Using Yourself

The majority of musculoskeletal issues are down to the way we use ourselves. In fact, 100% of Repetitive Strain Injuries, almost by definition, are self inflicted injuries. It's not so much what you do, but how you do it, the quality you bring to the repetitive movement. And acclaimed spinal neurosurgeon Jack Stern MD thinks that 97% of all back pain sufferers can benefit from the Alexander Technique, helping them to change the way they use themselves. He recommends it for his own patients and uses it personally for himself to help with the rigours of having to bend over while performing long hours of surgery.

Old injuries are often hindered from fully healing due to the way we hold tension, and the protection mechanisms we put in place (i.e. tension) for an acute injury often turn into secondary issues later on when we habituate that tension pattern beyond it's initial useful period.

Original article: https://www.alexander-technique-online.com/articles/what-is-the-alexander-technique/