Avoiding strain and injuries - actors and musicians

This post is for an acquaintance I met through the internet. We had joined a discussion thread on acting and the stress some performances can have on the actors' bodies. As a physiotherapist, I have a bad habit of watching a program and analysing the movement and postures of actors thus predicting potential hazards, injuries and the potential for repetitive strain injury.

A very brief and no doubt incomplete summary of Alexander follows - thanks to numerous references including MedicineNet.com and Wikipedia. Teachers of the Technique would be able to do a far better job than I have here and I do have to emphasise that this is a very amateurish attempt at explanation. Anyway Imba, hope it gives you a little idea about what we were discussing elsewhere!

Definition of Alexander technique from MedicineNet.com

"Alexander technique: A process that teaches how to properly coordinate body and mind to release harmful tension and to improve posture, coordination and general health. The technique is named for the Australian Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) who developed it. An actor, Alexander began his career as a Shakespearean orator. He developed chronic laryngitis while performing. Determined to restore the full use of his voice, he carefully watched himself while speaking, and observed that undue muscular tension accounted for his vocal problem. He sought a way to eliminate that restriction. Over time, he discovered and articulated a principle that he believed profoundly influenced health and well-being: when neck tension is reduced, the head no longer compresses the spine and the spine is free to lengthen. Alexander restored his own natural capacity for ease by changing the way he thought while initiating an action. From this work on himself and others, he evolved a hands-on teaching method that encouraged all the body's processes to work more efficiently -- as an integrated, dynamic whole. Today the Alexander technique is usually considered to be within the context of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)."

Alexander technique can be useful for actors and performers by:

"1. Enhancing movement skills, breath control, vocal production and range of physical and vocal choices.

2. Preventing injury and reducing pain from strenuous physical activity associated with acting as well as daily life activities that can interfere with the ability to act. (***!! i.e.. what we were talking about, Imba)

3. Working with strength and endurance to create powerful characterisations without strain.

4. Facilitating focus and freeing their imagination to enhance creativity.

5. Avoiding personal movement habits that do not belong to a character.

6. Improving spatial awareness and the ability to relate to other actors, props, and sets."

From: Alexander Technique for Actors". This article lists names of some of the actors, authors, musicians who have benefited from using the technique.

For musicians, the Alexander Technique can help the player or vocalist improve tone, coordination, and enjoyment. They can learn how to identify and change patterns that lead to neck ache, back pain, tendonitis, (often common from habitual poor posturing), shallow breathing, performance anxiety and other problems of tension and habit. Even without the motivation of pain, musicians often gravitate to the Technique to help facilitate growth.

...and I can't talk - I have SHOCKING posture!!! Had better make an appointment with my friend from the Cathedral who is an Alexander Teacher!!!

Comments

[Imba]

Thank you so much for posting this information! Ever since we moved here 8 months ago, I've had a chronic stiff neck and I think it's because all the stress and anxiety I have over this move is all going to my shoulders which I've recently noticed (thanks to your prodding) I hold elevated all the time without thinking. Just writing this post I've consciously dropped my shoulders 3 times. This has been a wrenching move for me, and I am hoping to go home for a visit this summer for some welcomed peace and rejuvenation. Meanwhile, I must look into this technique to see if it will help me break this bad habit of mine of tensing my shoulders.

Thank you so much for this distance professional care. I do so appreciate it, and I hope this bit in your blog helps others too.

Dropped the shoulders a 4th time just now. It's like tensing them is their natural position these days. Must stop it.

Hugs,
Imba

[Imba]

Must add that this information is also fascinating just from a historical and health point of view regarding what actors must go through in order to perform.

Thanks again! Have been browsing the link you included.

Hope all remains well with you,
Imba

[Jenny]

My pleasure, Imba! I think I will try it myself.