Jessica Alba's pains could be rolled away with Bowen therapy...

Jessica Alba was recently spotted enjoying a quick massage in between partaking in some retail therapy in New York.

The Hollywood star appeared to have quite a lot of tension in her back and shoulders as the pictures show, but carried on shopping after with friends in the Big Apple.

Although the actress obviously enjoyed the benefits of the massage, we would suggest having a few Bowen Therapy treatments to ensure that her back issues are dealt with!

Bowen Technique differs to the conventional massage Alba was receiving, as it consists of small rolling movements rather than manipulation and Bowen therapy asks the body to heal itself. The gentle yet powerful Bowen moves send neurological impulses to the brain resulting in immediate responses of muscle relaxation and pain reduction.

For further information on where to get Bowen treatment
visit www.bowen-therapy.co

Massages as good as pain-killers

A new study has found that massage is not just good for soothing and relaxing your muscles, but can mimic the affects of pain relieving drugs.

The findings, published in the Journal Science Translational Medicine, found that massages promote the growth of new mitochondria and dampen the effect of molecules in the immune system that contribute to inflammation.

Therefore the massage can work in the same way as anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

'The potential benefits of massage could be useful to a broad spectrum of individuals, including those suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and patients with chronic inflammatory disease,' says lead researcher Dr Mark Tarnopolsky from McMaster University in Canada.

'This study provides evidence that manipulative therapies such as massage may be justifiable in medical practice.' 

The Bowen technique is a drug-free, non-invasive, hands-on remedial therapy where the therapist makes small, rolling movements over muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue at precise points on the body, using only the amount of pressure appropriate for that individual.  

Concerns over new ‘medical marijuana’ drug

The new ‘medical marijuana’ drug on the market has sparked concern for possible addiction in patients using it to get ‘high’ rather than treating their pain.

‘Sativex’ is being trialed by pharmaceutical company GW Pharmaceuticals, which will be delivered as a mouth spray. The drug will be seeking approval from the U.S FDA to be used as a treatment for cancer pain. 

The active ingredients in Sativex, known as cannabinoids, are derived from the cannabis plant. It is the first marijuana-based drug to be made by extracting the compounds from the plant, rather than synthesizing them.

Because the drug contains THC, the ingredient primarily responsible for marijuana's "high," its possible people would use the drug for recreational rather than medical purposes.

"There is no doubt in my mind that there will be people that abuse it," said Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, director of the Florida Poison Information Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The drug is already approved in United Kingdom, Spain, Canada and New Zealand to treat muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis, according to the company website.

However an alternative treatment for the pain of multiple sclerosis is the Bowen Technique with many sufferers finding more flexible movement in their limbs and improved mobility.

The Bowen Technique helps the body remember how to heal itself. The gentle yet powerful Bowen moves send neurological impulses to the brain resulting in immediate responses of muscle relaxation and pain reduction, which is excellent for those suffering with multiple sclerosis.  

Hope for RSI sufferers

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is a painful condition and a common cause of lack of mobility and, in some cases, time off work. This can sometimes have such a huge negative impact on the individual’s life, however, there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Firstly, for those who have had to give up their jobs because of their condition there may be help available from charities that give out funds. One of which is Elizabeth Finn Care.

Elizabeth Finn Care gives money to help people who have less than £4,000 in savings and, lacking enough household income to manage a bare hand-to-mouth existence.

By giving just that little bit more money beyond State Benefit provision, Elizabeth Finn Care enables people to:

• pay for the things they vitally need
• take charge of their lives once more, and
• plan for a future

Overall, this charity helps people whose former careers have been interrupted or ended through circumstances beyond their control. For further information on whether you qualify for funding visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/

Secondly, there is a clinical study being carried out by the BTPA (Bowen Therapy Professional Association) in which they will look into the effects of Bowen therapy on RSI sufferers. People participating in the study will be given three Bowen treatments to gauge whether there is any change to the RSI sufferers condition. There have been many cases in the past where RSI patients felt a severe improvement in their condition and mobility through Bowen therapy. Mrs D is just one of those patients. 

