Evington’s Alexander Technique Studio- A Boon or a Kick in the Teeth for Evington?

After lobbying the company fitting out the old J&A Pharmacy site in Main Street (NTG Solutions), as reported earlier this week, it has finally been revealed that it is to become an Alexander Technique Studio.

The Alexander Technique, developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander in the late 19th century, is a gentle educational method aimed at helping individuals recognize and change habitual patterns of movement and posture that may lead to discomfort or injury. It is often used by performers, such as actors, musicians, and dancers, but can benefit anyone looking to improve their physical functioning and reduce stress (Wikipedia).

According to www.nhs.uk “The Alexander technique teaches improved posture and movement, which is believed to help reduce and prevent problems caused by unhelpful habits. During a number of lessons, you’re taught to be more aware of your body, how to improve poor posture and move more efficiently.

Teachers of the Alexander technique believe it helps get rid of tension in your body and relieves problems such as back pain, neck ache, shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal problems.

Evidence suggests the technique has the potential to improve certain health conditions, but there are some claims made about the technique that have not been scientifically tested.”

Alexander technique lessons are mostly available privately. Each lesson usually costs around £35 to £50. However, in recent years some NHS trusts have started to offer Alexander technique lessons as part of their outpatient pain clinics. Anyone interested should ask their GP whether it’s available through the NHS in their local area.

If you’re thinking about trying the Alexander technique, the advice is that it is important to choose a teacher who’s experienced and qualified.

Currently there are no laws or regulations stipulating the training a ‘teacher’ of the technique must have. Several professional organisations offer courses which can be as long as three years and membership upon successful completion of the course.

All teachers must attain set requirements to be registered with these organisations and must agree to comply with their code of conduct.

In the UK, the main organisations for teachers of the Alexander technique are the:

• Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CHNC)
• Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
• Interactive Teaching Method (ITM)
• Professional Association of Alexander Teachers (PAAT)
• Alexander Technique International (ATI)

Of these, only the CHNC has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

For most people, Alexander technique lessons are safe and pose no health risks. No manipulation of the body is involved, simply gentle touch.

It’s important to note that most teachers of the Alexander technique are not medical professionals. They are not qualified to diagnose, advise on or treat conditions that should be managed by a suitably qualified healthcare professional.

For a technique that has been around for over a century it is sobering to note that it has still not achieved any sound scientific basis to give it wider credibility, and although evidence suggests the technique has the potential to improve certain health conditions and is supported  anecdotally by many, it is possible that any benefit derived from undergoing such therapy is merely a placebo effect.

On a broader issue, what can this new and somewhat puzzling development, bring to Evington?

Can it replace what was stripped out of our community in December 2024, our GP surgery, our pharmacy and our post office? The answer is a definitive no!

Will it increase business for Main Street traders? Possibly, one would hope so by bringing in potential clients from further afield.

Will it provide health benefits to the people of Evington? The answer is that it probably will for a small number who can afford to pay the fees, or those referred by the local pain clinics if the Integrated Care Board approves its use by the local NHS.

Overall, despite the potential benefits, the people of Evington are more in need of having a local GP surgery and pharmacy rather than a private clinic of dubious efficacy.