat.org.uk
Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique: 0845 230 7828, www.stat.org.uk
Ernst E and Canter PH. The Alexander technique: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Forschende Komplementärmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde 2003 Dec, 10(6):325-9.
