The parent Society STAT (Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique) in the U.K has information about research on its website. However STAT notes that none of the studies are large enough or rigorous enough to present conclusive scientific evidence for the working of the Technique. 

The Technique is primarily educational in its approach and one of the early researchers noted that the Technique is about learning to use oneself well and that all therapeutic improvements were side benefits of that process. 
 

Interested readers can go to :-  www.stat.org.uk/research/ or for research and medical endorsements try  www.alexandertechnique.com/research.htm

Photographs of F.M.Alexander © 2001.  The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, London.

STAT also supplies a “Doctor's information leaflet” to members, (applicable in the U.K.) where the following listed conditions are said to benefit from lessons in the Technique,  "to the extent that the way the person uses themselves (their cerebral and neuro-muscular systems) is a factor in the genesis and/or continuance of the particular disorder".
(Stat publication 1996) 
 

Backache,  neckache,  where posture is a factor. 

Vocal disorders and vocal cord nodules. 

Stress. 

High blood pressure. 

Asthma. 

Hyperventilation. 

Anxiety states.  (including performance anxiety) 

Functional disorders. 

Osteoarthritis. 

Temporo-mandibular joint syndrome. 

Scoliosis.

Migraine and tension headaches. 

Cerebral palsy. 

Multiple sclerosis. 

Parkinson's disease. 

Rehabilitation after stroke, injury, operation or other treatment. 

Prevention of backache in pregnancy. 

Dystonias. 

Non-specific regional pain syndrome. 

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It is also highly likely that hip problems (leading to hip replacements ) knee reconstruction problems, and ankle and feet problems such as flat feet, fallen arches and growths on the feet such as bunions and corns will benefit fromthe Alexander Technique application again heeding the above proviso. 

RSI and overuse syndrome problems relating to the neck,  back and arms including tennis elbow  (golfers elbow) and related conditions usually respond well with Alexander Technique instruction and I have had several students who have found great help with whiplash injury.

Sciatica is another condition that responds well to Alexander Technique. In many cases it will disappear in time and many students report being able to control and modify their pain levels in the process of their daily activities when applying the A.T. principles. 

Neck and back mobility and flexibility are generally enhanced by learning the Technique as are many musculo-skeletal disorders that fail to respond well to other treatments. 
 

Alexander became known as the breathing man around Sydney’s theatre circles and his Technique is widely misunderstood to be a breathing or a postural technique.  However as Frank Pierce Jones pointed out the Technique is not curative but preventive.  (See freedom to Change,  Frank Pierce Jones,  Published by Mouritz,  U.K.)   Many bodily functions such as breathing,  circulation,  elimination processes and digestive processes are positively affected by learning the Alexander Technique but these respond because the interference patterns which are causing their underperformance are gradually eliminated. 

And of course Alexander’s technique came from researching a vocal problem so the Technique is widely famous for helping such conditions as clergymans throat,  or any difficulty in speech production including stammering and stuttering, or drymouth and related symptoms from speaking. The Technique has always been essential for actors, singers and anyone who uses their voice to bring into balance the various mechanisms involved in speaking or singing. 

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SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

Perhaps the best introduction to the philosophy of the Alexander Technique apart from Alexander’s books is available by reading the works of John Dewey. Dewey, widely regarded as America's pre-eminent philosopher studied with Alexander over many years and stated that his continuing good health was entirely due to Alexander's work. 

He also stated that many of his philosophical ideas were merely ideas until contact with Alexander and his work. Dewey wrote in 1939 that, 

"My theories of mind-body, of the co-ordination of the active elements of the self and the place of ideas in inhibition and control of overt action required contact with the work of F.M.Alexander and in later years his brother to transform them into realities". 

From the Philosophy of John Dewey 1939.

Further reading can be found on the web at www.alexandertechnique.com and follow the links to Dewey.