Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2002; 7: 87
To evaluate clients’ experience of Bowen technique in the treatment of frozen shoulder in terms of their pain, functional ability and well being.
A case series using primarily quantitative methods and qualitative interviews was undertaken. Data were generated through consultation sheets, self-report pain diaries, self-complete questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Twenty participants with frozen shoulder were recruited using established criteria for use in the primary care setting: clinical history of worsening painful shoulder, motion loss of at least 1 month’s duration and physical examination documenting painful, restricted shoulder motion. Participants were treated by one of two qualified Bowen therapists using Bowen technique and undertaking the moves in the established ‘frozen shoulder procedure’. The main outcome measures were a range of active and passive motion (abduction, flexion, extension, medial rotation, lateral rotation and ‘wall climb’) in both shoulders, pain intensity scores, impact on well-being and health status.
There were no reports of any adverse experiences. Improvement in shoulder mobility and associated function was seen for all participants, with 70% gaining a return in movement equal to their unaffected side. Markedly reduced pain intensity scores and pain quality descriptors were also seen for all participants. All participants experienced improvement in their daily activities. No participant attended for more than five treatment sessions.
Bowen technique demonstrated an improvement for participants, even those with a very long-standing history of frozen shoulder. Further trials are warranted.
