Physio or Alexander technique
Discussion
Hi All.
Ive been suffering with a bad back on and off for a while and have recently prolapsed a disc for the 2nd time (one lower back one upper).
Since I did my 1st disc I have been doing Pilates on and off and try to stretch and generally be more aware but obviously something still isn't right
I am a tall guy (6ft5) and i spend a lot of time at a desk for work so I know my posture isn't brilliant so I really want to address this.
As I see it there are 2 options. Go see a physio (preferably one with a specialist in posture) or invest in some Alexander technique training.
Does anyone have experience of both they can share?
I've been to the physio before for other things and had mixed results but have no experience with the Alexander technique at all...
Ive been suffering with a bad back on and off for a while and have recently prolapsed a disc for the 2nd time (one lower back one upper).
Since I did my 1st disc I have been doing Pilates on and off and try to stretch and generally be more aware but obviously something still isn't right
I am a tall guy (6ft5) and i spend a lot of time at a desk for work so I know my posture isn't brilliant so I really want to address this.
As I see it there are 2 options. Go see a physio (preferably one with a specialist in posture) or invest in some Alexander technique training.
Does anyone have experience of both they can share?
I've been to the physio before for other things and had mixed results but have no experience with the Alexander technique at all...
The Alexander technique is a bit odd, not sure I really see the point. I had a few sessions for a voice problem, didn't do anything for me.
I see some practitioners now work with animals, canine and equine. Good luck with that.
I now see an osteo for my back. I think It's a matter of trying a few things, and finding a treatment/practitioner that suits.
I see some practitioners now work with animals, canine and equine. Good luck with that.
I now see an osteo for my back. I think It's a matter of trying a few things, and finding a treatment/practitioner that suits.
Edited by PositronicRay on Saturday 8th February 17:21
PositronicRay said:
The Alexander technique is a bit odd, not sure I really see the point. I had a few sessions for a voice problem, didn't do anything for me.
I see some practitioners now work with animals, canine and equine. Good luck with that.
I now see an osteo for my back. I think It's a matter of trying a few things, and finding a treatment/practitioner that suits.
Thanks. That's good feedback on AT. I see some practitioners now work with animals, canine and equine. Good luck with that.
I now see an osteo for my back. I think It's a matter of trying a few things, and finding a treatment/practitioner that suits.
Edited by PositronicRay on Saturday 8th February 17:21
I am 6’6” have been doing AT for years, you need to give it time,it is definitely not a quick fix.
I had about 10 years with persistently bad back and slipped disk but I now have it totally under control, I found the physio gave me exercises to do which I would never consider doing now.
If your bad back is caused by poor posture physio will never be a long term solution.
Have a go at AT, if you persist and get into it is life changing.
I had about 10 years with persistently bad back and slipped disk but I now have it totally under control, I found the physio gave me exercises to do which I would never consider doing now.
If your bad back is caused by poor posture physio will never be a long term solution.
Have a go at AT, if you persist and get into it is life changing.
drgoatboy said:
Hi All.
Ive been suffering with a bad back on and off for a while and have recently prolapsed a disc for the 2nd time (one lower back one upper).
Since I did my 1st disc I have been doing Pilates on and off and try to stretch and generally be more aware but obviously something still isn't right
I am a tall guy (6ft5) and i spend a lot of time at a desk for work so I know my posture isn't brilliant so I really want to address this.
As I see it there are 2 options. Go see a physio (preferably one with a specialist in posture) or invest in some Alexander technique training.
Does anyone have experience of both they can share?
I've been to the physio before for other things and had mixed results but have no experience with the Alexander technique at all...
I've done both and would say that neither has been the best option for me.Ive been suffering with a bad back on and off for a while and have recently prolapsed a disc for the 2nd time (one lower back one upper).
Since I did my 1st disc I have been doing Pilates on and off and try to stretch and generally be more aware but obviously something still isn't right
I am a tall guy (6ft5) and i spend a lot of time at a desk for work so I know my posture isn't brilliant so I really want to address this.
As I see it there are 2 options. Go see a physio (preferably one with a specialist in posture) or invest in some Alexander technique training.
Does anyone have experience of both they can share?
I've been to the physio before for other things and had mixed results but have no experience with the Alexander technique at all...
I would say the people who have helped me most have been a PT and an sports masseur / osteopath.
I spent £360 on osteopathy. I experienced increased pain. I went to a physio who examined me and then said she would not treat me without me being passed by a doctor because of certain specific symptoms.
I went to my doctor who sent me to have an MRI when damage was discovered. On chatting with the consultant, I told him I'd had an X-ray with my osteopath and then described the treatment. He was aghast that she missed the damage and that she continued with the treatment when I told her of my symptoms.
I was given specific exercises on what to do and what not to, instructions to my physio, and I've seen significant improvement. It won't continue improving as my problem is degenerative, but the conclusion - losing use of my legs - has been put off for some years. As friends have said, I might get lucky and die before then. Not only that, the pain has become manageable.
When I gave the instructions to my physio, and told her what the osteopath had done, she said I was lucky to be still walking. I had been told to continue cycling, but it seems that the injury to my lower spine was down to cycling, something like 'c-spine'. It was my preferred recreation and exercise. I'd so 100 miles a week, and in the past over 200.
I went to my doctor who sent me to have an MRI when damage was discovered. On chatting with the consultant, I told him I'd had an X-ray with my osteopath and then described the treatment. He was aghast that she missed the damage and that she continued with the treatment when I told her of my symptoms.
I was given specific exercises on what to do and what not to, instructions to my physio, and I've seen significant improvement. It won't continue improving as my problem is degenerative, but the conclusion - losing use of my legs - has been put off for some years. As friends have said, I might get lucky and die before then. Not only that, the pain has become manageable.
When I gave the instructions to my physio, and told her what the osteopath had done, she said I was lucky to be still walking. I had been told to continue cycling, but it seems that the injury to my lower spine was down to cycling, something like 'c-spine'. It was my preferred recreation and exercise. I'd so 100 miles a week, and in the past over 200.
768 said:
I don't think the NHS website is particularly credible much of the time. It sets out to align the expectations of the masses with services currently on offer from the NHS. You'll often find senior and more experienced NHS doctors recommending treatments that the NHS website will tell you don't work.Sure, there is a placebo effect with osteopathy. Ditto acupuncture. Furthermore both release hormones that, for at least a short time, make the patient feel much better, irrespective of any long-term benefit. But there are enough people who experience results for it not to be dismissed as a placebo.
FWIW the osteopath I use treats me principally as a sports masseur. However, information that he has given me has allowed me to incorporate modifications in my exercise and lifestyle that help me a lot. That advice has sprung largely from his training as an osteopath.
Crack on!
There's nothing contentious in that NHS link. Osteopathy (like physio and chiro) can work for some conditions, and there no good evidence it works for others.
FWIW there are good, bad and indifferent in all three professions, and some from all three verge on quackery.
So go by personal recommendation and see how you get on.
FWIW there are good, bad and indifferent in all three professions, and some from all three verge on quackery.
So go by personal recommendation and see how you get on.
PositronicRay said:
One thing that helps me immensely is exercise. A day in the car or slumped in a chair and I'm reaching for the Co-Codamol.
Can you try a gym at lunch time? Or even a brisk walk?
This is kind of what I was getting at.Can you try a gym at lunch time? Or even a brisk walk?
An osteopath is not going to magically strengthen someone's core, fix muscle imbalances and tight hip flexors you people get from sitting in a chair all day.
Actually doing something about it doesn't seem like very popular advice on here though.
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