“ Having just had a hip replacement and losing confidence in the wholeness of my body due to the trauma of the surgery, I needed help to restore the art and ease of moving without pain. My previous sport’s history had accustomed me to physiotherapy, which tended to fling you about and stretch you to nearly breaking point. With Margaret’s method of the Alexander Technique the emphasis was on balance and common sense mechanics of body movement and on awareness of the best way to sit, stand, bend and move with kindness to your body. The restorative powers my hip and body received cancelled the old sporting adage of “no gain without pain”. I now swim, play golf and sleep pain free. I thank Margaret for this wonderful step in my well-being.”
Joyce Brown OAM Ex netballer. Teacher and sports coach.
In 2005 I had a problem with my left knee and had to battle my way to finish the Melbourne marathon. The sports doctor advised I take up cycling and swimming and cut back on running then my son gave me a book explaining the Alexander Technique. With the help of Margaret Burdan I began having lessons and started to feel much better with very little pain in my knee. As a result I entered the 2006 Melbourne marathon. My training program was very short due to the lack of time (ideally you need six months to train and I had approx 9 weeks) but I was able to run to the 25k mark pain free Due to the lack of training I had to run and walk to the finish line and still came 1st in my age group.
Anthony Martin
“At the end of January 2001, I contacted Margaret seeking lessons in The Alexander Technique to alleviate back pain in the neck area, pain in my knees and help with a frozen shoulder. I was nearly 78 years old at the time.
Margaret’s lessons in the Alexander Technique resulted in my sore back healing. At the same time, the pain in my knees disappeared, as did my frozen shoulder. I gained over 1 inch (31 mm) in height. My tennis also improved through better knowledge of how to use my body, so that I have been able to continue playing good Pennant tennis well into my 80’s. Margaret has also taught me valuable lessons in how to manage my tennis – through “staying in the moment” for example.
The benefits of lessons in The Alexander Technique are numerous and I recommend them to everyone, especially sports people who wish to manage their bodies and their lives better.
Trevor Horwood, Tennis player.
“As a pianist, I have always tended to have back and shoulder aches – indeed, my shoulders were becoming quite rounded with a lump beginning to develop!
I commenced a course of Alexander Technique lessons with Margaret Burdan, and not only has my general posture, sense of well-being and stamina (for the hours of practice needed) – improved, but my piano playing has gained a new freedom from tension, and elimination of extraneous movements. The is has allowed for beauty of tone to flourish further.
Margaret, being a fine musician herself, has a unique perception and understanding of a musician’s physical capabilities, and can stretch these
to allow their music to flow better, unhindered by nerves in performance. She also inspires and encourages, knowing the continual striving towards perfection which motivates musicians.
I am sure these improvements will enable me to continue to play the piano well into old age, and I will be forever grateful.”
Judith Lambden, Pianist.
“With Alexander lessons I am definitely a new man. I am better able to relax even when performing, thus able to concentrate more easily on the task at hand and to be in the moment and enjoy where I am. I don’t just have better posture. Alexander Technique has made me aware of all the sill extra movement and tensions in my body and given me the choice of letting them go, allowing me to perform closer to my full potential. I also walk, stand, sit and drive more comfortably and have gained enormous self confidence through the Alexander Technique. I seems to have benefits in all kinds of situations and I recommend it highly to anyone.”
And.....
“Hi Margaret, Just letting you know how well your advice on concentrating of the soft neck and relaxed tongue worked. Not only did it free me up at Melba Hall and the classical flute imitation but the next night when I was leading a big band at a wedding at Werribee Mansion and I had a dodgy reed on my Alto plus the tension of leadership, I used a similar method and the sound freed up beautifully. Great timing and perfect advice. Thanks. Lok”
Lachlan Davidson Musician.
“I completed my flute exam, gaining a “B”, which I am very happy about. The Alexander was a turning point, not only in technique, but also in mental attitude and focus, which I gained from learning to relax and breathe. Thank you for your professional assistance given in such an individual way.”
Shan. Music Student
“You’ll be pleased to know that I received 2nd class honours for my exam. Even I noticed a very musical performance, though with as many technical fluffs as you could imagine! All thanks to Margaret showing me the lighter side and true meaning of music and “The Inner Game” in switching off that terrible critical side which destroys most of my performances!”
Tara Music Student
“There is no doubt in my mind that Margaret’s skills with the Alexander Technique have enhanced my well-being’ My stress level is much lower, my headaches almost non-existent (after being a fairly constant part of my life for over 40 years) and my posture has improved considerably.”
Elizabeth Stephens. Publisher, Living NOW!
“Margaret, it is very much a case of “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” We had our party yesterday and, except for the brief time I sat down to eat, I was on my feet almost all day, with no pain in my back at all – wonderful!”
Alyson Kosina
“Having six months of chronic back pain because of a disc bulge and a torn ligament in my lower back, my doctor suggested that I sell my house in the country and move to something more manageable. She also suggested that I consider early retirement, as my jot was far too physical for someone of my age. At 49 and living on my own, neither of these suggestions seemed to be an option for me. She then suggested the Alexander Technique, as “posture” lessons may help me.
I was guided to Margaret and found, not only great relief, but was taught a whole new way of using my body more effectively. I can continue with my work without fear of further injuring myself. I haven’t felt this fit for years. I only wish I’d met Margaret earlier.”
Elizabeth Lucas
“I awoke one morning with a terrible pain in my right jaw. After seeing my doctor and dentist, I was informed that I grind my teeth at night and this has caused me to wear down my teeth and obviously caused the pain. Margaret showed me new techniques and since doing them the pain in my jaw has cease.”
Deanna Cooper
“I came Margaret with chronic osteo-arthritis in both knees and a very poor, humped posture that emphasised my barrel shape…over time I have gradually become much suppler in my joint movements. I seem to be lighter in my body (although I know I actually weigh the same as I did before I started to learn Alexander ) and I feel looser generally. My posture has improved dramatically. It’s a good feeling at the age of 64:”
Alan Wheatley, Author
“….I had suffered sever problems with this should in a period of 18 months. Also I was experiencing a lot of neck pain. As a Masseur, these problems inhibited my performance. I went along (to Alexander lessons) not knowing what to expect. After the first 4 lessons ….. my back pain (which I had experienced for years and was not the reason I sought Margaret out) was so greatly diminished the I was able to sleep better at night and sit for long periods without discomfort and pain. ……..I have been diagnosed as a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferer. The Alexander sessions ease the stiffness in my muscles and have relieved much of the pain I previously experienced in association with this complaint.”
Marion Pritchard