 Mrs D underwent some sessions of the complementary therapy from Bowen practitioner Austin Burn-Jones and said “I approached Austin to seek treatment for RSI and shoulder problems, which I have suffered from for many years. Austin's approach using the Bowen Technique not only relieved the discomfort and pain I have suffered over the years, but has also corrected other aches and pains in what I believed were totally unrelated parts of the body. All of this was achieved with a limited number of treatments (which are far gentler than other alternatives), and a series of exercises to be completed at home. I would wholly recommend both the Bowen Technique, and Austin as a leading practitioner. 

To qualify for this study, you must:

• be suffering with RSI for more than two years
• have been diagnosed with RSI by a GP or Occupational Health Therapist
• not have done any Bowen therapy treatments previously

If you fit the criteria above and are interested in participating in this study simply e-mail Christine at ask@btpa.co 

For further information on bowen therapy and/or the clinical study visit:

www.btpa.co/Bowen/btpa-studies.asp

For further information on Bowen practitioner Austin Burn-Jones visit:

http://www.btpa.co/Bowen/btpa-find-therapist.asp

Bowen therapy is a compliment to other treatments

For many who suffer with muscular pain, knowing which treatment will be most effective is often confusing with so many different types to choose from. Each therapist will tell you that their treatment is the most effective and it's difficult to always know what to expect.

Here is a quick guide to the most popular treatments so that you can make an informed decision for your health.

Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique helps the body remember how to heal itself. The Bowen moves send neurological impulses to the brain resulting in immediate responses of muscle relaxation and pain reduction. Electrical impulses sent to the nervous system remind the body to regain normal movement in joints, muscles and tendons. This helps relieve muscle spasms and increase blood and lymph flow.  

The therapist uses thumbs and fingers to make rolling type moves on different muscles on the body. There are times when the therapist actually leaves the room so the body has time to make its own adjustments, which help relieve tension and reduce pain. You should see results within 2-3 treatments.

The Bowen technique acts as a compliment to all other methods for easing muscular pain as well as a stand-alone treatment in itself.

Bowen Therapy taking place

Sports Massage

This deep-tissue treatment works on the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body using manipulation, stretching, compressions and friction techniques to remove nodules and tension from the muscle. The treatment can feel quite intense, but the therapist should work to a level that you find comfortable.  You can see results from one treatment depending on the severity of the issue.

Alexandra Technique

This technique corrects established defects of posture, particularly those related to the back when lying, sitting, standing, or walking. According to its deviser, the Australian therapist F.M. Alexander, the technique promotes relaxation and can help eliminate aches, pains, and other disorders associated with muscle tension and poor posture.

You will be taught how to recognise when your body is in a position that is un-natural and may cause postural problems, with verbal instruction and manual guidance the teacher will encourage you to release inappropriate tension during everyday activities.

Oesteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and treats the body as a whole holistic system that needs everything functioning smoothly together. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Jo Wortley: Featured Therapist

Bowen Practitioner:Jo Wortley (Image copyright of David Green)

Jo Wortley first came across Bowen Therapy when she injured her knee in early 2002 and her mother-in-law suggested for her to try the complementary therapy.

Jo says “I was incredibly sceptical and took a lot of persuasion, but eventually tried it. I didn’t really understand why my knee was barely touched on the first session and was dubious about having further treatments, but went along with it. Sure enough my knee recovered, but I still wasn’t convinced.

A few weeks later, I bent down to pick up my little boy and my back locked, I could hardly move. We made an appointment at the doctors, but it was going to be three days before they could see me. Not knowing what else to do we contacted Bill, the Bowen Therapist. He came to the house and gave me a treatment. I didn’t feel any different until the next day, when my back was very much easier. The day after that, there was no pain at all – I was stunned! I cancelled my doctor’s appointment and decided that if this was truly the result of Bowen, then I was going to learn how to do it, because the change was incredible!

