Bowen Therapy in Perth, Bassendean
What is Bowen Therapy?
Bowen therapy (or the Bowen technique) is possibly one of those holistic, remedial approaches you may have heard about as a helpful option for pain relief and healing but aren’t quite sure what is involved. Bowen is a gentle, relaxing and non-invasive therapy that works on the body’s superficial and deep fascia (the connective tissue that envelops and separates every organ and tissue).
Like many natural therapies, it supports the whole person, focussing on the cause of a problem rather than just the symptoms. It addresses imbalances in the body’s energetic and fascial systems and is used to support recovery across a wide range of issues. Put simply, Bowen resets the body, allowing it to heal itself.
What Can I Expect During and After My Session?
During a Bowen session, the practitioner will make a sequence of gentle, rolling moves with their thumbs and fingers at varying pressures at specific sites on the body. These cross-fibre manipulations are intended to stimulate the fascia associated with muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves and do not involve forceful manipulations.
Sessions typically last between 30 minutes and one hour and can be applied through a layer of light clothing (no oils are used). You do not need to undress. During care, the practitioner may pause for short periods to allow your body to respond before commencing the next movement sequence. Increasing your water intake after your session will help support positive outcomes.
Who May Benefit?
Anyone of any age with a musculoskeletal or related neurological concern may consider Bowen therapy. Areas commonly supported by a Bowen practitioner may include, but are not limited to:
- Pain associated with musculoskeletal or neurological issues (acute or chronic)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Sports or traumatic injuries
- General joint pain
- Back and neck pain
- Sciatica, leg and foot pain
- Frozen shoulder, arm pain and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Jaw pain (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Asthma
If your concern is not chronic, long-standing, or a repeat injury, you may notice changes after one session and can generally expect significant improvement or relief within three visits.
How Much Does Bowen Therapy Cost?
For more information about the fees at Pure Health and Wellness Clinic please refer to our New Clients page. You will find information about fees, health insurance claims, and more details to ensure you get the most out of your appointment with us.
Is It Safe for Everyone?
Bowen therapy is generally considered gentle and well-suited for a wide range of people. It may be adapted to accommodate individuals of all ages and life stages – including children, older adults and those who are pregnant. Because the technique involves light, rolling movements and pauses between sequences, it is often a comfortable option for those seeking a low-impact form of care.
There are, however, circumstances where care may need to be adjusted or certain areas avoided. Practitioners take care to steer clear of open wounds, fresh injuries, heavy bruising or sites of acute nerve-related discomfort. During your session, the practitioner will work closely with you to ensure you’re comfortable and consenting throughout – every client is treated with an individualised approach that considers their unique needs and overall well-being.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of Bowen therapy sessions required can vary depending on your condition, lifestyle and how your body responds. For some people, noticeable improvement may be felt within just one or two sessions. For others – particularly those dealing with long-standing tension or structural imbalances – it may take between three and eight appointments to achieve their goals.
Session frequency can range from a few days to a fortnight between visits. Some clients choose to continue with periodic maintenance appointments every few months to support ongoing alignment and comfort. These “top-up” sessions are popular among those who wish to keep their body in balance and address any minor issues before they develop into larger concerns.
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule – each care plan is tailored to the individual, based on how they’re feeling, their overall physical condition and what they hope to achieve.
How Is It Different From Massage or Chiropractic Care?
Bowen therapy is a unique myofascial technique that works primarily on the fascia – the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs – rather than on the muscles or joints directly. While massage and chiropractic care also offer valuable approaches to wellness, Bowen therapy takes a more subtle route.
Instead of deep pressure or joint adjustments, Bowen involves small, rolling movements across specific points on the body. These movements are designed to activate nerve responses that may help the body’s natural communication systems reset. As the nervous system responds, it may send signals that encourage the body to relax and recalibrate.
Massage typically aims to boost circulation and relieve muscle tension through hands-on pressure – often with oils and undressing. Chiropractic care usually focuses on spinal adjustments to influence joint alignment and nerve function. Bowen therapy sits somewhere between the two. It requires no undressing or oils, involves only soft-tissue work, and may be better suited to people who prefer a lighter touch.
Importantly, Bowen therapy is adaptable. The level of pressure used is guided by the individual’s needs and sensitivity – some people may benefit from a firmer touch, while others respond better to very light input. Your practitioner will check in with you throughout to ensure the experience feels right for your body.