Grant Ragsdale has been teaching the Alexander Technique in Leeds and Hebden Bridge - West Yorkshire - for sixteen years. He is a member of STAT - The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.
The Alexander Technique has been found to be beneficial for such problems as back pain, stiff shoulders, stiff neck, repetitive strain injury ( rsi ), tension, poor posture, anxiety, backache, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, stress, eyestrain, stiffness and poor balance.
The Alexander Technique is popular with practitioners of such activities as dance, music, singing, acting, riding, swimming, golf and tennis - in fact, any activity where improved co-ordination is helpful.
The Alexander Technique was first developed by F.M.Alexander, who was born in Tasmania in 1869 and who died in London in 1955. He used it first to cure himself of a habit of throwing his head back when reciting in public.
About the Alexander Technique

What is the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is a method of helping the participant to use their mind and body in an efficient manner, which reduces the amount of wear and tear on the system. This often results in a reduction of physical pain and an enhanced sense of well-being.

The Technique was originally invented by F.M.Alexander. He discovered that the balance of the head on the top of the spine is a crucial factor in all movement. By adjusting this balance and the relationship between the head, neck and back, the body as a whole becomes better aligned. This healthier alignment in turn encourages an improvement in general functioning, e.g. breathing, circulation and digestion. Muscle tone improves as undue tensions, both physical and mental, are released and a greater sense of poise and well-being should be experienced.

Alexander used the Technique to work on his own voice and breathing problems and then went on to teach it to others. At first his clientele was composed almost exclusively of singers, actors and performers, but the benefits of his technique soon became more widely known among the general public.