Bowen Technique Bridport – Top 8 Injury Tips

Top 8 Injury Tips

How to speed up muscle strain recovery and care for your injury.

Emergency Bowen Appointment

To save time being in pain, or not earning money at work, or ruining your holiday/weekend activities, go and book an alignment appointment, as soon as possible. Bowen is what I love and practice so that is what I will share about here and is my go-to, when I have an injury. Yes it can be used immediately on an injury, think of me as an emergency musculoskeletal support.

Bowen is the perfect treatment to calm the nervous system immediately after an accident/injury and it removes the shock/trauma from the body, instantly relaxing you and prepping the body for restoration.

Bowen supports to align fascia, surrounding all muscles, joints and nerves, therefore benefits are pain reduction, more range of movement and quicker recover time.

The sooner the better, benefits felt from 1 treatment, but typically 4 are recommended, 1 week apart, however frozen shoulders may take up to 8 treatments.

In my own experience and my clients, recovery is quicker with Bowen and you can get back on with your life again. Find out more about Bowen therapy here.

Reflect & Protect

It is good to take note of what happened, so symptoms you feel and taking stock of what has been happening over the last few months to potentially weaken things or contribute to the injury. You could consider emotional stress, posture, repeated moves, walking/carrying yourself.

An injury is a perfect time to stop and check in on how to therefore take the best care of you. If you are not sure how to do this, I can support you in this process. 

I aim to get you back to your working self asap and then together, we can plan ways to support injury prevention.

Self-care

When are your symptoms worse or better? Use your own natural intelligence to work out what you see you need to do to support yourself, for most people, it is better for moving, such as walking and worse for sitting still.

Arnica capsules, used in homeopathy, 30c strength, are great at settling and aiding repair in the body. You can purchase these from health shops, or even better use a homeopathic pharmacy, like Buxton and Grant are in Bristol, or Helios are an online store. Ideally you would seek support from a homeopath, but these are a great first aid remedy and can be taken 15 mins either side of food or drinks other than water and re-taken when you feel the symptoms returning.

A maximum 10-minute ice pack can help if there is swelling and tumeric capsules can help with reducing inflammation.

Keeping an area warm for example wearing a scarf around your neck, or using a hot water bottle can soothe too.

Pain Relief

It is fine to take pain relief, such as ibuprofen or CBD drops, or your chosen support to help relax and ease things. Yes it won’t treat the cause but it might soothe things in the short term. 

Bow to Epsom Salts

There is a reason why athletes and dancers use these, they work! An Epsom salt bath can sooth aching muscles, relax you and provide yummy magnesium to soothe the body. Take extra care as they can make things slippy, also not longer than 20 minutes in the bath.

If there is inflammation and you would prefer to not use ice (for example we don’t usually suggest icing an area soon after a Bowen treatment as it can interfere with the fascia work we have done) you can put a spoonful of Epsom salts in a tissue and wrap them around the affected area.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water, it will help aid your body to be hydrated and flush out toxins and support the body to do its job best.

Movement

Stretches aren’t always helpful, as they can exacerbate symptoms for some people, but for others it can soothe things, just start with a few gentle moves, here is an example. 

Start by lying flat on your back with your knees supported by something comfy.

Back care stretch injury care

Back care injury tips Bristol

Schedule Adjustment

Yes you may need to slow down and that can be tricky for some, but also there are benefits to relaxing back into your body and lifestyle. Re-consider your schedule, that includes training schedule.

Do something to support relaxation and being present in your body. I can support you here if you are unsure how to fully relax.

Back Pain Therapist Case Studies

Read case studies and results from Emily, a back pain therapist in Bridport

Bowen technique back care

1 Symptoms and prevented activity

49 year old mum had recurrent episodes of her back seizing up and feeling out of place, she was prevented from doing anything when this happened, including working and especially working and gardening and she loved gardening.

Treatment and results

She had 4 Bowen sessions and the pain was resolved, the client wasn’t expecting it to work, but she couldn’t believe the quick and long lasting effect it had. She is now able to do so much more in the garden and has since had no further episodes of her back pain. Client now returns, for a luxury facial to feel relaxed and pampered.

