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The Bowen Technique is a very effective form of neuromuscular bodywork that is regularly used by elite athletes for the treatment of injuries and to improve the recovery time following training and competition.
Bowen Therapy for the sports athlete is therapy that is carried out with consideration for the physical and psychological needs of the athlete.
The benefits of Bowen Therapy for the sports athlete include:
- reduced recovery time between training session so that the athlete can train harder and more frequently
- reduced likelihood of developing sports injuries
- reduced likelihood that a primary injury will lead to secondary injuries
- an increase in the length of the athlete’s career
As a result, the performance potential of the athlete is increased.
The Bowen Technique is a very effective form of sports Bowen that is regularly used by elite athletes for the treatment of injuries and to improve the recovery time following training and competition.
Bowen Therapy for the Sports athlete can be loosely classified into four types:
Pre-event sports Bowen Therapy – This is the term used to describe sports Bowen that is given immediately before competition or training. It increases muscles, breaks down minor adhesions, releases colloidal histamine leading to a long lasting increase in blood flow to the muscles and stimulates the nervous system. The result of these physiological changes is increased performance potential and a decreased likelihood of injury.
Post-event Sports Bowen Therapy – Describes sports Bowen given within 4 hours after competition or training. It helps to relax the muscles, remove waste-products formed through exercise (I.E. lactic acid, debris from tissue breakdown) and bring nutrients to the area. This reduces the likelihood of developing post exercise soreness and reduces the recovery time.
Training Sport Bowen Therapy – This Bowen is given in between training sessions to improve the recovery between training sessions, reduce the risk of injury and maximize the performance enhancing effect of training. It also addresses any abnormal changes in tissue tension or inflammation before they develop into injuries and address small injuries before they become a problem. As the frequency of training increases so does the need for training sports Bowen.
Rehabilitation Sports Bowen Therapy – This form of sports Bowen is given to aid recovery from sports injuries. It reduces inflammation, ensures the development of strong, pliable scar tissue and returns muscle and tendon flexibility to normal. Rehabilitation sports Bowen can greatly increase the speed of recovery after injury and significantly reduce the chances of re-injury.
Because the Bowen Technique causes a deep level of relaxation it is not suitable as pre-event sports Bowen. It is, however, an extremely effective form of post-event, training or rehabilitation sports Bowen.
The Bowen Technique is not meant as a replacement for regular medical advice. If you have any doubts over the nature of your condition please contact a medical practitioner.
What do I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing. In order to be effective in the technique, therapists must be able to feel the muscles and be able to work through the clothing. Therefore heavy thick clothing such as jeans, khakis, etc. is not advised, nor are nylons. Appropriate clothing such as gym shorts, t-shirts, leggings, etc. are preferable.