Articles Index-Bowen
 
Frozen Shoulders
 
The term 'frozen shoulder' can strike dread into the heart of even the most experienced physical therapist, as it encompasses so many possibilities, both in terms of aetiology as well as treatment. As it stands, Bowen therapists tend to like the presentation of a classic frozen shoulder, as it often gives a faster outcome than other, even apparently simpler, cases.
 
There are three considerations when working with a shoulder. The first is the presentation of a specific shoulder problem, where a therapist can work locally in the region of the shoulder very simply and usually to good effect. For this to be as effective as it should be, it is important to establish that there are no other reasons why the shoulder is restricted or in pain. Imbalances or problems in the temporo mandibular joint, whiplash, or other cervical problems might lead to shoulder problems. Even issues involving the diaphragm or respiratory system can have an effect on a shoulder.
 
Bowen really comes into its own in the case of an acute shoulder injury. It is rare that we need to spend more than two or three sessions one week apart with an acute shoulder, providing rest is given and there is no tearing. Many feel that Bowen is probably the most effective tool currently available for acute injuries, especially as treatment can be offered immediately following injury because of the gentleness of Bowen. Typical sporting injuries can be treated immediately and to excellent effect. Experience suggests that the early treatment of these conditions reduces the incidence of future dislocation.
 
The second element is the consideration of the shoulder in treating other areas of the arm, neck and shoulder. The brachial plexus is a major element in this area and conditions such as carpal tunnel, and even tennis elbow can be effectively helped prior to localised treatment by working the shoulder area. Brachial plexus is a nerve bundle all too often overlooked when addressing shoulder and arm conditions and yet it can provide the solution to a lot of referred problems.
The third is the concept of fascial connections through and over the shoulder area and down the level of the pelvis and hips, thereby affecting knees on the opposite side to the presenting shoulder. This idea of the fascial connection has been explored brilliantly by Tom Myers, in his book Anatomy Trains.
 
The initial Bowen treatment for a shoulder problem will involve addressing many of these areas through the initial basic procedures. The patient will be laid prone and a series of moves made through both the lower and upper back. An important focus for the practitioner will be ensuring the release of levator scapula. It can often be all too easy to be drawn into working specific areas of pain, but it's worth remembering that the deltoid only functions in harmony with the normal movement of the scapula. With its attachment to the superior medial angle of the scapula and with the role of elevating and rotating the scapula, working the levator gives the rest of the structure the opportunity to re-establish normal movement.
 
Another standard Bowen move is over the supraspinatus, a small muscle which provides a huge amount of power to the deltoid and which is innervated by a branch of the brachial plexus. Two medial Bowen moves from its lateral aspect, can have a big effect on the pain that is often felt into the middle of the deltoid on abduction.
Once the surrounding areas of the shoulder have been addressed, the actual shoulder itself is then treated, with the patient either standing or sitting. The classical shoulder move varies from most of the other moves in the Bowen repertoire, as it is made with the arm in movement.
 
The results can often be quite startling, with even long standing 'frozen' shoulders responding within five or ten minutes. In one case a gentleman who volunteered to be demonstrated on, had 100% relief from a very restricted shoulder, which had been present for over eight years.
A study into the effect of The Bowen Technique for 'Frozen' Shoulders looked at 100 volunteers with non-specific, gradual onset shoulder pain. They were each given four treatments with half the group being given Bowen and the other half a specific hands on placebo treatment. The groups were not told which was which, but the treated group reported considerably greater improvement than the placebo.
 
Average improvement for abduction was 40% and horizontal abduction 28%. Overall 67% of the treatment group improved with their degree of improvement 'statistically significant.'
 
It's worth pointing out that this study gave no form of exercises and adhered strictly to a proscribed set of moves, irrespective of other factors already mentioned, which might have impacted on their condition as compliance and other factors would have impacted greatly on the outcomes.
There are of course hundreds of additions to even this one procedure and it is important to remember that Bowen is not simply a series of procedures, but a system of bodywork, with a set series of principles, but literally millions of variations.
 
© For further information and full course prospectus, contact:
European College of Bowen Studies, 38 Portway,
FROME, Somerset BA11 1QU Tel/Fax: 01373 461 873
 
email: info@thebowentechnique.com
website: www.thebowentechnique.com
 
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