• Bowen Technique in Sports Injuries

    Susan Walker explains the benefits of Bowen Therapy on healing sports injuries.

    What is Bowen Therapy?

    “Bowen Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive “hands-on” therapy, which is performed using fingers and thumbs to make simple rolling moves over muscles and tendons. It is described as holistic as it treats the body as a whole.”

    What are the benefits of this treatment for sports injuries?

    “Bowen therapy is being increasingly recognised as a valuable tool in the treatment and healing of sports injuries. It encourages the body’s own healing systems to resolve dysfunctions and restore musculoskeletal balance. It can be used prior to or alongside interventionist exercise and training programmes. It also helps to achieve a “whole-body balance”, i.e. that of mind and body, this assists in improvement and maintenance of performance.”

    “In the sporting world, Bowen Therapy is being used more and more by elite athletes, not only to treat injuries but also to help prevent them. It has also been shown to improve “post-competition” recovery times. Any musculoskeletal injury can be treated, as well as tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, repetitive strain injuries, to name but a few. Improvement can be immediate, i.e. as soon as the athlete gets off the treatment couch. Most acute injuries respond quickly and may require up to three treatments, chronic injuries may take a little longer.”

    “Most athletes recognise that if their body is in balance, they have more stamina and suffer fewer injuries, and they are also able to focus and control the stress response, which results in an improved performance.”

    How is the treatment administered?

    “If an athlete suffers an injury, ideally they should be seen as soon as possible, for an examination and assessment. A treatment plan is then agreed upon, and the first Bowen session is given, in conjunction with detailed advice and exercises as appropriate. A re-assessment is provided three to five days later, with more treatment and progression of exercises. In addition return to training and competition is discussed and planned. Follow-on treatment may or may not be necessary.”

    “This treatment is undertaken in consultation with the coaches, trainers and other support staff in order to achieve an injury-free, fully fit and prepared athlete.”

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