Jo became a BTPA student member and began training in Bowen in October 2002. She qualified as a Bowen therapist in July 2003 and set up her clinic that same year and has never looked back since! Jo adds “All Bowen Therapists know how effective our treatments are, but on top of that I get on average four clients per year who’s experience of Bowen they tell me, has been “life changing” – how can you beat that?!”

One client that had that “life changing” experience is Mrs S.

Mrs S was in terrific pain and was referred to the hospital by her GP for an assessment on a knee replacement.

Whist waiting for a date to come through for her assessment Mrs S underwent three Bowen therapy treatments from Jo Wortley; this is the result:

Mrs S explains “My knee was very painful& restricted many things I had been used to doing including aerobics class, some gardening etc.

Most of the time I have fully resumed all activities, but have the odd “blip”

I have been amazed at the improvement on my joints, what I can achieve and almost pain free the majority of the time. I can do some things I haven’t done for many years. I cannot believe the vast improvement with 3 sessions. I have had a top up a couple of months down the line to make sure of my freedom to move with ease.”

Jo Wortley then received a letter from Mrs S’s doctor which read as follows:

30^th August 2011

Thank you for referring this patient whom I saw on behalf of Mr Loeffler. Patient has been referred for her right knee problem.

Ms S tells me that she had pain in the right knee over the years but recently this has all improved after she had Bowen treatment.

Pain before this treatment was at night and on walking and furthermore there was giving way.

Patient denies any pain in the groin. She does experience pain, and she points to the lateral side of the pelvis, radiating down to just proximal to the knee. There are no abnormal sensations in the feet.

On examination today right knee is cool and dry. There is full range of movement. There is no pain. No major instability.

Normal patella reflexes, weak Achilles reflex left and absent Achilles reflex right. Straight leg raising while sitting with dorsiflexion of foot; no pain. Normal sensation and power in the feet. Hop movements are normal.

X-rays of her right knee from June this year show minimal degenerate changes medial and patella-femoral.

I congratulated patient on the good results of her Bowen treatment and have told her that she is far too good to consider joint replacement surgery.

I have not made a further follow up appointment.

Yours sincerely

xxxx (We are unable to disclose the name of the Doctor as it would fringe on Doctor/ Patient confidentiality) 
Associate Specialist Surgeon in Orthopaedics

If you are on the verge of being referred for surgery and thought there was no alternative option, Mrs S is a great testament to the results Bowen therapy can achieve as well as to practitioner, Jo Wortley’s work.  

If you are interested in experiencing a Bowen treatment with Jo contact her directly on:

T: 01284 336114 / 07855 734877

E: jwortley@ptpp.co.uk

W: www.suffolktherapies.co.uk

BTPA seeking people to take part in clinical study...

The BTPA (Bowen Therapy Professional Association) are planning to start a clinical study on RSI (Repitive Strain Injury) and the effects of Bowen therapy on RSI sufferers.

In order to qualify as a legitimate clinical study the BTPA need a minimum of 30 RSI patients who fit the following criteria:

1) must be suffering with RSI for more than two years

2) Must have been diagnosed with RSI by a GP or Occupational Health Therapist

3) Not have done any Bowen therapy treatments previously.

The study will entail a fully trained Bowen practitioner to perform three Bowen Therapy treatments on the RSI sufferer and the patient would simply need to answer a questionnaire before and after the treatments

If you fit the criteria above and are interested in participating in this study please e-mail Christine at ask@btpa.com 

For further information on the BTPA or Bowen Therapy visit:

www.bowen-therapy.co

and

To see how Bowen therapy has helped RSI sufferers in the past please see the testimonials in the link below:

http://www.bowen-therapy.co/Bowen/testimonials/rsi-testimonials.asp