The word Fibromyalgia (FM) comes from the combination of Greek words Fibro
(fibrous/connective tissue), Myo (muscle) and Algos (pain), so literally the word
means connective tissue and muscle pain. It is also sometimes called a soft-tissue
rheumatic disorder, since both connective tissues and muscles are included in the
body’s soft tissue.
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are generalised (in the whole body) chronic pain
and muscle stiffness, manifesting in muscles, ligaments, tendon attachments and
subcutaneous connective tissue structures.
The pain resulting from fibromyalgia can be confused with that of arthritis or joint
inflammation. However, unlike arthritis, it has not been found to cause joint or
muscle inflammation and damage.
The continuous pain associated with fibromyalgia can be exhausting, so this
diagnosis is often associated with Chronic Fatigue Disorder (CFS), manifesting
through physical and mental fatigue, altered sleep, headaches, concentration and
memory impairment and loss of muscle strength.
People with chronic health issues such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia,
multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and arthritis have shown
promising improvements in their condition and quality of life following Bowen
treatment(s).
Bowen therapy has been known to trigger surprising and unexpected recoveries
when no traditional treatment worked.
A significant study conducted in 1998 by Jo Anne Whitaker, MD showed the positive
effect of the Bowen Technique on patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Twenty patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia participated in this study conducted at
the American College of Rheumatology. Almost all participants experienced various
degrees of relief which lasted from a few days to several weeks. Most reported
immediate relief following a Bowen treatment. Some others needed repeated
sessions to maintain complete clinical remission.
The results were statistically significant and correlated with improvement of clinical
well-being.
A separate pilot study on the effect of Bowen therapy on people suffering from
fibromyalgia was conducted by Tim Willcocks (Bowen Practitioner and Trainer). Four
participants (aged 39-52) who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia and suffered from
it for a period of 3 to 5 years, received four Bowen treatments over a five week
period. All four participants reported improvement, including better sleep, ease in
walking, remission of vertigo, eased neck pain, improved balance and reduced
exhaustion.