2 Symptoms and prevented activity

34 year old counsellor was presenting with shoulder tension and pain, which was affecting her daily life, low self confidence and dissatisfaction and emotional stress from her work. 

Treatment and results

The client loved receiving treatments in Bowen, Reiki and Reflexology, so she often chose a different treatment depending on how she felt and had also asked what I saw would be best too. Results were complete relaxation, stress reduction, release of shoulder tension, increase in wellbeing, increase in confidence and encouragement to focus on her passions in the workplace, which led to a change in job.

3 Symptoms and prevented activity

24 year old student was presenting with back pain, after a fall to the coccyx, that had been untreated. Every few months her back would feel out of place and that would mean missing work, she was also suffering with migraines. She previously had found the chiropractor too aggressive for her preference and it created a bad pain in her neck.

Treatment and results

She began with a hot stone massage and she couldn’t believe how much this alone eased her symptoms, she then went on to have 4 sessions of bowen which completely resolved her migraines, back and neck pain and meant she was no longer taking days off work as her back wasn’t coming out of place. She now comes as and when for a top up either in bowen or hot stone massage.

 Quote taken from Kim from Google reviews

“I have been visiting Emily since April receiving marvellous treatments to help with aches and pains, specifically an injury on my lower back and neck. I first had a hot stone massage which made me feel as though i was in heaven and freed up a lot of aches in my body the warmth of the stones is very soothing. Emily made me feel at home straight away and really listens to what you are saying to ensure her treatments are personalised for you as an individual. Having spoken to Emily about the Bowen therapy I have since had a course of 3 treatments which completely fixed and reset my neck and back and helped me get back to my old more active self. I now just top up my treatments with a massage or bowen to keep the pain at bay…and just because I feel so damn lovely after a treatment!! couldn’t recommend Emily any higher – she is fab. Thankyou :)”

4 Symptoms and prevented activity

48 year old nurse suffering from stress, migraines and insomnia. This affected her work and social life with tiredness and needing to rest when migraines were present.

Treatment and results

After 1 bowen session her migraines had completely resolved and she had the best night sleep for a long time. She went on to have 2 more bowen sessions to relieve tension in her hamstrings, provide a balance to the body and aid relaxation and stress reduction.

5 Symptoms and prevented activity

34 year old fitness coach presenting with back pain after a coccyx injury, which affected her when exercising and she was experiencing difficulty in conceiving.

Treatment and results

Client received 9 sessions of a mixture of reflexology and bowen. After 4 sessions her back pain had completely resolved, after 4 more sessions she informed me that she was pregnant, this was a very heart warming moment to have supported someone along their journey of a wish to conceive a baby.

6 Symptoms and prevented activity

 34 year old female that books in monthly hot stone massages, overall improvements are.

I have experienced so many positive changes. I came to you initially as a gift to myself because I had recognised I was suffering from stress. You’ve always been so kind, gentle and nurturing and have listened and responded to what I’ve told you. When a reoccurring back issue flared up you suggested Bowen Technique might be helpful, and after only two treatments I am no longer suffering from any back pain. This is remarkable for me as the pain has been there in the background for some time. I cannot thank you enough.

The other thing you have done so well is give me gentle guidance around how I can improve my wellbeing. You’ve always done so in such a brilliant way…it’s never felt like you are preaching to me or trying to tell me how to live my life. That sort of approach would’ve completely turned me off but you’ve been so brilliant…it’s enabled me to make good choices and change some of my less healthy habits. I have replaced my endless cups of tea throughout the day with water and have been allowing myself to snack when I’m hungry. The latter might seem like nothing, but for me, with my seemingly endless issues around food, it is a major step forward. I am so very grateful for the impact you’ve had on my life.

It was such a big step for me to invest in myself in this way and commit to a regular session with you. But I’m so glad I have. It’s making a huge difference to my life.”

7 Symptoms and prevented activity

56 year old musician who loves playing the violin but experienced constant pain in her shoulder, neck and back with stiffness and limited range of movement. This also affected her sleep as the pain was so bad.

