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Testimonials
Thanks for the lesson. I feel like a new man - very revitalising.
Text from new pupil after a first lesson
My tiredness levels have reduced by being able to move more efficiently.
Peter, Project Manger
Five months ago, I suffered from back and neck pain and was taking very strong prescription painkillers to
manage the RSI (repetitive strain injury) in my hands, all brought on by my 8-10 hours in front of a computer.
My GP suggested I give up my job. Luckily, a friend introduced me to Tanya. Within weeks
everything stopped aching so much. Five months down the line, I am now completely off the painkillers and no longer get
any pain in my back and neck. All this seemingly with no real effort. I can't recommend the Alexander Technique highly enough. It has completely changed my life
and enabled me to keep doing a job I love.
Sophie, Policy Advisor
I had suffered from chronic back and knee pain since I
was a teenager, due to a lot of cross country running at school during a period when I was growing tall which
caused certain parts of me to become 'off kilter'. I had tried other treatments, but these seemed to be
exactly that: I was a passive recipient of treatment rather than an active agent in my own well being.
When I moved to London I
found Tanya, delightfully located on the edge of Brockwell Park. I liked the idea of carving out this space
where I would walk through the park to get there and focus on myself for that time - an easy thing to neglect
in the bustle of a city. After my first visit to Tanya, my general energy levels had sky rocketed, and I felt better than
I had in a long time. There was no turning back and I could sense just how much it helped me in many aspects
of my life - not just my pain and posture.
What I like most about the technique is that it develops an awareness about yourself, and you can take
steps yourself to correct bad habits. The classes themselves are just starting points, or
rather "ongoing points", as through repetition the right way to sit, walk, stand, lie,
climb, look, become habit. I cannot recommend Alexander Technique highly enough and strongly believe that
if everyone did some of it themselves from pre-teenagerhood (when generally our bodies are still as they
should be) many of the ills - medical and societal - we face today would be dramatically reduced.
Tanya is a caring, friendly and empathetic teacher who retains a professional distance, but takes time to
get to know the whole you - if that is what you want - so that the teaching given takes into account your
individual lifestyle. Try it out...you'll soon be converted!
Sarah, Film Maker
My life had
become rather hectic. I had been imposing a punishing schedule on myself and realised
that my body wouldn't thank me for this relentless mix of keyboard work and sport in
the future unless I changed some of my habits. Working with Tanya, I learned how to
use my body and, indeed, live my life in a much more balanced and controlled way.
The Alexander Technique was immensely helpful during pregnancy and labour and is
invaluable to me as the mother of a one-year-old. The old habits haven't gone
completely but I think being aware of them is important, as I am able to stop
when I find myself slipping back into my old ways of doing things.
Gill, Subtitler
I've been having Alexander Technique lessons due to having neck and back pain. I have found Tanya's
patience, support and guidance has been a great help to me. I would recommend Tanya as an excellent
teacher to anyone thinking of having Alexander Technique lessons.
Rick, Social Worker
I've been learning the Alexander Technique with Tanya for a year - and it is
not an exaggeration to say that it has completely changed my life. I'm happier, calmer,
and feel like I have a totally new relationship with my body. Never before have I
enjoyed just existing as much as I do now - just standing or sitting is now a
pleasurable, relaxing experience. I used to suffer from extreme pain in my left
shoulder, but over the past year, this has improved so much. I have tried many
different things over the past decade to help with this shoulder pain - physiotherapy,
yoga, pilates, osteopathy, massage, cranial osteopathy, strength-training,
acupuncture - but nothing seems to have got to the root of the problem in the way
that I believe the Alexander Technique has. I can now enjoy playing my guitar or
walking - both activities that used to really bring on the shoulder pain - without
exacerbating the condition. And I now don't rely on painkillers to get me through
an attack on the rare occasions that I now do get pain. I thoroughly recommend
the Alexander Technique to anybody who experiences physical pain, or has in
some way a troubled relationship with their body.
Rosie, Singer and Guitarist
© Tanya Shoop 2010