Jessica Locke

I am a firefighter and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During my second deployment in 2006 I was injured during a rocket attack on my forward operating base in the south of Baghdad, during which an explosive landed and detonated less than 10 feet away from me. While my body armor and Kevlar helmet protected me from shrapnel and penetrating injuries, I sustained a moderate concussion, as well as shoulder, neck and back injuries from the blast. For six years now I have suffered daily complications and pain from the nerve damage, spinal injuries and lingering headaches resulting from the injuries, some of which I have been able to partially manage with VA-prescribed medications and therapy.

 Jessica Locke invited me to participate in a program she had set up through a grant from Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare and Watertown Savings Bank to provide the Alexander Technique to firefighters. Because of Jessica’s continued outreach to the firefighter community, I agreed to see her, albeit with an extreme amount of skepticism that she would be able to do anything for me where countless doctors and therapists have tried with mixed success.

 My encounters with Jessica were a learning experience! After five lessons I was almost entirely headache free, my back pain was dramatically reduced and with only some light stretching I began to see a return of flexibility and range of motion. A couple of months after seeing her I was even able to train for and complete a 9K road race. I am continually amazed that something so simple could yield such benefits. I am now a firm believer in the Alexander Technique, and in the work that Jessica is doing, and I continue to support her work and provide my experiences as evidence of the effectiveness of the Alexander Technique.”

 Robert D.

Since I was about 20 years old (22 years ago) I had suffered from chronic back pain.  I went to various acupuncture and physical therapy sessions, and even saw a chiropractor on a weekly basis–all with very little help.  I basically lived in constant pain.

In October of 2007 I began a series of Alexander Technique lessons from Jessica Locke.  Almost immediately after about 3-4 sessions, my back pain was gone, my posture improved, and for the first time in about 20 years I was able to function with no pain.

Since receiving the Alexander Technique, I have stopped my weekly chiropractor appointments. The tension and “pulling” in my back is gone, and I feel great!

I highly recommend the Alexander Technique and the care I have received from Jessica Locke.  Jessica is a very caring and extremely knowledgeable practitioner.”  W.B.

“I suffered from a brain injury and TMJ for a couple of years following a car accident. I was seeking all kinds of treatment to address cognitive issues, inability to focus my eyes, balance, etc. Through the Alexander Technique Jessica was able to release the pain from my head, neck, back, and jaw. Now, I am able to walk straight and not have any headaches. It was such a relief for my body. Now, I am able to function like a normal person. It was a great experience from Jessica. I am very grateful that she had helped me.” S.W. 

For the past 25 years I have suffered from chronic headaches. I have tried to get relief from physical therapy, prescription meds and chiropractic.  None of these things helped for very long.  After trying 3 sessions of the Alexander Technique I noticed I was using less medication (which I had taken daily for years.) My posture has definitely improved.  I feel less pressure on both my upper and lower spine which I believe has been the key to finally getting the headaches to go away.” J.Y.

“Six years ago, after trying to become pregnant for over a year, I was given a diagnosis of “unexplained infertility.”  In addition to conventional medical treatment I pursued a number of “alternative” therapies; acupuncture, homeopathy, de-tox cleansing, fertility yoga, and chakra balancing to name a few.

Finally, after four doctors, three clinics, 5 IVF cycles, and one miscarriage, I decided to stop treatment.

Needing a healing outlet, I turned to the Alexander Technique.  I knew it would help center me after years of riding the infertility roller coaster.  What I didn’t expect was that it would encourage me to try again.

I had weekly AT lessons for over seven months before finding the strength to try one more IVF cycle.  By that point I felt a deep sense of connection to my body, and of non-attachment to the outcome.  I felt so in tune with myself, and so much trust, that I knew I could survive another disappointment.

I have seen Jessica every week of my pregnancy.  Those terrifying first few months would have been unbearable without the AT.  Not only have I avoided bed rest, I have moved freely, easily, and with no discomfort during all 38 weeks of my TWIN pregnancy.  There are times I don’t even feel pregnant.

Every aspect of my life has been altered by AT; work, making music, interacting with colleagues and friends, and maintaining balance during my pregnancy.  I cannot imagine my life without it and am grateful for it every day.” M.B.

 I am a member of the FDNY and was a first responder to the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.  Shortly thereafter I was promoted to Captain and was assigned to a firehouse very close to Ground Zero.  This company lost four members operating in the North Tower.  In the weeks and months following the attacks the members of this company and I spent many long and hours in the recovery effort at the site.   We did this while responding to our usual calls for fires and emergencies.  This heavy workload took a heavy emotional toll on us all. 

Offers of help poured in from many quarters.  The one which stood out most for us was a visit from Jessica Locke.  Jessica is a practitioner of the Alexander Technique.  She explained the basics of this method and gently insisted each of us submit to a session. 

The calming, soothing effects could be felt before a first session was even completed.  I personally felt less stressed and began to sleep better almost immediately.  I would recommend this unique treatment to anyone experiencing the effects of stressful, demanding circumstances. 

Jessica adopted our firehouse, and at her own expense repeatedly travelled to NYC to provide Alexander sessions for us.  Her concern for our welfare continues to this day.  She still returns to NYC to provide this work for our members. 

Jessica is a dedicated, compassionate professional. The benefits of her work with us have been immeasurable.  With the help of people like Jessica we have all come a long way in the process of recovery and healing from the traumatic experiences of 9/11.”

J.F. Battalion Chief, FDNY