As a former gymnast and current violinist, I have been struggling with neck and back pain and headaches for the past few years. Thankfully, I was directed to the Alexander Technique as a way to address my pain and luckily, to Travis Chastain.

Since learning the basics of the Alexander Technique from Travis, I have greatly reduced the number of tension headaches I get, and have found more comfortable and efficient ways to use my body, whether for everyday activities or violin playing.

Travis has wonderful qualities making him an excellent guide in the Alexander Technique. He is knowledgeable, kind, patient, encouraging, and creative. The instructive resources he offered were very helpful to me. Our sessions were not only full of insight but fun as well. Now that I have been initiated I am convinced this awareness of how our bodies work should be a part of everyone’s education.

I began working with Travis one year ago.  I had damaged my vocal cords and undergone surgery but one year-post op, still had a lot of pain when talking that ENT's and speech therapists couldn't figure out.  I own and teach at a Pilates studio so I really need to be able to speak for hours a day without difficulty.  Since FM Alexander developed the technique to save his voice, I thought it would be worth trying.  

The Alexander Technique requires deep body awareness.  Travis is incredibly patient when teaching you how to become more in tune with your alignment and daily habits.  His touch is very informative, he's positive and supportive and I always look forward to the table sessions.  I started with twice and was able to reduce to several sessions per month.  Changing your awareness and habits is not easy and takes a lot of time and intention, but one year after working with him, I can speak longer and louder without pain, my posture is improved, and my muscles are more relaxed when holding me in a better position.  It has been a lovely compliment to my Pilates practice and I'm so grateful to be able to speak without fear and pain.

Thank you Travis! 

Travis has been a great help to me in working through my physical issues and chronic tension patterns using the Alexander Technique. As a guitar student, he's helped me to address and improve chronic tension issues in my upper back, in my guitar playing, and with a recently developed frozen shoulder. The shoulder is still healing but is so much freer and less painful than when we started. As a teacher, Travis is considerate, supportive, insightful, warm, and above all knowledgeable. Having worked through difficult physical issues of his own through the Alexander Technique, he understands the benefits of the technique from personal experience. I highly recommend Travis to anyone wanting to improve physical problems or challenges with musical studies.

Since beginning my Alexander Technique lessons with Travis, I have learned a lot about the Technique and about myself.  The Technique has taught me how critical it is to view the functioning of yourself as a whole unit.  The way in which you live your life is the way you use your whole self, NOT how you use your body or mind separately.  Another important lesson the Technique has taught me is that non-doing, or deciding to NOT take an action, is in-and-of-itself an action.  In many cases, it is the most powerful action you can take.  This lesson is something I've used in other aspects of my life to help me break other habits I have. 

 One reason I think my education through the Technique has been so incredible is the direction and teaching of Travis.  He has a wealth of knowledge on the Technique, and he is extremely encouraging.  

One reason I decided to try the Technique is because of the lower back and sciatica pain I was dealing with.  I had read in a couple of Alexander Technique books that practicing the Technique can help resolve many physical ailments for people.  After my time thus far in lessons, I can wholeheartedly say that the Technique is helping me make progress with my lower back and sciatica problems!  I couldn't be happier about it!

 Having lived with neck and back pain for 46 years since a serious motor vehicle accident, I have utilized a plethora of treatment modalities with varying degrees of success. When a recent exacerbation of my pain sent me searching for relief once again, I found that the acupuncture which had been helpful in the past was no longer working. Remembering that the Alexander Technique was a therapy I had not tried, I contacted Travis to inquire about lessons. I felt an improvement after the first lesson, and now that I have completed nine lessons, I find that I am also feeling much more confident in my navigation despite balance challenges resulting from multiple foot surgeries. In addition, although I have never had respiratory problems, I have noticed that deep breathing has also become easier. And finally, I have been able to calm a tremor that I have had through using the techniques Travis has taught me.

Travis is a gifted teacher, and I would highly recommend him to anyone struggling with pain or other physical problems.