Alexander Technique - Some relief from pain!

[FatJoints]

Hi all, I started 'Alexander technique' lessons about a year before my arthritis kicked in. I had to take a break from it cause I could hardly get out the house with arthritis flares but now I'm back at it and impressed with the pain relief. Everyone's different of course but it helps me with the following:-

- Unecessary pain caused by me being tense and over-compensating for arthritic swelling and pain E.g I have a tendency to roll my feet inwards. I was aware of that pre-arthritis and tried to correct it as much as I could but now my arthritic knees get really painful when I roll my feet in so it's a red flag to move my feet properly and when I do, my knees are happier.

- It reminds me I still have a good amount of movement in my body despite the arthritis

- Gives me more confidence to e.g. get in and out a chair and walk without support

If you've never heard of the technique it basically helps you to move more like the way your body was originally designed to. It does take time to adapt to a new way of approaching movement but I've found it's worth it. It's basically modelled on Babies/toddlers learning to sit up and walk from scratch - they learn to balance their head on top of their body and therefore move efficiently and freely whithout any bad habits which are often picked up later on. I'm now fascinated watching little ones move with their backs freely aligned without tension and squat-lifting things with a form any weight lifter would kill for 🏋️‍♀️

[Hidden]

Hi there!

"It reminds me I still have a good amount of movement in my body despite the arthritis" ..... I think this is quite the lightbulb moment!

The way I think of my disease has evolved over the years, still got a long way to go, probably. But although one thing I've more or less come to terms with is that it IS an all-encompassing disease there is another side which is that it's vital to avoid self-fulfilling prophecies. For example, although my joints have taken quite a battering, I am capable of certain 'feats' of strength and agility. Well, sometimes just making lunch feels like quite an achievement but at others I can stride along, I can lift heavy loads, I can do all sorts of stuff that I might have assumed wouldn't be possible a few years back.

We have a complex disease, that's for sure. And trying new things can make us realise, as you have, that there are ways round some of the challenges.

[FatJoints in reply to Hidden]

Well said, you've hit the nail on the head. We need these wee positive experiences to explore the 'new normal' and remind you that it's not all doom and gloom. It was indeed a total light bulb moment haha. In the initial phase of swelling etc I was so annoyed with my right leg/ankle/knee, I felt like I might as well just chop the thing off. Gladly I've rediscovered that my leg's not quite so annoying now the swelling's settled, I just need to tweak how I use it. My printer broke the other day and I managed to take the delivery of the new one, get it (slowly) up the stairs and then spent the rest of the day figuring out how to unplug/plug stuff under my desk without crawling/kneeling 😂 Was so chuffed I managed it although like a tortoise. As you say, a feat of strength and agility! 💪

[Matilda7]

I've also found Alexander Technique very helpful, I had lessons many years ago and it means I'm more aware of what I'm doing with my body and can try to prevent problems. I now see a chiropractor regularly to put right what's gone wrong!

[FatJoints in reply to Matilda7]

Fantastic it makes a difference feeling a bit more in control.

[Entero in reply to Matilda7]

I'm currently in the process of looking for a teacher as despite doing both yoga and Pilates my osteopath believes it would offer something different. Id be grateful for any tips you have for someone just starting out. Many thanks

[Matilda7 in reply to Entero]

I've done quite a bit of Pilates and have also done yoga for decades and have found both very helpful. As with everything finding the right teacher is very important...has to be someone you like and respect and who makes it fun!