Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
Below are answers to questions patients frequently ask me about Physical Therapy and the Alexander Technique. If you are new to my practice, find answers to questions about your first visit here.
Answers about Physical Therapy
How do I know if physical therapy is right for me?
Physical therapists specialize in the assessment and treatment of pain, injuries, posture and general problems with movement. Anyone that wants to improve their health and overall well being can benefit from physical therapy.
What should I expect during my initial visit?
For physical therapy, your first visit will include a complete physical therapy assessment and treatment. Gabrielle sees only one person at a time, so you will be guaranteed her complete attention during your visit.
How will I continue to make progress at home?
An individualized home program will be designed just for you.
Answers about the Alexander Technique
How can the Alexander Technique help me?
By taking lessons in the Alexander Technique, you learn how to redirect your body in such a way that you move with greater power, ease, balance and flexibility. The Alexander Technique student learns the skills to change habitual movement patterns that may be interfering with power and flexibility or contributing to your injury or illness.
What is the difference between physical therapy and Alexander lessons?
The Alexander Technique is different because rather than being a patient, you participate as a student- learning a profound life skill that helps you recover and maintain poise and ease in any situation. F.M. Alexander discovered how to improve our breathing and our movement with conscious thinking. The Alexander Technique is consistent with the basic neurophysiology of how the body is designed and is capable of changing.
What should I expect during my initial visit?
For Alexander Technique students, your first session will include an assessment and initial Alexander Technique lesson. It’s important to note that Gabrielle sees only one person at a time, so you will be guaranteed her complete attention during your visit.
What should I expect in an Alexander Technique lesson?
In an Alexander Technique lesson, the student is guided through everyday movements such as sitting, getting in and out of a chair, walking with verbal instructions and hands on guidance. Some time may also be spent on the floor or on a table with verbal and guided movement to facilitate an experience of ease, balance and greater coordination. Once a student has gained some proficiency in practicing the principles, more complex activities are addressed, such as those specific to sports, public speaking, vocal or music performance.
Resources for Learning More
American Physical Therapy Association. National organization of physical therapists with useful information for both consumers and professionals.
Alexander Technique International. Worldwide organization for the Alexander Technique that certifies teachers, has state and country listings of teachers and provides lots of useful information.
The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique. Extensive collection of articles and resources about the Alexander Technique.
Physical Therapy and the Alexander Technique. Articles about Alexander Technique and Physical Therapy.
Research Results. Excellent results for the Alexander Technique published in a premier medical Journal, British Medical Journal.
Mornum Time Press. Publisher of books about the Alexander Technique.
Mouritz Press. Publisher of books by F.M. Alexander and other teachers and authors about the Alexander Technique.