as a treatment for
people who live with chronic, non-specific Lower Back Pain.
Copyright Michael Morris (Contact: m.f.morris@warwick.ac.uk) - this article should not
be reproduced without permission.
1st October 2012
Abstract
Almost half the adult population of the UK (49%) report low back pain (LBP).
Most cases of lower back pain are known as 'non-specific' because they are not
caused by serious damage or disease, but by sprains, muscle strains, minor
injuries or a pinched or irritated nerve.
The Bowen Technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy, which involves the therapist using
fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament, tendon and fascia in various parts of the
body.
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a trial into the
effectiveness of the Bowen Technique as a treatment for the management of Chronic, nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP), using a Randomised Control Trial approach.
Thirty-seven participants, 21 female, with a mean age of 44.5 years took part in the study.
Nineteen were allocated to the experimental, Bowen, group, and 18 to a control 'Sham
Bowen' group. Participants were blinded to their group allocation.
Each participant received three weekly treatments, and were asked to complete a
questionnaire comprising six different measures before treatment, one week after their final
treatment, and four weeks later.
Measuring pain and functioning levels, psychosocial/somatic changes and general health, 24
'categories' were created from the measures. The Bowen group recorded a positive change
by the second follow up in 20 of these categories. By contrast the control group showed an
improvement in twelve at the same time point.
Pain and functioning - the data takes in results from 12 categories. At the first follow-up,
the Bowen group showed healthy changes in 3 categories, and the control group showing
changes in 6 categories. By the second follow-up, the Bowen group showed healthy changes
in eleven of the categories, compared to five categories in the control group.
Psychosocial/somatic changes - there were 9 categories. The Bowen group failed to
register any healthy change after the first follow-up, compared to 3 in the control group. At
the second follow up, the Bowen group showed a healthy change in eight, compared to five
healthy changes in the control group.
General Health - 3 categories. The Bowen group showed a healthy change in 1 category by
the first follow up, compared with 2 from the control group. The Bowen and control groups
showed 2 healthy changes at the second follow up.
The data highlights that the Bowen treatment group changes occur mostly following a fourweek interval after the treatment, potentially highlighting the longer term effects the Bowen
treatment may be having on the body, and gives rise to the idea suggested by many in the
profession that the body takes time to adjust to the treatment, and that following treatment,
therapists should allow time for the body to 'rest' with no further treatment being applied for
a period of time.
We should remember that this was a pilot study, and as the subject matter involved common
and very prevalent symptoms, as such any study which would look to reach an 'effectiveness'
score, would require a much larger sample size, and most importantly a much larger budget!
For example, the UK BEAM study recruited from 181 general practices in Medical Research
Council General Practice Research Framework; 63 community settings around 14 centres
across the United Kingdom. In total, there were 1334 patients consulting their general
practices about LBP!
However, it was felt that due to the commonality of the symptoms, and the prevalence seen
within the clinics of Bowen therapists throughout the world, that this was a subject worth
investigating further and would hopefully provide the catalyst for future research into Bowen.
RESULTS OF BOWEN THERAPY STUDY INTO KNEE PAIN AND ANKLE PAIN
People affected by knee pain or ankle pain were given the special chance to try out a natural
therapy that has shown remarkable success in treating all kinds of joint and muscle problems
- the Bowen Technique.
During Summer 2009, Bowen practitioners from across the UK took part in a national study. It
was designed to provide testimonial evidence of how Bowen can help with knee pain and
ankle pain, a common cause of lack of mobility and in some cases, time off work.
RESULTS OF THE STUDY:
Participants had three treatments and gave a subjective score as to their change after
receiving the course of treatment.
Summary:
Fully recovered = 19%
Partial recovery = 69%
No change = 12%.
Home
Migraine Research
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Why Bowen
Migraine
Bowen Therapy
Nikke Ariff
Study organiser.
The results show that of 271 clients treated by Bowen Therapists, 86% showed a partial to
full recovery after a series of three treatments. Detailed analysis shows that
30% reported a full recovery, while a further 56% said that their symptoms had improved to
some extent. Fewer than 10% reported that there had been no change.
