From Sarah Humphrey, December 3, 2011:

Parkinson's and the Alexander Technique: My Observations

Six months of regular sessions with Malcolm Balk allowed me to develop a certain control over Parkinson's symptoms:

• Rigidity in neck and shoulders: I was made aware of my ability to relax my shoulders and back. Until then I had allowed Parkinson's to control those muscles and to keep them tense and uncomfortable. Now my brain is able send the message NOT to tense up.
  
  
• Posture: I was taught about the importance of the position of the head. Allowing my head to hang forward pulls my neck and shoulders forward and the result would be the classic Parkinson stoop. Now I know how important the position of the head is and try to send the right brain message to maintain the right balance.
  
  
• Gait: As my medication wears off, my gait starts to veer towards the Parkinson's shuffle. I have learned that tightening the muscles in the abdomen and "bum" have allowed me to postpone foot dragging and to maintain a lively gait.

A good massage lasts three hours. An Alexander Technique session lasts for weeks.

Malcolm Balk
Alexander Technique Teacher

Private Lessons
Workshops



Montreal
Canada
514 843 8032
malcolm.balk@gmail.com

Contact Malcolm/
Schedule a Lesson