The Alexander technique deals with whiplash symptoms in a subtle and effective way

Therapies such as the Alexander technique are a subtle method of integrating the body and mind to achieve corporal efficiency with minimum stress and tension. It can be extremely effective in sensitive areas of the body for the treatment of injuries such as whiplash.

Unlike deeper, more pervasive treatments like deep tissue manipulation and massage, the Alexander technique focuses on small movements that slowly adjust body habits.

Somebody practicing the Alexander technique can do it themselves sitting in the chair at work or in the car, by moving their head and neck in certain positions. The idea is to raise awareness and correct movement and postural habits. Neck tension caused by whiplash from a road traffic accident can be released in this way.

The technique was created by Frederick Matthias Alexander in Australia in the 1890s. Alexander faced a problem as a young actor which could have brought his career to a standstill - his voice would become increasingly hoarse during performances until he could barely produce any sound at all.

Doctors could not help him so he decided to take matters into his own hands. Determined to restore the full use of his voice, he watched himself while speaking and saw that muscular tension contributed to his vocal problem. He then needed to find a way to eliminate that restriction.

He discovered that when neck tension is reduced, the head no longer compresses the spine, which is free to lengthen. He managed to restore his own capacity for ease of movement by changing the way he thought while initiating an action.

In the same way, whiplash symptoms such as neck tension can be reduced and released through postural awareness and movement.

How to do the Alexander technique

1. Sit in a chair.
2. Find a position you are comfortable in and notice how you are sitting - upright, slouching, to one side or another? Make a note.
3. Stand up.
4. How did you feel when you were standing up? How did the action occur? Did you place your hands on the arms of the chair and force yourself to stand up?
5. Sit down. Sit upright in the chair and relax your head. Think about a line travelling through the top of your head.
6. Stand up, without touching your thighs or knees or using anything to lever yourself upwards. Just lean forwards and tilt the imaginary line so that it continues to direct the body upwards and forwards.

Whiplash compensation
Although the majority of people recover from whiplash fairly quickly, it can take some time for the body to adjust to the movement created during a car accident and if left untreated, the injury can worsen. Compound side-effects can occur including neurological and emotional disorders.

If the accident you were involved in was caused by somebody else, you could be in a position to make a compensation claim.

Making a whiplash claim through YouClaim is totally cost-free and you won't be asked to pay anything at any time. Unlike a lot of claim firms, we won't even take a cut of your compensation and you can keep 100 % of anything awarded.

So call our team now on 0800 10 757 95 and we'll answer any questions you may have in plain English with no legal jargon.