Fix your back problem forever
Become more mobile than you have ever been

Whatever you try, the problem always returns, often worse than before. A good massage or chiropractic session can often leave you feeling much better. Even physio sometimes helps but none of those treatments get to the root of the matter.

Unlike the Alexander Technique, none of those treatments give you a permanent fix.

The Alexander Technique

Yes, if you want a permanent fix, you need something that does get to the root of the matter.

Only the Alexander Technique gives you the tools to stop contorting yourself in the unhelpful ways that are now normal for you. You discover the difference between what works and what doesn’t. You discover the difference between your present efforts and the easy, flowing movements of people with good posture and no pain.

And there’s medical proof.

The British Medical Journal

At last, an in-depth medical trial of the Alexander Technique was completed in August 2008. Such extensive medical trials cost an absolute fortune (this one cost £770,000). So it was an enormous stroke of good luck that funding was found for this trial.

Published in the BMJ, the British Medical Journal, this trial proves the great effectiveness of the Alexander Technique for back pain. It also shows that the benefit from the Alexander Technique is a lasting benefit, unlike massage or even exercise. You can watch a British Medical Journal video about the study here.

But the Smiling Back Method goes even further.

The Smiling Back Method of the Alexander Technique

Taking great care not to dilute the Alexander Technique in any way, the Smiling Back Method makes the Alexander Technique easier to learn and use. It also corrects certain fundamental mistakes that Alexander teachers usually make. Some of these mistakes have led some Alexander teachers to also teach Pilates. That doesn’t work. Truly, you can’t correct one mistake by adding other different mistakes such as those that Pilates teachers make.

The new additions of the Smiling Back Method include:–

The Tube Principle
The uncovering of a nearly universal delusion: the Demented Mechanic
A detailed critique of the idea of Core Strength, commonly mis-applied by personal trainers and Pilates instructors.
… and more

The Tube Principle

The brand-new Tube Principle helps you adapt the Alexander Technique to your particular problem. It identifies the particular directions that you personally need in order to speed up and maximise your progress.

Your Demented Mechanic

Almost everyone believes that, to stand or sit with good posture, they need to hold their lower back stiff and arched backwards. They believe they need to use their spine to hold their chest up.

Until I pointed it out to them, even most Alexander teachers suffered from this mistaken belief. Many teachers still don’t know about this monumental mistake. This mistake, this delusion, creates mayhem with your posture and ease of movement. I call this universal delusion your Demented Mechanic.

The Truth about Core Strength

Closely, related to the Demented Mechanic delusion is the idea that you can strengthen your core by doing abdominal exercises. This idea is especially popular in gyms and Pilates classes. If you’ve not yet read my article exposing the absurdity of this idea, then you can find it here: Pilates Ants.

… and more

This more includes the principle of Lazy Tension and a detailed analysis of proper leg rotation. Important though these are, there isn't space to discuss them here. You can find articles about them in the articles section.

Summary: some of the things you will be learning

The biggest reason why other remedies for back pain don’t last
How to get lasting relief from back pain instead of fiddling around the edge
How to improve your posture
Why core strength exercises actually weaken your back
Why your lack of proper leg rotation spoils everything (and how to fix it)

How you will learn

These workshops will be strictly limited to six people so that I can give everyone personal attention. Each class will centre around a particular aspect of the work. This aspect will be determined on the day by the needs of the assembled group. The classes will be held weekly. Coming to all the classes is encouraged but not essential.

Each week a different concept will be presented in small stages. At each stage, you will take time to explore how it applies to you and compare that with how it applies to the other members of the group.

Where and when

The classes run at lunchtime on most Fridays from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. They will be held by Philip Pawley, the developer of the Smiling Back Method.
Venue: The Liverpool Well-being Centre, 37 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9EA.
Fee: £15.

Advance booking is required.

Ring Philip on 0151-708 6172 or email for further details. If you want to be kept informed of any changes, put your name down on the email mailing list and I will keep you informed.

How to book

You need to contact me in advance to book a place. Regular attenders will get priority and a special deal. Contact me for details.

Two ways:–

Ring me and, if there’s still space, I'll pencil you in. To confirm your place, you’ll then need to send me a cheque for the £15 (or you can leave your money in a sealed envelope with the Well-Being Centre office staff).
Pay online: just click the “Pay Now” button below.

About Philip Pawley

Philip Pawley

Philip Pawley, developer of the Smiling Back Method, has been teaching the Alexander Technique in Liverpool since 1981. He has nearly thirty years’ experience helping people with bad backs. This, combined with new insights derived from his current training with the international opera singer, Colin Iveson, has led to him developing the Tube Principle: a system for improving the speed and effectiveness of the Alexander Technique.

Philip is currently writing a book about his work. This will also include ground-breaking work on voice support, core strength and the most effective use of your legs and feet.