If the figures are adjusted by removing the incomplete/other modality treatments then:
Full recovery = 31%
Partial recovery = 60%
This gives an overall improvement rate of 91%
The study was designed to help consolidate the many anecdotal experiences of people who
have reported to their therapists that Bowen Therapy has provided significant pain relief.
More mature clients, or clients with chronic symptoms, are likely to experience even better
results after a number of additional sessions.
Summary of results
Taking part
Number of treatments
given
122
Therapi
sts
271
= 30%
Full Recovery
80
= 56%
154
= 9%
24
= 5%
Partial Recovery
No Change
Course not completed
13
Therapists
Participating
115 - Approx.
25% of full
members
Full Recovery
124
35.3%
54.4%
No Change
32
Course not
completed
9.1%
1.1%
351
TOTAL
TREATMENTS
GIVEN
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Asthma Research
Bowen Therapy
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Study Results
Why Bowen
Asthma
Asthma happens when the bronchi or airways - the tubes that
carry oxygen into your lungs - become narrowed and inflamed
causing difficulty breathing. Asthma has several triggers, such
as dust or animal hair, causing the airway muscles to tighten
and narrow. At the same time the lining of the airways swells
and mucus is produced. This leads to the characteristic
symptoms of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
A key element in controlling the condition is becoming familiar
with your personal triggers so that you can avoid them as far
as possible. Other triggers include: virus infections such as
colds and flu, cigarette smoke, certain forms of exercise, cold
and dry air, laughing and other emotions.
Medical treatment consists of taking a preventer (a
medication designed to guard the airways and reduce the
chances of having an asthma attack) with a reliever (a
medication designed to relieve the symptoms of asthma,
during attacks). There can be side effects with steroid and
broncho-dilator medication, however, so more and more
people are turning to alternative treatments for their Asthma.
Bowen Therapy
Light touch complementary therapy.
Nikke Arif
Study organiser.
Asthma Links
Asthma UK website
NHS Research
Bowen Links
Bowen Research
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Lymphoedema
Eilish Lund is a lymphoedema nurse who practices at the Nightingale House Hospice in
Wrexham, North Wales and whose experience of the positive effect of The Bowen
Technique on lymphatic drainage was also a feature of an article that appeared in the
Winter 1998/99 edition of Proof newsletter.
The following article was published in the British Lymphology Society Newsletter Issue
24, Spring 1999. We thank Eilish for permission to reprint this excellent article.
Bowen Therapy originated in Australia in the 1950s. It was developed by a man named
Tom Bowen who had no medical training but treated people who had musculoskeletal
injuries. His technique was to move his thumbs and fingers across various tendons and
muscles, applying very gentle pressure. The rolling movement altered the tension in the
muscle creating an impulse of energy. He was so successful that he eventually gave up his
job in a factory and opened a full time clinic. By 1974 he was doing some 13,000
treatments a years, as was recorded by a government investigation into complementary
therapies. He died in 1982 but by then his technique was being used by others and was
finally introduced in to Britain in the early 90s.
I heard of Bowen at a Mersey Regional meeting of the British Lymphology Society in 1997.
It was described to us by a nurse who was working at a local hospice and who used it on
patients for pain relief and symptom control. I decided to learn the technique to help
patients in our hospice who were attending the Lymphoedema Clinic but were also at an
advanced stage of their cancer. When I was doing the initial training, I found that I felt quite
different after having a treatment myself and that it was quite a powerful intervention,
considering how light the touch was.
I did not have any idea that it would be of benefit in the treatment of lymphoedema.
However, my tutor, Julian Baker, was very excited to know that we could actually measure
limb volumes and he encouraged me to try the moves on as many patients as I could.
Luckily, my nurse manager had also done the training and was able to help and encourage
me in the beginning. I decided to try it out on as many patients as I could. I started with
those with primary Lymphoedema and lymphovenous oedema. I found that most patients
felt better, moved more freely and after an initial feeling of great tiredness, began to feel
better. Over a period of months a gradual sustained limb volume reduction was noticed.
