A study (BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2016) found that individuals with osteoarthritis of the knees had excessive muscular co-contraction of the quadriceps and hamstrings, which increases load onto the knee joint. This study also found that individuals who took Alexander lessons experienced reduced pain and disability because they were able to decrease the degree of unnecessary muscle activation and improve the leg muscle function.

Many of the individuals were able to decrease or stop pain medication all together after taking a series of Alexander Technique lessons.

Maladjusted movement prevents appropriate muscular activity that should normally cushion joints. Instead such movement can damage the joints of the body and increase inflammation. Excessive muscular contraction reduces the space within joints and creates greater pressure on the joint surface areas, resulting in harmful frictional wear and tear. In addition, individuals who suffer from arthritis may end up holding unnecessary muscular tension as a protective gesture against pain, which unwittingly adds to their discomfort.

Alexander Technique can help individuals with arthritis to remove imbalances, compression and harmful movement while optimizing mobility and alignment of their joints, which takes away unnecessary compression. A healthy musculoskeletal system moves expansively, smoothly, and freely, distributing force more evenly across strong bone structures while reducing compression at localized points.