- Email: [email protected]
Alexander Technique
535
Swimming for People with Disabilities
n
by The Association of Swimming Therapy. A & C Black, London (2nd edn) 1992 (ISBN 0 7136 3441 3). lllus. 128 pages. f9.99.
This book introduces the extremely useful Halliwick method of teaching Blowrng a ball water confidence and independence. It emphasises the freedom that can be experienced in the water, and the appreciation of the feeling of movement which may not be possible for a disabled person in any other medium. Recreation and fun are the aims, with the swimmers being able to control their own bodies in 0 0 O the water. Blowng to make a hole In the warer The book is written by the Association of Swimming Therapy (AST)and gives an overview of its structure and work, which would be particularly relevant to anyone who might be interested in becoming a helperhstructor with a swimming club Mouth submerged and blomng dealing with disabled swimmers. The text is easy to read and understandable, and the sections are organised logically. The reader is introduced early to core concepts such as adjustment to the water, breath control, entry to and exits from the water and rotations. This is followed up by some basic physics and Nose submerged and humming hydrodynamics. The latter half of the book goes on to describe some of the activities that can be carried out in groups Holding the breath is not the way to be safe in water. Swimmers are taught to blow in the pool, progress of swimmers, some out every time their mouth comes near the water. One of the diagrams from ‘Swimming common disabilities, helping in the pool, for People with Disabilities’ safety, instructor training plus further different. The figures and photographs working in hydrotherapy must augment reading, names of relevant vidoes and have improved (although some are the this theory and become thoroughly useful addresses. same) and are clear and useful adjuncts familiar with the techniques on a n able. The book is similar in many ways to the bodied model before using them with to the text. first edition, including much useful This book will be a very useful intro- patients. information, but the layout in the new In conclusion, this book is manageable duction for qualified physiotherapists and edition is more helpful and it has been students who are not familiar with the and user friendly with lots of good, slimmed down, no longer including Halliwick method. Hydrotherapy depart- general points especially regarding the sections on running a club and swimming ments would be well advised to obtain a handling of people with disabilities in galas. However, if anyone already owns copy for new staff (therapists and helpers) water. the first edition it is probably not to read. However, it is written for the lay Karen Atkinson imperative that they purchase this new audience and the theory is consequently MSc GradDipPhys CertHT rather elementary. Any physiotherapist one as the content is not significantly
Alexander Technique by Glynn Macdonald. Headway: Hodder and Stoughton, Sevenoaks, 1994 (EBN 0 340 59680 5). 92 pages. f8.99.
This small book has been simply written and is part of a series that introduces complementary therapies for the complete beginner. The author has been teaching the Alexander technique for almost twenty years. This is a difficult subject to write about as the learning is so much in the experiencing, but the author succeeds well in encouraging interested people t o seek treatment. It serves as a useful guide and reminder to enhance explanations given during Alexander lessons. It introduces the subject and outlines the technique as a method whereby bad habits of body posture can be changed. Poor posture habits control the way the body is ‘used’. Retraining with the Alexandra technique allows us to ‘gain the freedom of choosing how we operate, both within ourselves and in the outside world. The Alexander Technique is about making life easier by working with our mind and body, not struggling against
them’. We may become aware of the bad habits we did not realise we had, and then change them for the better. Section 1 begins with a description of the breathing process and how a bad breathing pattern and poor posture are associated, and how their correction are fundamental to good body function. It becomes clear t h a t t h e Alexander approach is to become aware of the faulty habits and the directions for use are ‘what not to do’. Section 2 describes the spiral actions of the body which should be free but are frequently blocked by overheld ‘startle pattern reflexes’. Time is spent discussing problems of childhood, babyhood, pregnancy and old age. Section 3 is of particular interest to physiotherapists and describes in some detail the Alexander way of how to lie down; how to move from standing to sitting and how to work at a desk or computer; it is about a good stance and walking posture. Release of throat tension (seen as central to the system), squatting, bending and lifting are all covered, with useful reminder guidelines. Section 4 attempts to consider practical
guidelines, each written by a n ‘expert’, in such subjects a s acting, cycling, dancing, driving, golf, painting, playing a n instrument, public speaking, riding, running, singing, T’ai Chi and tennis. A section written by a n occupational therapist is also included. It is a pity that there is no section written by a physiotherapist a s some have benefited personally, and are therefore better able to help their patients. Of necessity this section rather generalises and is therefore of limited help to readers as the remedy for improving each activity will lie in individual varied ‘faults’. Section 5 is short and provides information on the organisation and training of Alexander teachers. Section 6 is a useful checklist reminder of earlier guidelines. This book, which contains good photographs, is a useful simple introduction and guide to the basics of the Alexander technique. It is valuable for physiotherapists on a personal level and for the benefit of their patients, or indeed for anyone interested. Susan Hollenbery MCSP
Physiotherapy, August 1994, Vol80, no 8
Swimming for People with Disabilities
n
by The Association of Swimming Therapy. A & C Black, London (2nd edn) 1992 (ISBN 0 7136 3441 3). lllus. 128 pages. f9.99.
