Bowen Technique, commonly called Bowen Therapy, is used at Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine primarily in the treatment of acute (e.g., pain from a recent injury) and chronic (e.g., pain of fibromyalgia syndrome) pain, but often plays a role in the management of a wide range of health conditions (e.g., headaches, constipation, frozen shoulder, stress management).
A study conducted by the American College of Rheumatology found that treatment with Bowen Therapy resulted in statistically significant improvement in pain of patients suffering from fibromyalgia. A study conducted at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill found that Bowen Therapy treatment was:
· 95% effective in the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction
· 88% effective in the treatment of neck pain
· 85% effective in the treatment of low back pain
· 83% effective for the treatment of stress and tension
· 80% effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome
· 80% effective for the treatment of hip pain
· 75% effective for the treatment of non-specific pain conditions
Bowen Therapy involves application of gentle pressure to the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues at specific points, and in specific sequence. Treatments are approximately 30 minutes long, and performed weekly for the first four weeks. Treatment frequency is then individualized to your response to treatment (e.g., if your pain is resolved, but returns after three weeks, treatments will be scheduled at three week intervals). The goal of treatment using Bowen Therapy is usually complete resolution of pain, or complete return to previous function. Improvements in pain levels or function may be experienced after as few as one treatment.
Our naturopathic doctors have been certified in Bowen Therapy by the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia since 2002. Bowen Therapy treatments provided at Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine are covered by most extended healthcare plans.