Bowen – Testimonials

The treatment is like no other - don't hesitate

 

“Annie knows her stuff. Recommended to me by a trusted friend, she herself inspires confidence and trust. I started sessions in August 2018, having long-standing lower back and neck and shoulder problems, which classical osteopathy and physiotherapy were no longer helping. Annie listens, takes notes, explains, observes, touches, senses, ‘tunes-in’, then treats. I know little about Bowen apart from what I’ve read on the website, but it has certainly worked, and I noticed the relief and improvement within the first couple of sessions; what is more, improvement continues and I’m aware that, if setbacks occur during usual day-to-day living, I now return to ‘normal’ quite quickly (top-up sessions every few weeks have a cumulative effect). The treatment is like no other I’ve ever experienced: it is measured, gentle (despite Annie’s firm, deliberate touch), relaxing, but clearly deep-acting; time seems suspended yet passes quickly. There are two fundamental aspects to any therapy: the system itself and the person delivering it. Annie combines the practical skills that can only come through long experience, deep knowledge of the techniques, and a highly intelligent, open, humane and feet-on-the-ground approach (no mumbo-jumbo here). I wish I’d known about Bowen long ago — thank heavens, then, for chance conversations with friends. Don’t hesitate!”

Michael Wood (age 67)

I cannot recommend Annie enough!

 

“I normally see Annie for Bowen sessions, but she has also used Amatsu at times for 1 or 2 more chronic issues. I cannot recommend Annie enough. I benefit for weeks after a treatment with less pain, better posture and improved wellbeing. She is so passionate and incredibly professional and she really does know her stuff. Both of my sporty children also enjoy seeing Annie and have benefitted from her expertise at times of injury and also just for body balancing to improve their general health, posture and performance.”

Annie Smith

Back Pain / Sciatica

Jenny, an ex- nurse, had had intermittent lumbar pain over the years. 2 days before coming for her first Bowen session she had a flare up with suspected bulging disc, muscle spasm and constant painful sciatica. After just 2 sessions she was already feeling “much better”.

“After a little discomfort I slept a whole night awakening with no pain and have never really looked back! It has helped my whole well-being and I feel more upright than I have been for many months.”

Jenny Haffenden

Shoulder

Michelle had a painful shoulder after falling 6 weeks previously. After 3 sessions the pain had gone completely but she was more pleased (and surprised!) that her ankle, which had had restricted movement for over a year released and returned to full mobility. “I didn’t even tell Annie about my ankle problem as I assumed that was the way it was going to stay….”

 Michelle Finnegan

Three years previously Bryan had injured his shoulder during a fall. After many other therapeutic treatments, including manipulation under anaesthetic, he still could not move his shoulder above the horizontal. After just 2 sessions and gentle exercises his shoulder released and, much to his surprise he regained full mobility. He is delighted to be able to wash his hair again and do DIY!

Bryan Rance (age 73)

“As a yoga teacher and nutritionist, I was concerned when my right shoulder developed stiffness. I was recommended to see Annie. In the first session I regained some strength in my right arm. At the second session, 8 days later, I was only able to lift my arm above shoulder height. An hour later virtually full mobility was restored and has been maintained. The shoulder is still ‘twinging’ a little but I am confident that this will recover given time. The therapy provided by Annie has been instrumental in promoting healing.”

 Jenny Phillips, nutritionist and yoga teacher

“The doctor had said that he could do no more for me as the ligaments had been damaged. It was very painful and I even had difficulty lifting a kettle. I only saw Annie for 1 session before the pain started to ease and movement was much improved. It was quite miraculous really…!”

Bertie Istead (age 82)

Bowen for sports

“When I was training hard for the London marathon, I found Bowen a wonderful way of keeping my muscles relaxed and lengthened. When I was running my 20+ miles on Sundays I was already looking forward to my Bowen session the following day!”