Three patients with primary lymphoedema who had Complex De-congestive Therapy (CDT)
at least a year previously have gradually lost limb volume with no other change in treatment
(still wear the same class hosiery only smaller size). One patient with Lipolymphoedema
also lost gradually 400 500 cc. A lady who had CDT for Lymphovenous oedema
continued to improve after bandaging and with regular treatment has lost 1.5 litres from
each leg over the two year period. Two patients with secondary lymphoedema posthysterectomy and radiotherapy to the groin, had no change at all. One lady with arm
oedema had no change in limb volume.
Another lady with a long-standing lymphoedema of the arm (40 years) had presented to the
clinic with her left arm 76% greater in volume with fibrosis. She had been treated with CDT
for 5 weeks and then over the following 4 months maintained with Manual Lymphatic
Drainage (MLD) 2 3 times weekly. We treated her with Bowen for the past 18 months and
she has maintained her limb volume with only 1 session a month. Some patients describe a
strong diuretic effect on the day of the treatment. initially patients are treated weekly and as
their condition improves, the duration between treatments gets longer.
I have treated two patients with bilateral groin dissection and radical vulvectomy who were
referred within 3 months of surgery who achieved wonderful volume reduction in both legs,
even though they presented with class 2 hosiery which did not seem to be addressing the
problem. For me the most amazing results are not the reduction in limb volume but the
effect this treatment has on pain.
I very briefly describe 4 cases: 35 year old female who was referred by her GP at the
request of her Macmillan Nurse. This lady was referred to the Macmillan Service for pain
control as she was having uncontrolled pain and was very reluctant to resort to opiates.
She had developed swelling of her right side after her pregnancy and when she stood you
could see that the skin colour on one side of her trunk was different to the other. She had
severe pain in her leg and arm and had been informed that her lymph system on the right
side was barely functioning. I fitted her with a class 3 garment and commenced
Bowen.Within two days, the pain level reduced and after 3 sessions, she was pain free.
She stopped wearing her stocking long ago and her leg has reduced from being 25%
greater to 18%. She is now maintained with one hour treatment a month.
62 year old female who suffered a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in her right inguinal area
following hysterectomy for fibroids 4 years previously. She was referred from a vascular
clinic to be given some massage therapy. She had been given compression tights which
she was finding very difficult to put on and which she felt she did not need on her left leg.
She was having severe pain which at times was scored at 8 on a scale of 1 10. Her right
leg was 13% greater at referral and now 18 months later is 3% greater. The lady is pain
free.
58 year old lady who has developed lymphoedema following a varicose vein operation,
referred from another lymphoedema clinic, in class 3 rigid hosiery with severe pain which
was present most of the day and was at 7 9 on the pain scale. Was not compliant with
garment as she found it too difficult to wear. Treated only with Bowen, was pain free after
two sessions and does not wear any hosiery now.
Finally, a 33 year old lady who had lymphoedema of her arm associated with a severe
birthmark. Swelling had been exacerbated by an insect bite the previous year. Patients
main concern was that she suffered frequent migraine attacks which necessitated time off
work. She was given an armsleeve and taught the four cornerstones of care for managing
her lymphoedema. She was also given three Bowen treatments over a 6 week period and
has not had a headache in 9 months.
The success of the treatment on migraine is amazing. Many friends and staff members
have had relief. It also seems not to return and I find that 2 or 3 treatments are sufficient.
The list of aches and pains, frequency of micturition, irritable bowel problems, stiff necks,
sleeping problems which are relieved with the therapy is long. However, the question about
its benefit in the treatment of lymphoedema cannot be fully answered by the work I have
done to date. A larger study would have to be undertaken over a longer period of time. I am
going to continue to treat and monitor the group of patients I have listed above. I look at
people now in a different way and I am glad to say that my interest does not stop at their
affected limb! My job satisfaction rating has gone through the roof since I learned this very
simple Bowen Therapy.
Bowen Therapy
...a powerful, effective, gentle, and relaxing natural
therapy
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About Joshua
Method: A single blind RCT conducted in one private Bowen treatment centre. Participants
were randomised to either a Bowen group or a control Sham Bowen group. Participants
received three weekly treatments in both arms of the trial and completed six different
measures of function, psychological and general health nature at baseline, a week and a
month after treatment.