This book introduces the extremely useful Halliwick method of teaching Blowrng a ball water confidence and independence. It emphasises the freedom that can be experienced in the water, and the appreciation of the feeling of movement which may not be possible for a disabled person in any other medium. Recreation and fun are the aims, with the swimmers being able to control their own bodies in 0 0 O the water. Blowng to make a hole In the warer The book is written by the Association of Swimming Therapy (AST)and gives an overview of its structure and work, which would be particularly relevant to anyone who might be interested in becoming a helperhstructor with a swimming club Mouth submerged and blomng dealing with disabled swimmers. The text is easy to read and understandable, and the sections are organised logically. The reader is introduced early to core concepts such as adjustment to the water, breath control, entry to and exits from the water and rotations. This is followed up by some basic physics and Nose submerged and humming hydrodynamics. The latter half of the book goes on to describe some of the activities that can be carried out in groups Holding the breath is not the way to be safe in water. Swimmers are taught to blow in the pool, progress of swimmers, some out every time their mouth comes near the water. One of the diagrams from ‘Swimming common disabilities, helping in the pool, for People with Disabilities’ safety, instructor training plus further different. The figures and photographs working in hydrotherapy must augment reading, names of relevant vidoes and have improved (although some are the this theory and become thoroughly useful addresses. same) and are clear and useful adjuncts familiar with the techniques on a n able. The book is similar in many ways to the bodied model before using them with to the text. first edition, including much useful This book will be a very useful intro- patients. information, but the layout in the new In conclusion, this book is manageable duction for qualified physiotherapists and edition is more helpful and it has been students who are not familiar with the and user friendly with lots of good, slimmed down, no longer including Halliwick method. Hydrotherapy depart- general points especially regarding the sections on running a club and swimming ments would be well advised to obtain a handling of people with disabilities in galas. However, if anyone already owns copy for new staff (therapists and helpers) water. the first edition it is probably not to read. However, it is written for the lay Karen Atkinson imperative that they purchase this new audience and the theory is consequently MSc GradDipPhys CertHT rather elementary. Any physiotherapist one as the content is not significantly
Alexander Technique by Glynn Macdonald. Headway: Hodder and Stoughton, Sevenoaks, 1994 (EBN 0 340 59680 5). 92 pages. f8.99.
This small book has been simply written and is part of a series that introduces complementary therapies for the complete beginner. The author has been teaching the Alexander technique for almost twenty years. This is a difficult subject to write about as the learning is so much in the experiencing, but the author succeeds well in encouraging interested people t o seek treatment. It serves as a useful guide and reminder to enhance explanations given during Alexander lessons. It introduces the subject and outlines the technique as a method whereby bad habits of body posture can be changed. Poor posture habits control the way the body is ‘used’. Retraining with the Alexandra technique allows us to ‘gain the freedom of choosing how we operate, both within ourselves and in the outside world. The Alexander Technique is about making life easier by working with our mind and body, not struggling against
them’. We may become aware of the bad habits we did not realise we had, and then change them for the better. Section 1 begins with a description of the breathing process and how a bad breathing pattern and poor posture are associated, and how their correction are fundamental to good body function. It becomes clear t h a t t h e Alexander approach is to become aware of the faulty habits and the directions for use are ‘what not to do’. Section 2 describes the spiral actions of the body which should be free but are frequently blocked by overheld ‘startle pattern reflexes’. Time is spent discussing problems of childhood, babyhood, pregnancy and old age. Section 3 is of particular interest to physiotherapists and describes in some detail the Alexander way of how to lie down; how to move from standing to sitting and how to work at a desk or computer; it is about a good stance and walking posture. Release of throat tension (seen as central to the system), squatting, bending and lifting are all covered, with useful reminder guidelines. Section 4 attempts to consider practical
guidelines, each written by a n ‘expert’, in such subjects a s acting, cycling, dancing, driving, golf, painting, playing a n instrument, public speaking, riding, running, singing, T’ai Chi and tennis. A section written by a n occupational therapist is also included. It is a pity that there is no section written by a physiotherapist a s some have benefited personally, and are therefore better able to help their patients. Of necessity this section rather generalises and is therefore of limited help to readers as the remedy for improving each activity will lie in individual varied ‘faults’. Section 5 is short and provides information on the organisation and training of Alexander teachers. Section 6 is a useful checklist reminder of earlier guidelines. This book, which contains good photographs, is a useful simple introduction and guide to the basics of the Alexander technique. It is valuable for physiotherapists on a personal level and for the benefit of their patients, or indeed for anyone interested. Susan Hollenbery MCSP
Physiotherapy, August 1994, Vol80, no 8