Teaching patients Alexander technique has long-term benefits

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Published: 20 Aug 2008
Author: Matthew Limb

The CSP has welcomed new research that shows people with chronic back pain can gain long-term relief through learning to apply the Alexander technique.

Until now there has been little evidence of the long-term effectiveness of the method that is used by some physiotherapists to improve posture and movement.

The findings of a clinical trial carried out by the universities of Bristol and Southampton have been published online by the British Medical Journal.

Study findings

More than 500 patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain took part in the study over a year.

They were given either normal GP care (control), six sessions of massage, or six or 24 lessons on the Alexander technique. A doctor also prescribed half the patients in each group exercise.

Compared with the control group, all interventions showed 'significant' reductions in days in pain at three months, but the benefits of massage did not last beyond that.

The study found that the Alexander technique and exercise were 'helpful in the long term'.

Six lessons in the Alexander technique followed by exercise prescription were almost as effective as 24 lessons.

Developing skills for self-care

The researchers say lessons in the Alexander technique offer an 'individualised approach designed to develop lifelong skills for self-care that help people recognise, understand and avoid poor habits affecting postural tone and neuromuscular coordination.'

A CSP spokeswoman said: 'The Alexander technique is recognised by chartered physiotherapists as a useful treatment and some patients certainly find it very helpful in improving their posture and movement. Physiotherapists will generally support a technique that puts the control into the patient's hands for self-care.

'As with all treatments, the outcomes of the Alexander technique will depend very much on the patient and their condition; physiotherapists will work with the individual to undertake a full assessment before deciding on the most beneficial course of treatment.

'This research highlights the importance of combining interventions, and adds to the body of evidence that using exercise as part of a treatment plan for chronic back pain is very effective.'

• Resources for BackCare Awareness week which takes place from 4-10 October are available here