I went to see a Bowen therapist at the End of November last year. I was recently diagnosed with Burstitus in my right hip I had also recently had a fall and had landed badly on my right wrist which was causing me some pain as I work with scissors and do repetitive physical work with my hands I was told that Bowen therapy could help me and I would need just a few sessions however I found that it didn't help with my Burstitus at all and after four sessions I was given a steroid injection by my GP which helped instantly. I continued with the Bowen therapy. on my second session in the therapist started manipulating my fingers from the top of my arms almost like a sort of puppet technique whereby he would press on certain muscles and tissues near my elbow and it would make my fingers move up and down I asked him what this technique was and I also told him that I didn't like the treatment that was causing me quite a bit of pain however he continued to use this technique. All in all I had nine treatments with him and I haven't been back for six weeks I now cannot move my left arm into a straight position it is permanently bent The problem was in my right wrist not my left arm my left arm was perfectly okay before I went to see this therapist. I explained this to him and he said that my left-arm had come out in sympathy to my right I find it very frustrating as I can't use either arms properly now which is very worrying in my job. Has anybody else experienced this puppet like treatment on the arms and if so what effect does it have on you any information that I find on the Internet seems to be Pro Bowen with no negative responses so I feel like I'm the only one and I really don't know what to do as when I speak to my Bowen therapist about it he tells me that it's a long process but eventually it will work itself out and I find this hard to believe please help
My Bowen experience, any answers out ... - Fibromyalgia Acti...
My Bowen experience, any answers out there?
Do be careful...it doesn't seem to be doing you any good in fact quite the reverse....and no doubt costing you money for something you don't need.....x
Hi I am replying because you sound like you need a response. I have never ever heard of this therapy so I can't help you but when I have tried alternative therapy say acupuncture,because of the cost. If it hasn't helped after three sessions I can't afford to wait for another six before it will work. Sounds like you need some pain relief right now.
So many people on this forum find heat and water (warm) combined or separate helpful. It seems to be the most common relief giver.
Just sending you a HUG.x
thanks yes i use epsom salts but it is light relief thats all. I wish someone could say oh yes I had that puppet thing done on me and...???
I tried Bowen. It did absolutely nothing for me. I stopped after four sessions.
Hello Soulfunkrebel
I am so sorry that you are struggling at the moment.
Have you ever tried a paraffin wax treatment? You may find that will help with your hands.
Also, try soaking your hands in as warm a water as you can manage.
I have been a member of the forum for 5 years and have had Fibro for 36 years. I have to say that I have not seen many people write here about Bowen Technique working for them.
It could be that this technique is not particularly helpful for people with Fibro?
Have you ever tried Physio?
I have Bursitis in my hip and it is incredibly painful so I have every sympathy for you.
Wishing you a peaceful day.
Lu xx
Hi soulfunkrebel, great name ! I have had Bowen treatment for years, it has been really useful for me. I do get a lot of odd sensations in different parts of my body while having the treatment, don't remember anything like you had. Although if treating top of my arm I will usually feel something happening in hand or wrist as it is all connected. How did you find the therapist, was he recommended
Hello Soulfunkrebel and a warm welcome to our friendly fibro forum where you can get advice, understanding, help and support. If you look at our mother site fmauk.org you will find a wealth of information including guides and links.
I have no personal knowledge of the Bowen treatment and it does seem to have had a mixed result amongst our members.
There are a couple of experiences on the right of your screen in Related Posts but more when you enter Bowen Therapy in the search box top right.
If you are feeling no benefit or indeed feel worse then perhaps this treatment is not for you.
Hoping to see you joining in around the forum
Kay
Ps I advise you to lock your post for your internet security, simple instructions can be found in Pinned Posts on the right. (You may need to turn your screen to landscape)
We will always lock your posts if asked to do so and if you are having difficulty.
I used to have Bowen therapy when I was still well enough to work and therefore still able to afford it. The therapist used to come to our work and we got a reduced price becuase of the number of us using the service.
Got to say I found it quite beneficial as it works on posture and muscular relaxation which is very useful if you work in an office environment.
However, I've not been able to afford any of those sorts of treatment since having to give up work and can only take advantage of what is offered on the NHS. All that was when I was feeling somewhat better than I am now and prior to all my diagnoses (inc fibro) so I can't really comment on it's affect on fibro. Except to say I'm not convinced it would be sufficiently effective in the few amounts of sessions I could afford. Sadly like you it's a bit of a catch 22 in that to be of any use I would have to have more sessions than I can afford.
Gentle hugs, Margaret.xxx
Is there any chance you can find a Bowen therapist that has the qualifations to teach Bowen therapy, ( I've heard these are the ones to see) because I feel in my opinion, you need to see a Bowen therapist with more qualifications and experience than the one you have been seeing and they will be able to offer you another opinion and advice. I had bad private Acupuncture treatment many years ago, but did find a better qualified Acupunturist with lots more years of experience who was able to help which was a relief because the then GP did not want to know or help.
Hi Soulfunkrebel
I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I am so truly sorry to read of your experience of Bowen therapy and what works for one does not always work for another.
It may be now that all you can do is ask your doctor to put right the damage that this person has caused you? I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.
All my hopes and dreams for you
Ken
Bowen is supposed to be light touch. Like strumming a guitar string. I found it irritating and weird as I never knew where I was going to be touched next. What you describe is not familiar to me. I didn't continue and had no benefit.
I think he should have listened to you and adjusted his treatment accordingly.
If he understood fibro he would know to be guided by you.
They will have a registering body and you can ask them about your treatment.
My experience of Alternative practitioners is they may fear to say no to treating something they may not understand, esp if they need the money. They are too often too confident and hopeful. They forget this can be dangerous. Many are happy to keep treating until you call time.
Possibly this is a cautionary tale to others who may hand their bodies over to some random 'therapist' in hopes of a cure. They must have experience of our condition.
Fascia
There is help out there!
leg pain fibromyalgia 
My story
Should I give him the boot?
