|
||
An actor, F. M. Alexander (1869-1955) was responsible for the invention of the Alexander Technique, which is named after him. He toured Tasmania and Australia as part of a Shakespearean troupe. When he started having problems with his throat, he developed a method which has put his name down in history for posterity.
As Alexander's throat started becoming hoarse, he began to visit all the doctors he could, wherever he was. It was all in vain for him. There was nothing physically wrong with him as far as they could see, and they could not treat him. Alexander was a stubborn man, and when doctors could not solve his problem, he took matters into his own hand. Thus was born the Alexander Technique.
Alexander worked alone, as no one would help him. He watched whatever he did, and observed his reflection in mirrors as much as he could to determine where he was going wrong. Continuing this practice for nine long years, he devised the Alexander Technique.
His diligence and hard work paid of for him. He recovered the use of his voice. In his eyes, it was as good as a miracle. As an actor, his voice was most important to him. When he formulated this technique, he called it the Primary Control method.
The Alexander Technique is built upon a simple hypothesis. According to Alexander, the upper body, i.e. the head, the neck and the torso are the major determining factors for function, posture, and movement. Anatomically, they control these features.
He realized through observations that the technique of Primary Control could be useful in solving a number of problems. If these body parts were compressed, it could not function to the best of its ability. In his case, because of his poor posture, his voice had become hoarse.
According to Alexander, the correct anatomical positioning of the head, neck, and the torso allows the body to function normally. Alexander Technique is now employed in physiotherapy clinic across the country. Both young and old are administered this technique. Anyone who wants to learn it is welcome to join.
Physiotherapists dealing with the Alexander Technique prefer teaching individuals rather than groups, though groups may also be taught. The routine however is to teach individuals rather than groups. The therapist, or practitioner, teaches the person physiotherapy techniques to help them function in better ways and use their body to the best of its ability.
Alexander Technique allows the body and i's muscles to relax through the practice of physiotherapy. This enables a person to return their body to it's original, anatomically correct posture. Since the technique works upon the entire body and affect the whole form, it positively affects the entire body structure.
Physiotherapy has several areas. Alexander Technique is a specialized form of therapy. Though it only deals with correct posturing of the body, several other problems are also addressed along with it. For those with severe disabilities or medical conditions, this technique is not employed. as there are other forms of therapy which may prove more useful. For minor problems, however, Alexander Technique is like a miracle cure.
Physical therapists help patients manage and recover from debilitating physical conditions that leaves them unable to function normally. The purpose of physical therapy is to help people who have conditions that limit their ability to function in their daily activities. A physical therapist uses many techniques and devices to assist clients with recovering physical strength and range of motion, improving mobility of injured body parts, managing pain, improving posture, and managing physically debilitating conditions. Conditions patients normally suffer can be the result of an injury, illness, or chronic disease such as diabetes. Therapeutic equipment can include ultraviolet and infrared lamps, EMS machines, whirlpool baths, and ultrasonic machines.
Physical therapy consists of a therapist assessing a patient's ability to function, monitoring motor function, improving balance and coordination, increasing muscle strength, improving range of motion, creating treatment plans for the rehabilitation facility as well as at home, and recording a patient's progress. They also instruct patients on how to use therapeutic medical devices such as canes and crutches, wheelchairs, braces, artificial limbs…etc.
Many people are not sure if they are in need of physical therapy. Physical therapy can be used for all neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may require physical therapy:
Sports Related Injuries: Sports or exercise injuries can be the result of training mishaps, incorrect warm up methods, trauma from a fall or other accident resulting in a physical injury.
Chronic Diseases such as Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage covering the ends of the bone wears away. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. There is distinct pain and difficulty moving with these conditions.
Surgery Issues: One may require muscle conditioning and strengthening before or after surgery.
Chronic Fatigue and Pain: An example would be a Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is an aching condition characterized by extensive soft tissue pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and regions of tenderness in the body.
Balance or Mobility Problems: This problem can result from a head injury, brain condition, or trauma resulting from an accident.
Sprains and Muscle Injuries: These injuries can result from slip and fall accidents, repetitive motion injuries, and other incidents causing a physical injury. This can include such injured areas as the arms, shoulder, knees, feet, ankles, hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Neck pain is also an area that can be treated with physical therapy.
Lower Back Pain: This can result from muscle strains, ligament strains, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia and more.
Abdominal Pressure causing Incontinence or Bowel Problems: Special physical therapy techniques can be used to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
Neuro-Rehabilitation: Physical therapy techniques are used after such incidents as a stroke, spinal cord injury, or head injury.
Physical therapy uses non-invasive techniques and devices to promote healing and restore function. It also focuses on health, fitness, and overall well being.
Because of an increased aging population, more people playing extreme sports, and an increased number of people enrolling in fitness clubs, physical therapists are in great demand. Most people can benefit from physical therapy, so it is important to discuss this method of rehabilitation with your doctor.