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Training - Classes & Events The Alexander Technique and
Parkinson's Disease: A Case Study in Generating Hope for a
Degenerative Condition The Alexander Technique and Parkinson's
Disease: A Case Study in Generating Hope for a Degenerative
Condition by Ruth Rootberg In the summer of 2008 a student of
mine who is a physician urged me to see her patient, "Sabrina"
(fictitious name), a senior citizen with Parkinson’s disease.
The physician was concerned because Sabrina’s breathing was
becoming compromised as her chest increasingly collapsed
downward. I agreed to see Sabrina to discuss what the Alexander
Technique might offer her and under what circumstances we could
arrange lessons. I was both curious and terrified about teaching
her to re-coordinate neuro-muscular patterning while her nervous
system was progressively deteriorating. How could I help her,
and for how long? Before meeting Sabrina, I did some research.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive