Interesting that " The Alexander Principle is a concept that physical therapists have been using for years."
But in my experience, most PTs have never heard of the Technique, which has been around since 1880.
I went to a PT as prescribed by my MD for a little problem. Perfectly nice woman, who told me it would take six months to fix my difficulty. After two sessions with her, however, during which time I would not allow her to touch me, the condition went away, 100% cured. I did not do the exercises she prescribed either.
So what happened? Well, she had excellent intentions and good information. And I have a highly sophisticated body sense after taking lessons and teaching Alexander for almost 30 years. (See my post #36 on this thread.) The head leads, the body follows, in the most subtle and powerful way.
Sadly, there is a mounting problem with untrained or poorly trained Alexander teachers today. Some noonteachrs even have excellent positions, ie in my state university, one bills herself as a professor of the Alexander Technique. Not so. She has an MFA, which entitles her to teach in the drama department, but as far as Alexander, all she does it get people to walk around with their necks extended. Very poor! Alexander is not about craning one's neck.
If you're curious about the Technque and would like to find a certified teacher, check out the American Society for the Alexander Technique site:
http://www.alexandertech.com/index.html
And many books and courses on the approach are taught by PT's. I agree with you, there are many PT's that haven't "heard" of the name "Alexander," but the principles are sound, and not unfamiliar nor new to physical therapy (whether or not some PT's actually put it into practice, is a whole different matter).
Much like Pilates. The basis for "spinal stabilization" comes from developing the core.
I'm all for it. Especially, in the "healthy" population (for those who want to move or play better, not just the injured ones). Like I said, we (PT's) wouldn't be doing our jobs if we ignored the principles.
You'd be welcome in my clinic any time!