Results: We recruited 37 participants, 21 female, with a mean age of 44.5 years. . 19 were
randomly allocated to the Bowen group and 18 to the control. The study highlights the
challenges of recruitment and incorporating a true sham. The measures were found to be
acceptable to participants and easy to administer. The data show some positive changes in
these outcome measures but these must be interpreted with caution.
Conclusion: This study shows that with some modification, replication on a larger scale
would be feasible. A larger appropriately powered RCT would allow the clinical and cost
effectiveness to be formally evaluated.
Posted on: 30/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies
Everything needs balance, especially our healthcare system. Allopathic and alternative
medicine requires communication and balance between the two disciplines in order to
facilitate optimum results of both.
Read More
Posted on: 01/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies
Fibromyalgia
In a study of twenty patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia conducted by
Jo Anne Whitaker, M.D., at the American College of Rheumatology, almost
all participants experienced various degrees of relief which lasted from a
few days to several weeks.
Most reported immediate relief following a Bowen treatment. For some,
repeated Bowen therapy maintained complete clinical remission. The
results were statistically significant and correlated with improvement of
clinical well-being.
Nikke Ariff is a Bowen therapist who, between 2002 and 2004 carried out a
research program to test the efficacy of the Bowen Technique with
Asthma sufferers. The research was carried out over a twelve month
period. The majority of participants had been suffering from Asthma over
5 years, most for over 15 years. The results were very positive. Eightythree percent of the participants reported a reduction in the frequency of
their asthma attacks and 75% of the participants reported using less
medication than before the Bowen Research project.
Of the 24 Volunteers who completed the program, 22 reported that
secondary health concerns had also improved, including back, neck and
shoulder problems; knee and joint problems; headaches and migraines;
hay fever; irritable bowel syndrome and digestion; circulation; insomnia;
anxiety, stress, depression and energy level improvement.
Cerebral Palsy
Ongoing research by Howard Plummer in Wales has produced
encouraging results. Initial outcomes include increased vocalization,
calmer behavior, improved concentration and comprehension and
improved head control and improved balance.
Fibromyalgia
A pilot study on the effect of Bowen treatments on fibromyalgia sufferers
was carried out by Tim Willcocks (Bowen Practitioner and Trainer). Four
participants (aged 39-52) who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia from 3 to
5 years, were give four Bowen treatments over a five week period.
All four participants experienced improvement, including better sleep,
ease in walking, cessation of vertigo, eased neck pain, improved balance
and less exhaustion.
Anxiety
Ashley Pritchard at Swinburn University Department of
Psychophysiology, Melbourne, Australia, demonstrated that the Bowen
Technique consistently reduced subjects' level of anxiety, tension, anger,
depression, fatigue and confusion.
TMJ
A research project on TMJ abnormality was conducted by Dr. John
Bauman, DDS. Immediately after the first Bowen treatment, one third of
the patients felt dramatic relief from their symptoms.
Blood Chemistry
Jo Anne Whitaker, M.D has shown that blood chemistry changes following
Bowen treatment corroborate patient reports of experiencing flu-like
symptoms due to detoxification reactions lasting up to 5 days following a
session.
Frozen Shoulder
Maternity Research
Midwife and Bowen Therapist Rick Minnery has begun a long-term study
on the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique with maternity patients
including using Bowen
Blepharospasm
Joanne Figov, RN and Bowen Therapist, conducted a pilot study on a
small section of patients diagnosed with a form of Dystonia called
Blepharospasm, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary
muscular eyelid spasms causing forceful contraction of the eyes. The
results thus far have been very encouraging. Out of eight patients, one
recovered completely after four treatments and all the rest experienced
relief for a couple of days following each treatment.
Frozen Shoulder
Julian Baker and Helen Kinnear of the European College of Bowen
Studies (UK) investigated the effect of the Bowen Technique on patients
with long-term shoulder pain and stiffness. Results indicated that Bowen
significantly improved shoulder function through increasing range of
motion and reducing pain.