NEW, MORE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH CONFIRMS BOWEN

TECHNIQUE HELPS MOST BACK PAIN SUFFERERS

A new national research project shows that 90% of back pain sufferers

benefited from a series of treatments involving the Bowen Technique, a

natural complementary therapy. The results confirm a pilot study carried out

in 2006.

The treatments of more than 350 people were recorded by 115 members of

the Bowen Therapists’ European Register, the main registering body for

Bowen practitioners. Subsequent analysis shows that 129 patients (36%)

experienced a full recovery and 191 (54%) showed some recovery. Only 32

(10%) of those treated showed no improvement.

The nationwide project involved more than four times the number of people

as took part in the pilot project. A cross section of therapists invited back pain

sufferers who had never experienced the therapy to try out Bowen for three

treatments spread over a three week period. Patients agreed to help

participating therapists to record the nature and effects of their treatment.

Recipients of the treatment varied in age and gender. The oldest client was

91 years old and had been suffering from back problems for seven years. The

client estimated that the condition had improved by at least 80% after only

three treatments. The client who had the longest standing condition had

suffered from back pain for 53 years: after the third treatment, the client

reported an improvement of at least 70%.

BTER believes that the project represents a further important step forward in

enhancing the body of quantifiable research that is available about Bowen.

“Following our pilot eighteen months ago, these results give even greater

substance to the experience of many of our members and their clients -- that

Bowen can provide significant relief for most back pain sufferers, often having

a dramatic, positive impact on their lives,” commented project organiser and

Bowen therapist Sandria Marks: “Hopefully it will help convince people who

are still diffident about complementary therapy by providing tangible evidence

of how it can help.”

The Back Pain Project is the latest in a series of focused projects to be

organised by BTER, following similar initiatives on migraine and asthma. In

addition to providing data, each has been designed to raise awareness of the

Bowen Technique.

The Bowen Therapists’ European Register is the main registering body for Bowen

practitioners. Alongside their Bowen training, practitioners accredited by the

Register have studied anatomy and physiology to Diploma level, and have a

current First Aid Certificate. They are required to attend regular professional

development courses to enhance their skills. BTER also provides members with a

code of ethics and practice.