Connections to Health - Bowen Shoulder/Neck Pain Project Update

THE ISHTA HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTRE

CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Bowen Shoulder/Neck Pain Project Update

By Claire Phillipson MBTER

After the success of last year's Back pain project, the Bowen Therapists' European Register (BTER) implemented another nationwide survey in June, this time into the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique as a complementary treatment for shoulder and/or neck pain. The BTER is the main registering body for Bowen practitioners in the UK - see www.bter.org for more information.

The results of the study were published in October and gave some very positive results:

122 therapists took part, treating a total of 271 cases between them - for all participants this was to have been their first experience of Bowen Technique.
The course consisted of three treatments with a follow up after the third.

Of these, 234, that's 86%, experienced either a full or partial recovery:

Full Recovery 80, that's 30%
Partial Recovery 154, that's 56%
No Change 24, that's 9%
Course not completed 13, that's 5%

I had a great response to my appeal for participants. I treated a total of 10 people and I'd like to thank everyone who came to see me.

Here are some case histories and feedback from the project - thanks to those who have contributed.

Whiplash

S. suffered a whiplash injury in January 2004 which was treated at the time by physiotherapy. Since then she has had constant pain in her neck which flares up to a severe episode every 3 months or so. The ongoing pain varies from day to day but is always there and is usually accompanied by a 'pulling' feeling in her back. She takes general painkillers, normally 6 per day. It affects her sleep and overall energy levels. During the more acute periods S. feels sick with pain, can't move her neck and experiences pain and tingling in her neck and arm. She uses stronger painkillers for relief when things are this bad.

After the first session S. noticed marked improvements in her pain levels, not needing to take any painkillers. She noticed that her posture had improved and that her hamstrings, normally very tight, felt looser. Her sleep and energy levels had improved and family and colleagues had noticed the change in her manner. Though less marked over the next two treatments, S. continued to notice improvements in pain levels and flexibility - had resumed yoga and the teacher noted an increase in S.'s suppleness. She remained largely free of pain in her back, neck and arms though with some residual tingling in her hand. She no longer needs any pain relief and continues to come for maintenance treatments every month. "I can't believe how much better I feel since having Bowen treatment. It's wonderful to be free of the constant pain and I have so much more energy."

Neck and Shoulder Pain with Parkinson's

Mrs. A has had Parkinson's Disease for about 6 years but the condition worsened last year. She had been having muscle spasms, cramp and pain in her neck and shoulder, affecting movement and rotation especially on the left side. When bad the pain in her neck spread up into her scalp and she found it very wearing, getting some relief from a prescribed analgaesic cream.

After one treatment pain and stiffness were about the same but Mrs. A reported feeling 'brighter' and more awake. After the second session the symptoms improved for a few days but had returned by the time she came for the third treatment - by the end of the treatment the sharp pain in her neck had gone completely and by the time we had a follow up a week later she remained free of pain in her neck and shoulders. She continued to feel better in herself and also felt that her balance had improved.

For more about the Bowen Technique and how it may help you visit www.therapies4balance.co.uk or call me on 07967 384560.