There are 4 reasons why you may experience pain whilst having AT lessons or practising the AT – in order of likelihood:
1) You are “Doing” the directions – rather than thinking the directions you are making some effort in one area which will have a corresponding painful effect in that area or another.
Directions are thought only.
2) Changing pains – this is common during a period of muscle redistribution. Some muscles which are held when released may “feel” painful and conversely other muscles that have not been used when engaged may cause an uncomfortable feeling.
As we direct to lengthen and widen we will be aware of the battle of the habitual muscles wishing to contract – this battle can cause changing pains typically in the legs.
3) Emotional trauma – the muscle memory holding a negative experience may invoke a physical reaction.
4) If there is a skeletal misalignment – a structural issue – then the muscle distribution will be such so as to accommodate that. During AT lessons as muscle tension is releaved and muscles redistributed some skeletal pain may be present before the skeletal pattern realigns too. If this is found then often It helps to also have osteopathic work or use a McTimoney chiropractor whilst continuing with the AT lessons.