Office workers, musicians and golfers are among those who can benefit from a unique form of balance and movement training used by actors including Hillary Swank, Robin Williams and Paul Newman, according to a University of Colorado at Boulder professor.
The Alexander Technique has been used by dozens of successful actors, athletes, musicians and others to combat chronic pain and repetitive motion injury, according to James Brody, a professor at the CU-Boulder College of Music.
Brody has 30 years of experience with the technique and provides consultations for students as part of a unique program of the College of Music. He also will be among the instructors at the 10th annual Alexander Technique summer program at CU-Boulder July 18-23. Tuition for the weeklong training is $350 and $300 for students. A single-session intensive class is offered July 23 for $80.
"Hundreds of actors and actresses had the Alexander Technique as part of their training and considered it of great value," Brody said. "Everyone from violinists with neck pain to supermarket checkout attendants with repetitive motion injuries can benefit."
Brody explained the technique is not a medical treatment. "It's an approach. It's as much about thinking as anything else."
The technique was developed in the 1890s by Frederick Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor. When doctors couldn't help him resolve chronic hoarseness that threatened to end his career, Alexander began studying himself to find the source of his difficulties. He developed a way to consciously encourage and maintain proper balance in his entire neuromuscular system that aided breathing, posture, joint movement and overall health.
Brody said the technique fills in the gaps left by therapies and other solutions to chronic pain. "I've consulted with office workers who remained in pain despite being physically active, receiving physical therapy and having their workspaces made completely ergonomically efficient.
"Alexander Technique teaches movement re-education. It doesn't make any difference how expensive a desk and chair are -- the person using the desk and chair must change their habits to see results," he said.
Children exhibit a natural sense of ease and grace that Alexander termed "primary control," according to Brody. "It's just there, we don't have to work at that," Brody said. "Then you look at adults who've learned how to slump. Their habits become very task-oriented."
The process of re-education is difficult and requires patience and dedication, he said, but the results can be dramatic. "After a while, when you train yourself in the best movement possible, it becomes habitual and you don't have to worry about it."
Brody said the CU-Boulder College of Music's musician wellness program is among the first of its kind in the country. Â鶹ÒùÔº consult with Brody, with medical professionals at the student health center and a psychotherapist, all of whom are trained in Alexander Technique principles.
"When people who are musicians or athletes are injured, frequently there is a psychological component," Brody said. "This is their livelihood. This is who they are. If a musician can't practice for two weeks, they can be devastated."
Brody said efforts are being made in the National Association of Schools of Music to initiate programs like CU-Boulder's at other schools.
When he's away from the music college, Brody plays golf and said the technique is very useful for that sport, as well. "Some golfers will severely distort themselves in the course of a swing, and it's hard to repeat a good shot when you're doing that. You need to start from balance. The Alexander Technique is not necessarily about being still, it's about moving and thinking."
"For most people, when they gain balance - no matter what the activity - the additional capability will assist them in doing what they want to do more efficiently and easily," he said.
For more information about the Alexander Technique summer program, visit .