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​People come to the Alexander Technique for so many reasons, such as illness, chronic conditions, stress patterns in mind and body, pain, injuries, lack of self-confidence, pregnancy issues, frustration with limits of achievement at work or hobbies.

​In order for people to make a success of a business they are required to work at peak capacity. Without the health and wellbeing of individuals this is an impossible task. For 100 years, the Alexander Technique has taught people to be responsible for their psychological and physical wellbeing to work and engage with the world more efficiently and enjoyably. 

​Alexander observed that humans act in the world with their individual habits. Habits are automatic, unconscious responses to stimuli. They are learned through repetitive acts. Habits are necessary because of the often repetitive nature of normal tasks in life. Habits conserve energy and give space for life challenges that are not routine affairs.  Habits are goal-oriented. Habits make us feel comfortable with ourselves. We feel powerful.  So, they are pleasant, good and necessary.

The Alexander Technique (AT) is a pioneering method by which to engage with a person’s often limiting habits that might cause problems for health and wellbeing. F. M. Alexander (1869 – 1955) based his physical contact work on theoretical considerations. 100 years on, practitioners of the Alexander Technique still apply the method as it is handed down through three years full time training. What has become of interest is to understand why the method works. 

Doris Prügel-Bennett (MSc) is a dually qualified professional.


As a teacher of the Alexander Technique (STAT), she was fortunate to take part in research projects as part of a national research project into chronic lower back pain, which were conducted by Southampton University, the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), and the NHS. The positive results of these research projects have been published in the British Medical Journal in 2008, and in conjunction with supervised physiotherapy in 2014.


Since 2003 she has been an Associate Lecturer at Southampton Solent University. She also accompanies women through pregnancy and birth as a Doula with the objective to facilitate a physically and emotionally best experience.


Doris is committed to personal and professional development and ethical codes, laid out by the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) and as a psychotherapist with the UK council for Psychotherapists. She offers workshops and presentations in industry, private organizations and institutions of higher education, nationally and internationally.


Doris’s private practice is situated in Eling/Totton, Fenwick2 Community Health and Well Being Centre in Lyndhurst, Pikes Hill/New Forest, Central Southampton.

The Alexander Technique has been practiced all over the world for over 100 years. F. M. Alexander (1869 -1955) developed a philosophy and hands-on procedures that invite a process of awareness in activity and facilitate change. ​

This article looks at the way the practice can benefit sufferers of back pain and how it can be used as a preventative.