Originally from New Jersey, I attended college in Boston, where I received a BA from Tufts University and a studio diploma from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts.  I still divide my time between my work as an AT/PT practitioner and my art practice as a studio painter.  

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     At the age of twenty five I was involved in a car accident, which left my car totaled, and me with neck and back pain and severe headaches.  I was unable to work while suffering with these chronic symptoms.  I tried everything I found available in Boston in 1985. That included physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic work.  A year and a half later, still in pain and at my wit's end, I decided to seriously consider the suggestion of a friend and try something called the Alexander Technique (AT).  "Just look at my 83 year old mother!  Just like you, she had a car accident years ago and was miserable until taking some AT lessons, now she is better than before!"  Skeptical, I nevertheless decided to give AT a try.  What I experienced was hands-on work that lead quickly to mysterious and dramatic relief from my symptoms.

 

     My lessons helped to reduce my symptoms and helped me understand why I was suffering.  Through these initial lessons I learned how to think and move in more comfortable ways and to my surprise, to use my mind and body with an ease I hadn't known in a long time.  I discovered that chronic pain is often not the direct result of injury, but caused by maladaptive habits that develop to compensate for injury.  These habits need to be unlearned and replaced by healthy ones, and this is where the Alexander teacher can be of tremendous help.  As much as I wanted to help myself and be better, I needed the skills offered by my teacher to accurately assess and help me improve my posture and movement habits.  This close collaboration between student and teacher resulted in lasting and positive change.

 

     After taking lessons from several teachers in Boston and Providence, I decided to make the Alexander Technique my career.  I moved to Northampton, MA to join a then new three-year teacher training program, run by Missy Vineyard, called the Alexander Technique School of New England (since closed).  Then twelve years ago I wished to broaden my knowledge and diagnostic skills and completed a masters degree in physical therapy at American International College in Springfield.  Once licensed as a PT, I worked part time at a nearby orthopedic clinic and also maintained a private practice in Florence, Northampton, where I offer Alexander Technique instruction informed by my PT experience.

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     In 2011 life changed pretty dramatically.  I suffered a blow to the head which left me struggling for several years with post concussive syndrome.  I had to leave my position at the PT clinic because I suffered from visual and auditory problems and fatigue, leaving me unable to complete medical charts or keep up with the pace at a busy workplace.  However, there was a silver lining.  Just as my car accident years ago led me to AT, my brain injury led me to learn about the brain and to explore many new modalities for recovery.  

 

     What I discovered most dramatically is the largely unrecognized value AT lessons can play as part of a treatment plan for concussion.  Among my current students are several who are learning to utilize AT to help with their concussion symptoms and finding significant relief. As students discover, AT has much to offer toward improving one's visual and vestibular systems and one's spatial awareness.  AT also addresses components of balance and coordination often compromised by head and other types of injury and illness.  In addition, AT offers constructive and simple methods for resting the mind and body, which I believe to be essential for successful recovery from injury.

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     For several years I have been practicing Dragon and Tiger Chi Gong, which I find to complement my AT practice.  When appropriate and when there is interest, I integrate some of what I have learned of this ancient Chinese practice into my Alexander lessons.  Conversely, students often bring their own interests with them to lessons. Whether it be their flute, tennis racquet, computer or walking sticks, we work together to apply a mindful, Alexander approach to one's daily activities. 

 

Schedule a lesson: abbiesteiner3@gmail.com  413-478-7600

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