The Alexander Technique and The Workplace
If your job involves spending long hours in front of a computer, you may experience neck and back pain and alternate between slouching and holding yourself up straight, finding neither position to be particularly comfortable. The Alexander Technique will help get your postural support muscles supporting you so that you stop the exhausting and possibly painful seesaw between slouching and sitting up "straight." When you force yourself to sit up straight, you very likely arch your back, which actually has the opposite effect of bring you up. This action pulls you down and puts undue pressure on your spine, a similar effect to slouching.
If you're an office worker using a mouse, a dentist or hygienist cleaning teeth, a hairstylist maneuvering to cut hair or a painter adding fine details to your latest piece, you may experience hand, wrist, shoulder or back pain. Instead of addressing the pain directly by focusing on the hand and wrist, you will learn how the use of your whole body affects how you use each part. Your hand and wrist issues could be related to how you are using your neck and back.
If your job involves heavy lifting, whether in shipping or day care, you may be having trouble with your back and knees. Learn how to use yourself well and involve your whole body in the process of lifting and avoid placing undue pressure on any particular area.
Do you get stressed out at work? So-called mental stress is physical stress. Stress results in strain. They are inseparable. The Alexander Technique will not eliminate the source of your stress, but it can help you prevent straining yourself in response to it.
Click here to read my blog entry about working at a computer - includes free tips!
Click here to contact Lindsay and schedule a lesson.
