Maybe we’ve seen the devices designed to assist in elongating the spine – Posture Pump, Chirp Wheel, Spinal Decompression reliever, various Inversion benches and the gyro wheel to the right from 1932!. (That image aside), they are designed to help a healthy, well functioning spinal structure and their corresponding muscles to stretch out and assist in creating more space between the joints in the vertebrae.
What happens if these devices are used on already too tight muscles and compressed joints? There may be discomfort and if pushed too far beyond the capabilities of the body, injury can occur.
When the muscles around the spine are tight, tension and protection, and then pain and subluxations (misalignment of the vertebrae) can happen. Often, our faulty habits win, but we don’t know it.
Where to start?
It’s NOT about engaging your muscles MORE, it is about engaging some of them LESS.
For example, try this:
Sit in a chair or stand with your arms at your side. Bring your right hand towards your face and look at it.
1) Now focus on your fingers and let them be limp and curled in towards your palm. There should be no tone (a degree of tension) in your fingers.
2) Now stiffen the fingers by over-straightening them. Now there is an excess of tone in your fingers and wrist.
3) Now think about lengthening your fingers away from your wrist as if your fingers were 5 beads of light were shining out. This is using your brain to send a signal to your fingers that says I’m lengthening with neither too little or too much tone. What is your experience of this; is it freer more easeful yet actively engaged?
If you have a sneaking suspicion that you work too hard at mastering any skill, you are right. I can help you figure it out. You are probably also moving through your daily life with excess tension as well, which is why we start with some basic everyday movements like walking, sitting, standing, brushing your teeth, or picking up your child.
Learning about our habits in this context paves the way for a more heightened awareness of our chosen activities like, singing, dancing, rowing, playing the violin, or lifting weights .
Welcome to my new website Alexander Technique for Athletes and Performers at www.bettechamberlin.com where you will find all my services in one place. Please like my Facebook Page, Alexander Technique for Athletes and Performers.
Fill out the contact form to book a lesson with me, on Zoom or in person, or call 973 432-5815.
I offer a 15 minute free phone consultation.
