Tennis

Paula spoke with an accent. I thought German when I first met this new client, a tennis player, but I didn’t know for sure until she shared her story. As a teenage girl she was sent to a holocaust concentration camp. The few years she spent in the camp left her undernourished which contributed to her Achilles’ Tendon not developing properly. Over time the tendon deteriorated. Paula’s gate was affected. I watched her walk with a limp on her right side, an over use of muscles developed to protect her weaken ankle and foot.

I was aware during the first experience of placing my hands-on Paula, the state of her muscles changed to a lighter easier quality. I understood then that she would respond well to letting go of muscle strain. The next step would be to show Paula, how she could change her overall use with more constancy. We reviewed what her experience was like for her in the first lesson and agreed she would have daily homework of 10 minute self-lessons or constructive rest.

Paula 72 years young, loved the game of tennis, she played often with her husband and friends. She told me she had met her husband, both then in their teens, at the camp. Surgery was not an option. The outcome was not certain, if unsuccessful her ankle would be fused, and if successful no guarantee of full use of the ankle and foot. The quality of her life would change.

Each week Paula returned persistent in her interest. Her progression was quick and full of resolve. I saw Paula for three months, she embraced the lessons like no other person I have taught since. Our last lesson was a gift for me to witness. She knew she had come a far way from our first meeting, as her balance and overall coordination had changed noticeably. Her clear intent and willingness to change habits, explore an unknown, humbled me.

When new students ask me how long it will take to learn the Alexander Technique, I think of Paula. I smile and ask them what they hope to achieve, I know that is the best place to begin their discovery process.

USE
Use can be the overall way in which a person moves or makes use of their body, in any activity they are performing. The overall use can include physical and emotional stress which places strain on the body. How a person uses them self affects the overall functioning of the body as a whole.