Testimonials

 “I suffered from repetitive strain injury 4 years ago and whilst researching the condition, I found out that the Alexander Technique could help me. I didn’t pursue this at the time because I was helped greatly by physiotherapy and didn’t know how to go about finding a good teacher. Over 3 years later, Deborah came to give a talk at the Nucleus and started to give lessons here, so I decided that since my RSI still occasionally flared up, it was time to start learning AT. 

What I didn’t realise was how much impact it would have on just about every aspect of my life. I suffer from Crohn’s disease and asthma – both of which are so mild they are an irritation rather than anything particularly serious for me, but I now have more space in my abdomen than when I used to be hunched all the time, so both conditions have improved. I feel much more confident, much less stressed and more able to deal with life’s problems. Most importantly, I am learning how to use my body better so I can avoid exacerbating my RSI in the future. 

The most interesting lesson for me so far has been on my bicycle. Just a few words from Deborah and I was no longer sitting hunched, putting far too much effort into tensing my arms and gripping the handlebars with my knees almost knocking together. I learnt to think tall, relax my hands and lead with my heels, all of which instantly gave me a much more natural and relaxed position for cycling.”

Kim, Lab Technician        

“After attending an introductory course at the local college, I decided to have some one to one lessons with Deborah. I immediately noticed an improvement in my breathing and general well being, I have noticed other changes too, mainly that I have much less tension on a daily basis and I am more flexible. My confidence and my golf are constantly improving, and I am much less likely to feel back pain after a day on the golf course”. 

Gordon, Retired

“I first read about the Alexander Technique in a book outlining how someone had overcome neuropathic pain and stayed pain free using the Technique. I had been suffering from shoulder pain which was eased by both osteopathy and physiotherapy, but would return a few weeks after treatment. In the interest of both my shoulder and my bank balance I was keen to find a way of preventing this recurrence.  The Alexander Technique sounded interesting and I decided to give it a try.  

I contacted Deborah and initial lessons showed me that the way I was using my body was causing my shoulder pain, and that I would have to change the way I thought about movement to prevent the pain coming back. It all made perfect sense I needed to form new ‘good’ habits, but to start with it seemed an impossible task – just something else to remember!  

I managed to persevere however and the benefits have far out-weighed the efforts. I now find my focus has shifted away from my shoulder as it no longer causes me pain and have managed to use the Alexander Technique to become calmer and less stressed. It also enables me to maintain an improved sense of well-being. Thanks Deborah!”

Nicky. Head of Biological Research

“I have had back problems since my early 20s. 

Over the last six years I have tried everything to get rid of the pain. I have visited several doctors; some gave me pain killers, some referred me to physiotherapy, others just said; "Backs aren't perfect, keep mobile". I tried osteopathy too which did cure the pains for a day or two after treatment but I would come back the next month with the same aches and pains, I even had my back x-rayed! I have always wanted to prevent the back pain rather than cure it.

Alexander Technique has made me realise that everyday movements like sitting, standing, driving and bending have a big impact on my body, especially my back. At the one to one sessions I learn something new each time which I am able to take away, think about and apply to my life and, guess what? My back doesn't hurt anymore! 

 A few weeks ago my partner suddenly said, "You haven't mentioned your back pain recently, you used to mention it every day!"  

In two or three months Alexander Technique has taken away the pain I had had for six years and now I feel more relaxed and my back feels like its getting stronger and stronger.” 

Roz, Marketing and Business Manager

“I arrived at Deborah’s via orthopaedic surgeons, physios and chiropractors.  At six feet tall and with a dangerous set of hobbies my back and neck were in pretty poor shape.  I was in constant pain after a neck injury and had endured a lifetime of lower back difficulties.  Resigned to continued inertia from the medical profession I decided to invest in some Alexander lessons in an effort to find a way of relieving the pain. 

After a series of lessons over 4 months, Deborah has been able to get me moving in a way that prevents pain from setting in.  She has also provided me with insights that enable me to protect my back and neck from further damage. 

I know I feel different, but the loudest advocate for the changes in me is my horse.  He tells me I am straighter and more equal by going straighter and with more freedom than ever before.   

