AFTERCARE TIPS
I am often asked how often Bowen therapy sessions should be scheduled. So, I would like to take a moment to explain the recommended protocol, the ideal time between sessions, and the difference between acute and chronic situations.
I've also included a useful aftercare list that everyone will benefit from having.
When I am seeing someone for the first time (for acute or chronic situation), it is highly recommended that we schedule three sessions, once per week. This will give us a deeper understanding of how your system responds to the Bowen work. By doing this, we can establish a baseline and gauge how much support your body requires to begin healing. Once we have completed the initial three sessions, we will leave a longer gap, between 3 and 4 weeks for a follow-up.
Acute situations are considered to be recent injuries or sudden onset of pain or discomfort. For example, if you have had a concussion, Bowen therapy has been shown to be highly effective in promoting natural healing processes and faster recovery. I recently had a client who attended three sessions (once per week) for a concussion and was fully recovered, able to focus and concentrate, and back to driving quicker than he thought and importantly back to doing the things he loves doing like picket ball. The doctor was thrilled with such an effective and speedy recovery.
A chronic situation, is a health condition or symptom that has persisted for several months or even years. There is no time limit on how effective Bowen will be for the body and healing. We tend to find with Bowen, it is like peeling an onion. We start treatments for an acute situation and then the body reminds us of injuries from many years ago that we have just learned to live with. Bowen is great at getting to the deeper felt patterns of discomfort and improving the way the body works and moves again.
Further examples of chronic conditions include autoimmune disorders, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and digestive disorders, among others. For chronic conditions, Bowen therapy can be helpful in managing symptoms and providing relief over the long term. In such cases, the frequency and timing of sessions may need to be adjusted based on the individual's specific needs and response to treatment. We might start with one per week for three weeks and go from there.
Once your symptoms have improved and you're in a maintenance phase, it's common to space out sessions every 2, 3 or 4 weeks. This allows us to continue supporting your body's natural healing processes. Sometimes, bi-annual maintenance is enough! Each individual is unique, so we would work out what timing feels best for you. Remember, it is important to look after yourself.
If you have any questions or concerns about the ideal frequency for your sessions or would like to schedule your next appointment, please don't hesitate to contact me.
As promised, for after all Bowen sessions, here are a few things you can do to support your body's natural healing processes:
Walk: On the day of your session, go out and take a 15 - 20 minute walk.
Help your body detoxify: Drink plenty of water to flush the toxins out of your body.
Take it easy: Avoid heavy lifting or exercise.
Avoid extreme heat or cold: No heating pads, ice packs, hot showers, or hot baths.
Keep your feet together: Put your weight on BOTH FEET when you stand up, get out of bed, a chair or a car. This will help bring balance back into your body.
Avoid having any other kind of bodywork in between, such as massage, chiropractor, osteopath for example. If you have been given an exercise to do, please do it every day between sessions.
Perhaps this is a great opportunity to share this information with a friend who you think would benefit from having Bowen. This technique is suitable for all ages and for all conditions.
Thank you for your commitment to your health and wellness. I look forward to continuing to support you in your healing journey.