About Philip Pawley, Back Magician

Philip PawleyPhilip Pawley in the Lakes in 2006

Philip Pawley studied Mathematical Physics at the University of Sussex, 1971-1974.

Disappointed that Physics did not supply “The Answer to Life, the Universe and Everything” (as Douglas Adams was later to put it) he read a large portion of the works of CG Jung.

This was while still supposedly studying Mathematical Physics.

Failed to shut his teacher up

While still searching, he took up the piano. It was his piano teacher who was responsible for introducing him to the Alexander Technique. After being repeatedly told to go for Alexander lessons, he finally went — but only so he could shut his piano teacher up by saying “I tried it and it was rubbish”. At the end of his first, entrancing, Alexander lesson he was surprised when his Alexander teacher asked him “Do you want to continue?” There was only one possible answer to that: “Yes, of course I want to continue”.

Forty lessons later, in January 1978, he began his 3-year training to become an Alexander Technique teacher. Graduating in December 1980, he first came to Liverpool because members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra needed an Alexander teacher. Broadening out his practice, he has taught in Liverpool ever since.

Kept on his toes

Philip PawleyPhilip Pawley
(indoors in 2010)

Philip is married to a stunning redhead from Blackburn. Anna, by the way, was also a very reluctant Alexander pupil. Anna is a very intuitive Homeopath. Their two lovely daughters, Emma and Sarah, seem likely also to choose people-nurturing professions.

Not everything: just Life

While the Alexander technique does not provide the answer to the Universe and Everything it does provide a stunning solution to many of the thornier questions of life. What more productive way to earn a living than teach it? Answers on a postcard to Philip Pawley, 37 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9EA — or you can call him on 0151 708 6172.


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“Back in Action”
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    “The Hows & Whys of Semi-Supine”

    This 23-page booklet is indispensable to anyone serious about getting a stronger pain-free back — and it’s free

Book image. “The Hows & Whys of Semi-Supine” by Philip Pawley. Including: The little-understood real reason why Semi-Supine is so important - Detailed instructions on how and when to lie down - Persuade your boss to beg you to take rests at work.
Medical Proof

Medical Study proves lasting effectiveness of the Alexander Technique for low back pain.

British Medical Journal video on the Alexander Technique

Published in the prestigious British Medical Journal on 19 August 2008, this randomised controlled medical trial compares Alexander Technique lessons, exercise and massage for chronic and recurrent back pain.

Clients’ Stories
Jean kept falling over after a hip replacement
Lady with a Hip Replacement

“My teacher is Philip Pawley and I can thoroughly recommend him: he’s patient, kind and knows what he’s doing. He’s given me a new life.”

Rob is a yoga teacher
Yoga Teacher

“My interest in the Technique came from my interest in yoga. At the time when I heard about it, I thought that this would be a useful thing for me to learn — just a development of what I understood yoga to be.”

Margery was disabled by osteoporosis
Lady with Osteoporosis

“Since starting with the Alexander Technique, it has boosted my confidence tremendously. It does so much more besides just helping you with the osteoporosis.”

Caroline is an opera singer
Opera Singer

“I have got enormous benefit out of a series of thirty-minute sessions with Philip Pawley. My whole stance has improved and I’m singing better.”

Watch the full video

The above are short excerpts from a 7-minute video. See the whole video on YouTube
Read the transcript

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