The ASO Newsletter - 43rd Edition

Enabling greater understanding of the Alexander Technique.

Introduction

In this second of a two part series, neuroscience researchers and Alexander teachers, Mari Hodges and Tim Cacciatore continue a conversation with ASO’s Julia Woodman. Tim and Mari run a continuing professional development course for Alexander teachers who want to deepen their understanding of pain neuroscience, and refine their skills in working with people living with long-term pain.

Here, the discussion delves into the potential mechanisms that could account for the reduction in pain experienced by the participants and discuss their future plans for the work. Part I of the series can be found here, and additional resources below include a free publication on the science of Pain and Alexander Technique, and links to courses on Alexander and pain science for deeper learning.

Resources

• The Science of Pain upcoming Course Dates and Link: The dates for the next 8-week online webinar on the Science of Pain for Alexander Teachers are Mondays, Sept. 9 - Oct. 28 at 2pm ET (7pm UK except for last session is 6pm UK).

• Free Publication by Mari Hodges and Tim Cacciatore: Modern Pain Science and Alexander Technique: How Might Alexander Technique Reduce Pain?; accessed via Alexander Technique Science

• Registration for the course can be found here.

About

Tim Cacciatore, PhD, is an expert in the neuroscience of postural tone and its relationship with movement coordination. He was motivated to study postural control because he thought the scientific literature lacked plausible explanations for how the Alexander Technique affected posture and helped his own back pain. His research has aimed to use somatic methods as a tool to reveal properties of the motor system. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles with leading experts in motor control such as Drs Victor Gurfinkel, Fay Horak, and Brian Day at institutions that have included University College London, Oregon Health Sciences University, and the University of California, San Diego.

Mari Hodges, MScMed (Pain Mgmt), TPS completed her Alexander Technique teacher training at the Escuela de Técnica Alexander Buenos Aires and became STAT certified in 2014. She holds a BA in sociology from UCLA, a Therapeutic Pain Specialist certificate from Purdue University, and a Master of Science in Medicine in Pain Management from the University of Sydney. Her interest in pain arose from her own experience with chronic neck and back pain. She is also certified as an Art of Running instructor. She has a private Alexander Technique practice in Montana, USA, and also works as a pain coach and pain educator. In her free time Mari enjoys reading up on pain science, dancing tango, cross-country skiing and playing the violin. 

Julia Woodman, PhD is part of the ASO team.