Janet’s Underground Bowen Therapy offers gentle, whole-body Bowen therapy in Coober Pedy, South Australia. Bowen therapy works with the body’s muscle fascia through a series of gentle moves, with pauses between each one. It is not massage and not deep tissue work. Most people need three sessions to establish meaningful change.
Working with the body
Bowen therapy is not like other hands-on therapies. There is no deep pressure and no forceful adjustment. It works with the body, not against it.
What is Bowen therapy?
Bowen therapy uses a series of gentle moves in specific locations on the body. Between each move, there is a pause. That pause gives the body time to respond before the next step begins.
It works across the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, rather than on the muscle itself. It is not massage, and it is not acupressure, though some of the points used overlap with acupressure points. It is its own approach, working with the whole body rather than one sore area in isolation.
Why doesn’t Janet start with the sore spot?
If you come in with a sore knee, your knee is probably one of the last places Janet will work.
That might sound strange. Here is the reasoning behind it. When a painful area is touched first, your body tends to brace. It shifts into a guarded, on-edge state, expecting more discomfort.
Bowen therapy takes a different route. By working with the rest of the body first, it gives the guarded area time to settle. The body starts to relax, and that makes it more willing to respond when Janet does eventually work with the area that is actually giving you grief.
What happens in your first session?
Your first session starts with a conversation. Janet asks about your medical history, including any medication you are taking, since that can affect how your body responds on the day.
Next comes a physical assessment. Janet checks your range of motion, often starting with the hips, to see how balanced your body is overall. From there, she puts together a plan for that session and begins your first treatment.
Bowen therapy can be done lying down or seated, depending on what suits you. Lying down is common and often makes it easier to relax, since you are away from your usual environment and any distractions.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people are recommended three sessions to start. The usual pattern is two sessions, seven days apart, then a week off, followed by one more.
Your body keeps responding for seven to ten days after each session, as it continues to rebalance and reset. During that window, avoid very hot showers, since heat can undo some of the work. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day helps the fascia rehydrate, which allows your muscles to move as they should.
After the initial sessions, many people move to occasional maintenance visits, coming back whenever their body needs it rather than on a fixed schedule.
What does it cost?
[Session pricing to be confirmed with Janet before publishing.]
Bowen therapy sessions can be booked as a single visit or as part of a recommended series. Call Janet directly to discuss what suits your situation and current fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can Bowen therapy help with a frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is one of the presentations Janet sees regularly. Many people notice improvement in movement and comfort over the course of their sessions. As with any presentation, your body’s response will depend on your individual circumstances.
I've rolled my ankle. Is it too soon for Bowen therapy?
Bowen therapy is gentle enough to suit many stages of recovery, including after a rolled ankle or sprain. Janet will assess your situation in your first session and work at a pace that suits your body.
Can Bowen therapy help with jaw pain or teeth grinding?
Jaw tension and teeth grinding are presentations Janet has worked with often. Because Bowen therapy treats the whole body rather than just the jaw, many people find it a different experience to what they expect.
Does Bowen therapy help with migraines or headaches?
Migraines and headaches are among the presentations Janet sees. Many people notice a difference over the course of a few sessions, though your body may respond over the following days rather than immediately.
Can Bowen therapy help me sleep better?
Sleep difficulty is often connected to tension the body is holding elsewhere. Many clients notice their sleep settling as their body relaxes through their sessions.
Does Bowen therapy help with fibromyalgia?
Janet has worked with fibromyalgia presentations as part of her practice. Bowen therapy’s gentle, whole-body approach suits people whose bodies are sensitive to more forceful treatments.
Ready when you are
Call Janet to book your first session. Not sure if Bowen therapy is right for you? A quick phone call costs nothing and gives you a chance to ask questions first. And you can read more about Janet here.