Treatment and results

Bowen treatments improved her sleep, she now no longer has pain in her shoulders, neck and back. She has more energy and has began exercising more, which is benefitting her too. She still comes for preventative treatments as she is continually using her muscles a lot when playing her violin and bowen supports with overall health and freeing up stiffness. She says how much she looks forward to coming for a treatment and finds it so relaxing.

8 Symptoms and prevented activity

28 year old marketing manager was suffering from constant back pain, which she felt at work, when driving and when sitting on the sofa, this was seriously impacting her daily life and preventing her from feeling comfortable, on top of that she wasnt sleeping well.

Treatment and results

4 bowen treatments later, her back pain had completely resolved and she was sleeping much better, she could sit on the sofa without any discomfort. She chooses to comes back monthly for top ups as preventative care, which is her preference to support herself, after years of back complaints.

Taken from Felicity from Treatwell

“Emily has really helped me over the past few months. I had never tried Bowen therapy before but the results have been fantastic. Emily is really lovely too and her treatment room is so calming and relaxing.”

 9 Symptoms and prevented activity

65 year old housewife presenting with a slipped disc, from a previous injury, so she had a lot of back pain, sciatica, (shooting pain down the side of her leg) she was unable to walk and sit, without feeling some sort of pain. 

Treatment and benefits

6 bowen treatments have been received and she felt relief from day 1, such as being able to walk straighter, freer and the pain had reduced. The slipped disc has completely resolved and the client comes back monthly to support with overall health.

Taken from anonymous on Treatwell

Emily is very good at explaining the treatment. Very relaxed quiet atmosphere. I have benefitted from reduced pain and better posture from my damaged spine

 

10 Symptoms and prevented activity

27 year old sports lover had a ski injury with cartilage damage to the sternum, she experienced a lot of pain in her shoulders, arms, ribs and back when breathing and moving, she was unable to lift objects at work, the pain was seriously impacting her everyday life.

Treatment and results

After only 3 bowen sessions all symptoms had resolved, except minor pain when breathing due to cartilage damage to the sternum, which will take a little longer to heal. She told me she had another skiing trip booked after the first session and I said lets take it easy as you might not be able to ski and then she successfully managed to ski! Also enjoy her holiday as she quickly sought help for her injury. She is now way more relaxed and had the trauma/stress from the injury removed from her body. 

Taken from Jess from Google reviews 

“Emily helped me massively over 3 sessions! I was in some serious pain when I first came to see her, and a couple of days after my first session I had already gained back the majority of my movement that I had lost due to an injury.

She is very kind, provides a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, and is very good at what she does. I highly recommend Emily and will definitely be going back for a visit when needed!

You do not need to put up with back, neck or shoulder pain, bowen technique can provide a quick long lasting support.”

Jujitsu student had ‘crunched’ her neck doing a backwards roll, which led to serious limited neck movements and a lot pain and discomfort in moving.

Treatment and results

She came to see me right after the injury for an emergency appointment, she didnt realise that Bowen is safe enough to treat right after an injury, she felt relaxed, the shock was taken out of her body and the body could begin to repair. Her neck movement returned shortly after the treatment and then had a follow up session a week later and was able to get back to training the following week. 

Taken from Indi google reviews 

“I badly injured my neck during jujitsu training and had to immediately stop. I was shaky and in shock. I called Emily as she had completely cured my RSI with 2 sessions of Bowen previously and so I wanted to see how quick she could see me now for this. She was pleased I called so quickly because Bowen can be used immediately on injuries as it’s non invasive and can really help the healing process right from the start. Treating acute injuries is another area she’s specialised in and she wished more people contacted her when they had just injured themselves, rather then days or weeks later.

I used to be physiotherapist for 10 years and I never touched a patient who had literally just injured themselves (especially on the neck!) and would recommend rest and ice or heat etc for the initial period. It was such a relief to find there was something I could actually do immediately to specifically help my injury directly. Within the hour I was on the treatment bed in the incredibly relaxing environment and in the safe hands of Emily. I was made comfortable as my neck had seized and my muscles in spasm. I felt my body immediately able to relax at a time of such pain and shock.