The best thing about the Alexander Technique is that over time you become less conscious of the changes you are making.  I don’t have to think anymore about the details of moving differently… it seems to come naturally.  The skills I have learned from Deborah are with me to stay so I am confident that, with occasional refresher lessons, I can now maintain a healthy, pain free neck and back.” 

Helen, Horse rider and stable owner

“I used to live my life planning for tomorrow, and after half a dozen lessons I realised that I should slow down and live for today. 

I drive about 25,000 miles a year and was suffering constant back pains and other aches and pains. Through the techniques learned in my Alexander lessons I have now eliminated my back pains.  I have been given ways to become more aware of what is happening to me whist driving to ensure I keep physically healthy. 

I knew I’d changed when I spent time one day looking at all the pictures in my house and listening to the sound of birds singing whilst waiting for a train. I’d calmed my life down by becoming aware of the things that were important. 

I use to be very task oriented and expended huge amounts of mental and physical energy at home and at work by working through long lists of tasks that I thought I should achieve. After my first lessons with Deborah, I wondered what I’d let myself in for, but after a few lessons it became clear that there were enormous benefits to be gained by changing the way I moved and thought. Through the Alexander Technique it became clear that I could achieve the same things using less energy and without the physical impact on my body. I am now more calm and relaxed and have more energy to do the things I really want to do.” 

Andrew, Business Development Director

“I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in December 2004. I had a lot of pain and I found it difficult to walk. In February 2005 I had an MRI scan, I was taking anti inflammatory drugs which helped for a while, and I was very short of breath. 

I decided after 19 years of being a housewife I started part-time, from 9am till 1pm, I felt great mentally, but I would get home and be extremely exhausted. I was enjoying the job and I found I didn’t have time to worry about my pain so much, although the Fibromyalgia was still very much in control of me.  

In September decided I would give The Alexander Technique a try as my early morning pain was getting worse, I was having great difficulty getting out of bed, then to get my body moving, and I was finding it very stressful to get up and down the stairs (I was actually contemplating a stair lift). After 10 lessons I feel fantastic, Positive directed thinking and learning how to relax my whole body has changed my life. I have learnt to think about how I am going to move my body with as little pain as possible and catch myself thinking “you did that wrong” when in pain. I am also aware that when I’m in a stressful situation I can immediately feel my neck and shoulders stiffen, so with the directed thinking I have learnt, I just drop my shoulders, lengthen my neck and relax. 

For me, I now control my Fibromyalgia with The Alexander Technique and my positive thinking.” 

Linda. Shop assistant and housewife

“I began to noticed pain and stiffness in my right hip in my early forties and I was diagnosed with having osteoarthritis. Nine years later my right hip was successfully replaced, followed by the left hip four years ago. Coping with pain is debilitating, but I also had to cope with many family problems. I was diagnosed with clinical depression.  

Although medication has helped, years of stress left me mentally and physically withdrawn. I attended a talk on the Alexander Technique which left me feeling energised and in control. After having lessons with Deborah, I have found myself again. My body has been allowed to work efficiently again. It has been re-educated. I can now stand tall with my shoulders wide. I can breathe deeply. Each part of my body works in sympathy with all others. I am more flexible and supple. I am in control.” 

Irene. Retired teacher

“After 8 lessons, recurrent headaches caused by a stiff neck have reduced considerably.  The other major benefit has been being able to breathe more easily through my nose, leading to, amongst other benefits, a better singing voice. The only other side effect noted was to go up in my jacket size by an inch, due to an expanded chest!

Further lessons have helped me to successfully negotiate the tension and fatigue from driving long distances, as I am able to recognise and prevent unwanted strain.

My staff have benefited from an introductory talk from Deborah, some of whom are now having lessons.

We were also able to purchase some saddle seats which have proved invaluable in helping us to maintain our uprightness throughout the working day." 

Giles.  Management Consultant

Clea.  Antenatal Teacher

email: deborah.coote2@btopenworld.com

Copyright © 2007 Deborah Coote
Date last edited: 22-03-2008