CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Bowen Back Pain Project Update by Claire Phillipson MBTER June this year saw Bowen Therapists across the country taking part in a nationwide survey into the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique as a complementary treatment for back pain. The project was organised by the Bowen Therapists' European Register (BTER), the main registering body for Bowen practitioners (see www.bter.org). The Results The results of the study were published in October and gave some very positive results: 115 therapists took part, treating a total of 351 cases between them - for all participants this was to have been their first experience of Bowen Technique. The course consisted of three treatments a week apart. Of these, 315 experienced either a full or partial recovery, that's nearly 90%! Full Recovery 124 35.3% Partial Recovery 191 54.4% No Change 32 9.1% Course not completed 4 1.1% I had a great response to my appeal for participants. I treated a total of 7 people and I'd like to thank everyone who came to see me. All but one had a positive response and one didn't complete the course. Here are some case histories and feedback from the project - thanks to those who have contributed. Old Back Injury 10 years ago G. injured her back whilst lifting heavy weights at work. Various treatments over the years, including physiotherapy and osteopathy, had helped but not made a big difference. When she came for Bowen treatment she was in constant pain and stiffness in her lower back and hips, varying from a dull, 'bruised' feeling to a sharp pain - she had had three sleepless nights the previous week. Despite this she was continuing with an active job and managing the pain with hot and cold pads and the occasional prescribed anti-inflammatory. After the second treatment G had a marked improvement and, despite a hard day at work followed by a day at the NEC in Birmingham, she then experienced a completely pain free day, the first for years. After the third and final session, she reported being 96% better with only a residual awareness that she still has to take care of her back. 5 months later the improvement has maintained, she says "I was sceptical at first, I'd tried lots of therapies and when this felt so light weight I really didn't think it would make any difference. Now I'm really impressed, still amazed to wake up with no pain or stiffness" Back problems since teens K. has had intermittent lumbar pain, and pain and tension in his shoulders. At his first visit he was suffering discomfort in both areas accompanied by some numbness in his leg and foot. By the second visit the back pain had gone leaving some residual stiffness and by the completion of the project his leg had also 'calmed down'. "I felt relief straight after treatment on the first go. With the follow up sessions it got better each time. I have recommended it to everyone I have met who has back problems." Whiplash and a lead coat! R has had recurrent neck and lower back problems since a whiplash injury 15 years ago. Her job as a radiographer involves her wearing a heavy lead coat for several hours a day which, when she first came for treatment was aggravating neck and upper back pain. She was also getting headaches at least 4 times a week. In the week after the first session, R noticed a significant improvement in her neck and only had 1 headache on a particularly busy day. Over the following 2 treatments there was further improvement and by the end of the project R reported a very mild, residual ache remaining between her shoulder blades but otherwise no other symptoms including no headaches. Because of the nature of her job, R has returned for further sessions every month or so which eases any problems that develop and stop them getting severe. For more about the Bowen Technique visit www.therapies4balance.co.uk or call me on 07967 384560

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