September 9, 2008 – Compared to conventional treatment and massage, the Alexander Technique – which emphasizes better postural habits – would provide more relief for people with back pain, according to an English study1.
Researchers at the University of Bristol conducted their study on 579 subjects who, during the one-year clinical trial, all received standard medical treatments for low back pain.
The patients were divided into four groups: conventional medical care only (control group), massage therapy, six individual lessons of the Alexander Technique and 24 sessions of the same technique. In addition, each of these groups was divided into two subgroups: the first was prescribed physical exercise sessions (most often walking) while the other was not given ‘instructions for this.
The results show that after one year, those who participated in 24 Alexander Technique lessons reduced their physical disability by 42% – difficulty walking, running errands, doing housework, etc. – compared to subjects in the control group in whom no noticeable long-term improvement was observed. The number of days during which the pain occurred also fell by 86%. Subjects who completed six lessons and who were also prescribed exercise had comparable results.
As for massage, it would have reduced the frequency of pain by 33% without having a significant effect on physical disability.
The Alexander Technique is a mode of somatic education, which can also be called postural rehabilitation or psychomotor rehabilitation. This approach requires active and sustained participation on the part of the student. Generally, the teaching is done individually. A lesson lasts 30 to 40 minutes. The teacher intervenes by verbal instructions and by touch (light) in order to relearn the subject to walk, sit, stand or breathe correctly. It is suggested to schedule one meeting per week, for 20 to 30 weeks. Most people can then continue to learn on their own and apply the new principles in their normal activities.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
According to CBC News.
1. Little P, Lewith G, et al. Randomized controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. BMJ. 2008 Aug 19; 337: a884.
