Bowen TechniqueWhat is The Bowen Technique?The Bowen technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy, named after its innovator Tom Bowen. The technique involves the therapist using fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament tendon and fascia in various parts of the body.The work is very subtle, relaxing and gentle involving no hard or prolonged pressure. During a session the client will lie on a therapy table or bed, although the work can be effectively carried out with the client in a chair.What Happens During a Session?
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. 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. As a general rule, moves will be made over the lower and mid back and legs, the upper back and shoulders before finishing with neck moves with the client supine (face up).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.A session will last generally around 45 minutes to one hour although this again will vary according to the way that an individual therapist works. Treatments should be scheduled for between five and seven days apart. Initially set of three treatments is recommended in order to establish whether the client is likely to respond to treatment. How many sessions will I need?Most people will have responses within three to four sessions, when even long standing chronic pain can be relieved. Other conditions might need to be treated more often, but in either case it is recommended that clients return for regular treatments every six to eight weeks to maintain optimum healthWhat Responds Well to The Bowen Technique? 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. 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.
Therapist:
John Wilks