Therapy details - Bowen Therapy
The Bowen technique is a highly effective yet gentle soft tissue remedial therapy, named after its innovator Tom Bowen. The work is very subtle, relaxing and gentle involving no hard or prolonged pressure.
The technique involves the therapist using fingers or thumbs to perform light movements over muscle, ligament tendon and fascia in various parts of the body. There is no massage, no manipulation of hard tissue and no high velocity adjustments. However, despite its light approach it is very potent and can help with a wide range of conditions. Most of the work can be performed through light clothing, although some therapists prefer to work on skin. The ultimate choice should be that of the client's however.
The most common presentation is back pain and here Bowen excels. The average number of treatments would be two or three for most therapists. There are always going to be exceptions to any rule, and certain people will need further or even on-going treatments. Frozen shoulders are a particular favourite as are neck pain, hayfever, asthma and migraines. Sports injury is a field of remedial therapy that is becoming very aware of The Bowen Technique. Not only do sportsmen report fewer injuries when treated regularly but they also notice an increase in performance. The Bowen Technique is being used at high levels of sport in this country, with rugby clubs and premiership football clubs showing interest
What can it help?
Despite its light approach Bowen is very potent and can help with a wide range of conditions:
- Musculo-skeletal pain such as back pain, frozen shoulders & necks, sporting & work-related injuries, knee problems, arthritic pain, fibromyalgia.....
- Respiratory problems including asthma, bronchitis, hay fever
- Migraine and headaches
- Digestive disorders such as constipation, colic, IBS, indigestion & heartburn
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME)
- General relaxation and body balancing
- Gynaecological conditions ; infertility (male and female), PMS, breast lumps
- Bowen may help during pre- and post-operative periods
- Children and even small babies respond especially well to Bowen treatment and it is also ideal to keep the body comfortable and balanced during pregnancy
- Stess management, fatigue and sleep problems
What happens in a treatment?
First treatment usually lasts about 1 - ½ hrs. A consultation is taken for the clients medical history and details of the presenting problems. Subsequent treatments usually last about 1 hour.
Treatment can be carried out through light clothing such as tee shirts and leggings, although the treatment may be more effective on skin, so you may be asked to undress down to your underwear. However, it is the patients choice so this is not essential.
Normally you will be asked to lie on a treatment couch, and will be covered in towels. However treatments can be adapted to suit - for example sitting - if you are unable to lie comfortably.
Although each session will vary according to the skill and experience of the therapist, as well as the presenting problems of the client, an initial treatment will address the whole body. Light moves will be made at specific points on your back and legs, before asking you to turn over to lie on your back. Moves will then usually be made on your legs and neck.
A feature of the work is that between sets of moves the therapist will leave the room and allow the client to rest. This is a key element of Bowen and is a defining aspect of the technique as well as being one of the most important. The break allows the body the opportunity to create a decision about what action needs to be taken in response to the moves given.
How many treatments will I need?
Most people will have responses within two to five sessions, when even long standing chronic pain can be relieved. Other conditions might need to be treated more often. In recent back pain project over 90% of people had complete or major improvement after just 3 treatments. There are always going to be exceptions to any rule, and certain people will need further or even on-going treatments.
Some people have regular treatments as health maintenance. It is recommended that clients return for regular treatments every six to eight weeks to maintain optimum health
Who can Bowen treat?
Bowen is suitable for people of all ages - from babies to the elderly.
How can I find out more?
See the therapists listed on this site or visit:
http://www.thebowentechnique.com/
http://www.bowentherapists.com/
Therapists who run this therapy - click name to view details:
Jeanie Blackall