The Posture Clinic

04/09/2026

The Edinburgh Alexander Technique School is a great place to learn how the AT can help you

Interested in visiting Edinburgh Alexander Training School? Join us for an immersive Alexander experience: 25th September, 23rd October, 20th November & 4th December. More info and how to book here: https://edinburghalexandertraining.com/end-of-week-alexander-immersions/

26/08/2026

A really interesting paper from the research lab of my colleague Rajal Cohen in the University of Idaho, USA...

Does head-neck posture affect decision-making?
While forward head posture (FHP) is traditionally studied in the context of musculoskeletal health and ergonomics, grounded cognition frameworks suggest that postural states directly influence cognition.
A new study published in Behavioural Brain Research tested whether inducing a mild Forward Head Posture alters decision-making. The study found that maintaining a subtle forward head displacement during a decision-making task led participants to discount future rewards significantly more than a neutral position, biasing them toward immediate gratification.
This study offers compelling, peer-reviewed support for the hypothesis that the physical relationship of the head and spine is an active dimension of self-regulation.
Please check out the graphical abstract below, download the paper (free before Oct 7 at https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ndg2brwfUHAE), and let us know your thoughts and questions!

12/12/2025

Alexander Studies Online has posted the review of the year which lets you look back at all the interesting posts we have put out during 2025... take a look and immerse yourself in conversations and written pieces about the Alexander Technique... enjoy!

In our 2025 annual review, we reflect on a year of Alexander Technique inquiry spanning neuroscience, psychotherapy, integrative health research, and the embodied arts. This edition brings together a summary of interviews, research, and practitioner reflections exploring muscle tone regulation, well

07/05/2025

A recent article in the Guardian reported that only a handful of treatments are any help at all for back pain. However, it didn't mention that the research it was reporting on only covered treatments which had been tested in placebo-controlled trials. In my latest blog post I explain the reasons why some clinical trials are placebo-controlled and others not. The Alexander Technique was not included in the research, so I also describe the strong evidence base that exists for the effectiveness of Alexander Technique lessons in reducing pain and disability for people living with back pain. Read it here: https://julia-woodman.co.uk/blog/

05/04/2025

This is my favourite conversation so far that I have done for Alexander Studies Online (apologies to all my previous contributors!)

In this episode, A*O revisits the theme of psychological and non-physical outcomes in Alexander Technique work, as explored in Kinsey and Glover’s realist review (see Episode 19 ). Erica Donnison interviews AT teacher Abi Wright, founder of She Stands , a AT based project focused on empowering gir

30/03/2025

An amazing opportunity to join in with the wonderful, safe and fun atmosphere at the Edinburgh Alexander Technique training school on a regular basis without needing to commit to training as a teacher… of course you might become so inspired that you do that later!

I really can’t recommend Julia’s school highly enough (ok I do teach there from time to time, and was there last week!)

Every month we invite people interested in the Alexander Technique to come and join us for an immersive Alexander experience. Over the space of one and a half days, you will have the opportunity for lots of hands-on work from our expert training team, and for various group activities to enhance and deepen your Alexander skills and understanding. More info here: https://edinburghalexandertraining.com/end-of-week-alexander-immersions/

14/05/2024

This is such an important question that is easy to overlook. How do we know that our values are being compromised? Maybe a feeling of something not feeling right but we’re not sure why? Lesley is one of the most insightful and compassionate people I know. If anyone can help you find your way through an issue that is worrying you, it is she!

Values.... what happens for you when your values are in conflict? Did you know that was even a thing and can affect how you feel? How easily do you navigate conflicting thoughts and feelings, ethical dilemmas and stress that are caused by these conflicts? How bad does it have to be before you take action? Can you implement small changes for you and your horse to alleviate these stressors whilst contemplating a bolder decision or do you need time to ponder for a while before taking any action? My coaching sessions are designed to help you identify what the contributing factors are, where you can make change and what needs to go into a 'bigger plan'. It may be that your horse is already leading the change for you - are you following their lead or does the prospect scare you? I love hearing what the 'bigger plan' is, what your dreams, hopes and aspirations are. Even if you can't implement it right now, very often by getting into the energy of it, the essence of the feeling you can start making decisions in alignment with those feelings. I have some exciting offerings coming later this year.. if you would like to be first in the know and be part of building a community where our horse's welfare, accepting we are doing the best we can as well as striving for better for ourselves, family and horses can all co-exist in the same space, then please come along and join my new Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/366027387270357/edit.

31/10/2023

This is the most recent post on Alexander Studies Online, the website that I am involved with that promotes understanding of Alexander Technique and the research underpinning it. I worked on this post and am quite proud of it (that's me in the introduction video along with Gaby and Michele)

It shows the journey of two opera singers as they talk about their Alexander lessons, receive advice from Gaby Minnes Brandes and then go on to perform a piece... enjoy!

This month we explore the unique challenges that opera places on the human voice as we delve into connections between Opera and the Alexander Technique (AT). Led by Gabriella Minnes Brandes, six video clips and written text explore research, process, practice, and performance in real-time with opera

28/03/2023

This article discusses how the word posture can be misused and misunderstood. I use the term in my trade name to mean the dynamic ability that we have to maintain our upright state by adapting in the moment as required with the least possible effort.

https://www.postureunderground.org/posts/challenging-the-posture-narrative?fbclid=IwAR1VZmrAd6Rrgu6Nx-2S2ObgLhi3egeNKsiJH5RigwK7t7lpeGIFGArDNDw

Until the last decade, if you saw an article about posture, went to a physical therapist, or took a fitness class, you were pretty much guaranteed to be told the same thing about posture: Poor posture is a problem. Bad posture can damage your spine and cause chronic pain. Sit up straight.