Liz Ward (Pilates, swimming and trampolining instructor)

Arthritis

Audrey had had arthritis for around 20 years, notably hip and ankle. She arrived after a flare-up, leaving her “hobbling” when walking the dog. Bowen treatment resulted in an increase in energy, a feeling of being “cleansed” and return to striding out when walking the dog.

Audrey (age 77)

Asthma

Marcus suffered from regular asthma attacks triggered by tree pollen and sometimes just a cough. In April 2012 he had a very bad attack and was hospitalised. The nebuliser barely helped this time and it was very scary. In August Marcus visited Annie for his initial Bowen consultation when he was taught an ‘emergency move’ to perform if he ever felt wheezy and didn’t have his inhaler. He went on to use this often to great effect, especially when running too fast in cold air. Marcus had ‘top-up’ sessions with Annie in the following October and February. With his mother’s direction he was able to reduce his steroid medication and use of ‘preventer’ and whilst having Bowen maintenance sessions had no further asthma attacks.

Marcus Cunningham (age 9)

Amber has had asthma since the age of 2. She was taking daily medication, suffered a tight chest when running and usually has an asthma attack during any illness. After 3 sessions, Amber reported that she did not feel so breathless when running and after 2 years, had had no further asthma attack despite several illnesses.

Amber M (age 10)

Foot pain

“Each time I’ve had a Bowen treatment there’s been a step change in the improvement of my suspected Morton’s neuroma condition. From a pain level of 6/10 before treatment I am delighted to report that following the 3rd session I walked 6 miles with absolutely no discomfort from the affected foot whatsoever and this morning, for the first time in months, got up and felt no pain at all. It means so much to me and the prospects of activity in my retirement. Long may it continue. Thank you so much Annie. I shall have no hesitation in recommending you.  4 months on Richard reported “What pain? What Morton’s neuroma? I’m very pleased to report that I still get no discomfort whatsoever and consider it gone. I’m fully participating in all my walking, sporting and dancing activities”

Richard Hope -Smith

Plantar fasciitis

Although a long-term sufferer of ankylosing spondylitis, it was debilitating plantar fasciitis that prompted Lynne to come to clinic. She had had the condition for around 3 years.  Pain was often described as 8/10 and Lynne could not stand on the affected foot. Lynne also had severe sleep problems; for as long a she could remember sleeping only between 15 minutes to 1 hour each night, with 2 ½ hours being considered ‘a good night’.
With a history of chronic pain Bowen would aim to switch off that embedded fight-or-flight response. The night after her first session Lynne slept for 6 1/2 hours! Over the next 2 weeks her foot pain began to improve and her back pain was less evident. After 3 weeks Lynne noticed a ‘turning point’ where her regular back pains were noticeably less evident and foot so improved, she managed a 4-mile walk and stood at an event for 5 1/2 hours.

 Around 2 months and 5 sessions later Lynne reported that she was generally sleeping an average of 7-8 hours per night.
My heel is much better than I ever remembered. In the morning I can walk to the bathroom as opposed to hobble and cling onto the furniture. At the end of the day the throbbing, sensitivity and sharp pain is non-existent. Thank you so much!”

Lynne Coxon

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Karen had had Chronic fatigue for around 11 years and was struggling with a young child and work in the forces. She had widespread muscle and joint pain, poor sleep and daily fatigue. After her first Bowen session she slept through the night and had a noticeable improvement in her pain levels. After 4 sessions she described the pain as negligible and her energy and concentration much improved. She continued with maintenance sessions until she moved away with her job.

Karen H

Fibromyalgia

“I was recommended to Annie a few years ago as a Fibromyalgia Sufferer. The symptoms of this condition are hard to understand and difficult to treat. Bowen Therapy with its gentle approach and non-invasive touch settles the pain & inflammation helping me to remain stable and feel on top of the symptoms. Annie has a solid understanding of Fibromyalgia and always sees the whole picture physically and how I feeling emotionally. She has this unique way of helping those around her to open up, and so builds trust and a feeling of support which is so important dealing with a chronic condition. I always leave Annie with a smile due to her engaging warmth and positivity.”

Jo Bates

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