A. M., Bookkeeper
Constance Clare and the Alexander Technique literally saved my life. I had an extremely painful and life threatening TMJ problem that had gotten worse over a span of four years. I could only open my mouth as wide as a number two pencil before major pain. I had to hold my mouth closed wheneverI yawned. Eating was an ordeal and often I’d have to stop from pain, exhaustion and frustration. Consequently, I was starving all the time. When it reached a point where I couldn’t drink without extreme pain, I knew I was in big trouble and that I would have to visit a Western medical dentist.The dentist took a few second’s look at my x-ray and said, “You will be stuck with this for the rest of your life.” He then recommended an $800 night guard and a visit to a $4000 an hour (I kid you not) jaw specialist.
I went back to my chiropractor and she suggested checking out AlexanderTechnique. A number of people recommended Constance and I went to see her immediately. By the end of the session, I was deeply relaxed in a way I had not felt in a long time. The unrelenting pain was gone and I could drink and chew soft food again. The effects of Alexander lasted three days. The second session’s effects lasted five days, and resulted in me being able to open my mouth wide enough to brush my teeth with only a little discomfort and no tears. By the third lesson the effects were lasting all week. The home exercises, combined with the lessons, were kicking in. I was able to actually eat real meals of regular food. A mile stone happened after the sixth lesson where I was able to yawn without any pain. Another major milestone was after the tenth lesson. I had ordered a sandwich and it turned out it was a large submarine version. I love subs and had not been able to eat them for four years or more, so I decided to try it and see if my jaw could handle it, and it did, no problem.
So what a dentist deemed incurable, Alexander Technique lessons cured within two and a half months. Alexander teachers recommend at least ten lessons to start and it was the right amount. It has been about one and a half years now and my jaw is still fine.