What is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive form of manual therapy that aims to treat the causes of pain and discomfort through targeted manipulations of the muscles, tendons, and fascia.

Learn more about What is Bowen Therapy here.

Understanding Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy, often referred to simply as Bowen, is a holistic physical manipulation therapy that aims to treat musculoskeletal, neurological, neuromuscular, and other health issues through specific soft tissue or fascial release and integrated muscle stimulation techniques.

Originating in Australia in the mid-20th century, thanks to Thomas Bowen, Bowen Therapy has grown in popularity due to its gentle nature and the efficacy with which it addresses various ailments.

Read our Comprehensive Guide to Bowen Therapy here


Tom-Bowen-letter-Bowen Therapy Near Me

From the Bowen Therapy Federation of Australasia Website - A transcript of a letter from Brian Sheean, a former client of Tom Bowen's in the 1970s

Core Principles of Bowen Therapy

The therapy is founded on the principle that gentle moves over precise points can stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms, promoting healing and pain relief without the need for aggressive manipulation or pharmaceutical intervention.

The fundamental principles of Bowen Therapy revolve around the understanding that the body has intrinsic capabilities of self-regulation and healing. Therapy sessions typically involve gentle rolling motions along the muscles, tendons, and fascia, which are designed to stimulate the nervous system and realign the body.

How Bowen Therapy Works: Techniques and Processes

Bowen Therapy utilises a series of subtle yet powerful techniques designed to activate the nervous system and rebalance the body. These include light touches and rolls that encourage tissue recovery and systemic relaxation.

The History of Bowen Therapy

Developed by Thomas Ambrose Bowen in Geelong, Australia, in the 1950s, Bowen Therapy was his personal interpretation of osteopathy, chiropractic, and massage techniques. Despite his lack of formal medical training, Bowen’s method gained recognition for its effectiveness, particularly in providing relief from musculoskeletal conditions.

Benefits of Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy offers extensive benefits, impacting various aspects of health and well-being:

1. Physical Benefits

  1. Relief from chronic pain and acute injuries
  2. Improved mobility and flexibility (including improved joint mobility)
  3. Reduction in inflammation and improved immune system function
  4. Significant pain relief from various conditions like back pain and migraines

2. Emotional and Psychological Benefits

  1. Decreased stress and anxiety
  2. Enhanced sleep patterns
  3. General improvement in mood and emotional well-being

Specific Conditions Treated by Bowen Therapy

Russell successfully provides support for conditions ranging from acute sports injuries to chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Who Can Benefit from Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy is suitable for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from conditions such as back pain, sciatica, migraines, and fibromyalgia.

Finding Bowen Therapy Near Me

When looking for Bowen Therapists near me, it's crucial to consider their qualifications, experience, and the type of environment they offer.

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About Russell Evans

Russell Evans is our amazing Bowen Therapist here at Brisbane Livewell Clinic in Wavell Heights. Specialising in holistic and integrative approaches, Russell is dedicated to mastering the Bowen Technique to offer effective solutions for a variety of physical and emotional health issues.

Russell's journey in Bowen Therapy began when he first experienced the profound benefits of this therapy on his own chronic health issues. Motivated by his recovery, he pursued professional training to deepen his understanding and skill in this therapeutic method.

Bowen Therapy Services at Brisbane Livewell Clinic

Bowen Therapy Sessions Overview

Each session with Russell is tailored to his patient's specific needs, focusing on both immediate pain relief and long-term healing strategies.

At the start of your session, Russell will discuss your symptoms with you and he will ask you to circle parts of your body that are causing you problems on a printed out diagram. Sometimes he can help treat issues that are different from the ones you came to see him about. 

How Many Sessions of Bowen Therapy Will I Need?

Russell will usually need to see you for your initial session, then for a further 3 sessions, to give your body time to adjust to its "new state of normal" after his treatments. If your particular injury or condition is likely to take longer to heal, he will discuss that with you upfront.

Preparing for Your Bowen Therapy Session

What to Expect During Your Visit

Upon your first visit, Russell will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your health history and current issues. This initial consultation ensures that Bowen Therapy is personalised to yield the best results.

How to Prepare for a Bowen Therapy Session

To maximise the benefits of your session:

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Gym clothing is fine, but board shorts and jeans don't work well.
  • Hydrate well before and after the session.
  • Arrive with an open mind and ready to relax.

Keep in mind that the best success with Bowen Therapy is achieved by making a series of moves, then letting the body adjust after those moves. There are therefore likely to be pauses where you are not actively being treated by Russell during your consultation, while he allows your body to assimilate his Bowen moves.

Booking Your Session with your Bowen Therapist Near Me

Booking a session is straightforward. You can contact Brisbane Livewell Clinic at Wavell Heights directly on (07) 3861 5881 or book a consultation for Bowen Therapy near you online.

Directions to Brisbane Livewell Clinic at Wavell Heights

Our Clinic is conveniently located in Wavell Heights, with detailed directions available here for easy accessibility.

Conclusion

With Russell Evans at Brisbane Livewell Clinic, Bowen Therapy becomes a key component of your journey towards holistic health and well-being. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your wellness with one of Brisbane’s leading Bowen Therapists.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bowen Therapy

1. How many sessions are typically needed to see results?

Most clients experience noticeable relief after 1-3 sessions of Bowen Therapy, although chronic or more complex conditions may require additional sessions. Russell Evans recommends you plan for 4 sessions - his initial consultation plus a further 3 sessions to achieve the best results.

2. Is Bowen Therapy safe during pregnancy?

Bowen Therapy is considered safe during pregnancy, and it can be particularly helpful in managing pregnancy-related back pain and stress. Patients who are pregnant will likely be asked to lie on their sides rather than their backs, and a pillow can be provided for comfort.

3. Can Bowen Therapy be used alongside other treatments?

Bowen Therapy is highly compatible with other medical and alternative treatments. It is non-invasive and does not interfere with medications. Check with your Bowen Therapist if you undertake, or are planning, other medical and alternative therapy treatments. 

4. What age groups are suitable for Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy is suitable for all ages, from infants to the elderly.

5. Are there any side effects of Bowen Therapy?

Side effects from Bowen Therapy are rare and generally mild. These can include temporary tiredness after a session, as your body recovers, as well as emotional releases or changes in pain patterns as the body adjusts and heals.

6. How often should you undertake Bowen Therapy?

How often you undertake Bowen Therapy will depend on your own needs. Some patients may benefit from weekly sessions, particularly in the beginning, while others may need less frequent treatment. Russell recommends that his patients come to see him proactively every 4 to 6 weeks after their initial injury or condition is stabilised, as Bowen Therapy is proactive and can help prevent other injuries from occurring in the future.

7. Can I claim for Bowen Therapy through Medicare or a Private Health Fund?

Unfortunately Bowen Therapy is not covered through Medicare and is no longer covered by Private Health Funds in Australia.

Last Updated on 9 May 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic