As early as the 18th century, doctors noticed that workers whose jobs required them to maintain certain body positions for long periods of time developed musculoskeletal problems. At the beginning of the 20th century, F. Matthias Alexander developed what is now called the Alexander Technique in Brooklyn that can help with many musculoskeletal problems. In the last 20 years, research has clearly established the connection between certain job tasks and repetitive stress injuries or RSIs.

The two elements involved here are called static work and force. Static work refers to it the musculoskeletal effort required to hold a certain position. Force refers to the amount of tension our muscles generate. This increase of force is due to the increase in muscular tension necessary to support your head in a tilted position.

Ergonomics is the study of human capabilities in relationship to work demands. Ergonomists have attempted to define postures that minimize unnecessary static work and reduce the forces acting on the body. All of us could significantly reduce our risk of injury if we could adhere to the ergonomic principles.

1. All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures.
2. Where muscular force has to be exerted it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available.
3. Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk and upper limbs.

But, for this to occur one would have to know how their joints and muscles function and be able to change their posture to a healthier one at will. No one develops this sort of highly refined sensory awareness without special training.

One training program that cultivates these skills is the Alexander Technique of New York, which enables its students to put ergonomic principles into practice, and thus helps them reduce their risk of developing an RSI.

The Alexander Technique is not new. It was developed in the early 20th century before ergonomics became a recognized science. It has been applied throughout this century by people from all walks of life. The Technique is an educational method which shows people how they are misusing their bodies and how their everyday habits of work can be harmful. It also teaches people how to avoid work habits which create excessive amounts of static work and how to reduce the amount of unnecessary muscular force they are applying to their bodies.

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