Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder. With lower levels of dopamine produced in the brain, Alexander Technique can support sufferers' wellbeing by helping them gain back agency. Instead of waiting for the scary next stages, they can learn to be present, cope with the present moment better, and take care of their present needs.
NB! Alexander Technique is a complementary method for better symptom management and mental health support. For medical intervention and counselling, always follow your doctors' advice.
Client Interview I
Thank you to Andrew for sharing on camera his experience with the Alexander Technique.
We have been working together for about 18 months. It has been a fascinating journey full of growth, fulfillment, connection and fun along the way.
The most significant shift I've noticed in Andrew is his increased optimism, motivation, hope, and creativity levels.
Client Interview II
Conducting this interview with Andrew served as another reminder to me of how important it is for us to grow as people in terms of authenticity, compassion, and agency. Without that kind of self-connection, we struggle, and with the connection that it builds between us, everything is possible.
Here, Andrew demonstrates a fantastic sense of choice and autonomy over his health condition. What seems to make it work for him is a healthy dose of self-awareness combined with bravery. Mindfulness can be seen in action. But humour too! Humour that lightens many challenging circumstances.
How do we face our challenges? Alexander Technique can help us develop poise, mental clarity, acceptance and self-compassion when we most need it.
Studies indicate that AT can help people living with Parkinson's manage motor and non-motor symptoms during daily activities:
👉A randomized controlled trial found that 24 AT lessons reduced PD disability and depression (Stallibrass et al 2002), and benefits were retained at 6 months indicating positive potential for long-term retention. (Stallibrass et al 2005). Participants reported "subjective improvements in balance, posture and walking, as well as increased coping ability and reduced stress."
👉A study of an AT-based intervention reported improved postural alignment, reduced postural sway, improved torso mobility, and smoother movement during step initiation, likely indicating better movement efficiency (Cohen RG, 2015)
Read more from the Poise Project.