Emily carried out the treatment and I have no idea what she does or how Bowen works but after the treatment the shock in my body and mind had gone – I was no longer shaking! I felt more aligned, calmer and the pain had certainly decreased. I knew with this type of injury I wasn’t going to be pain free and have full range of movement for a while, but I knew I had significantly helped the healing process already and as Bowen continues to work over several days, and with Emily’s post treatment advice too, I was so confident that a more rapid healing would continue and that I was taking the best care.

I went back to see Emily about week later a lot better for the severity of the injury and very pleased with the progress, I was quite amazed actually as with the loud crunch of my neck I thought it would be weeks,  maybe even months, before I was back to normal again. So not surprisingly, I still had some decreased range of movement, pain at the end of range and most annoyingly, I still kept waking several times at night with discomfort. Immediately after the session, I literally couldn’t believe it; I had complete range of movement and no pain at the end of range at all – such immediate results! Not only that, but that night I slept like a baby, and have done every night since! Very happy 🙂

In all my time as a physio I have never seen or experienced such dramatic results for such an acute and significant injury. Neither for my clients or that of any of my colleagues. A few days later and I’m back to training again. I have no understanding of how Emily does it but she is just completely brilliant and magic as far as I’m concerned. I simply can’t recommend her enough: If you have any injuries or pain at all anywhere, do yourself a massive favour and just get to her as quick as you can!!”

12 Symptoms and Prevented activity

Anne was presenting with hip pain, lower back pain and knee pain, which was noticed after sitting for too long and driving

Treatment and results

Anne had already received Bowen from another therapist who relocated so she knew the potency of the results and although her symptoms were relatively minor, they were still problematic to her. After 2 sessions all symptoms had resolved and she now returns for maintenance treatments as and when.

Taken from Anne from google reviews

“Believe in Bowen! Bowen therapy with Emily is to be highly recommended. It is a remarkable treatment which realigns your body and miraculously eases any aches and pains you may have.

Some years ago I was convinced I needed a hip replacement after suffering with a painful hip for months. After x-rays showed there was no issue with the joint, I chose to go for Bowen treatments following a friend’s recommendation who has also experienced its benefits. The pain went within 2 or 3 treatments and has never returned. More recently, Emily has freed my other hip of pain as well as my knee. General every-day living such as driving, lifting, working at a computer, carrying uneven loads, sitting awkwardly etc. can, over time, put the body out-of-kilter. I cannot recommend Bowen therapy enough as a means to reverse these strains.

My elderly neighbour who was suffering with such a bad back that she wasn’t able to walk up stairs can now, after 2 treatments with Emily, do so easily – she is both amazed and delighted. I would urge anyone, whatever their age, who is suffering from any aches and pains to try Bowen therapy. Be amazed and believe in Bowen!”

13 Symptoms and Prevented activity

50 year old fireman struggling with lower back pain, sciatica and right shoulder pain which he could only raise up the side to a certain point, so it was restricting his range of movement. He also had a sore wrist and felt general concern and motivation to take better care of his body. 

Treatment and results

After 2 sessions the shoulder pain and sciatica had resolved, however the left shoulder now felt pain, most likely due to compensation patterns 

14 Symptoms and Prevented activity 

23 year old marketing executive with recurring kidney infections and lower back pain.

Treatment and results

After 1 session the thirst and urgency to urinate became slightly exacerbated for 24 hours then completely resolved, which usually lasts for up to a week. The follow up 3 sessions were able to align her pelvis which resolved her lower back pain and meant she had less recurring kidney infections.

15 Symptoms and Prevented activity 

66 year old retired teacher and grandmother had slept ‘funny’ her neck was seriously restricted and she couldn’t move her head to the right, she was in a lot of pain.

Treatment and results

After 1 session of Bowen she regained full movement in her neck and was amazed at how improved she felt with only 1 session,

16 Symptoms and Prevented activity

67 year old man with what he suspected was tennis elbow in his right elbow, this was causing him pain, it was swollen and felt warm to touch.

After 1 session of Bowen, the swelling had reduced, the pain had reduced and there was considerable improvement, after a second session the pain had reduced further and there was more movement to the elbow joint and shoulder.

Contact me here to book a treatment.