Logo image
Back
Characteristics of bowen therapy practitioners and practice in Australia: An exploratorysecondary analysis of the practitioner research and collaboration initiative (PRACI) practice-based research network
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Characteristics of bowen therapy practitioners and practice in Australia: An exploratorysecondary analysis of the practitioner research and collaboration initiative (PRACI) practice-based research network

Amie Steel, Barbara Beacham, Eleanor Oyston and Jon Adams
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, Vol.38, pp.459-463
04/2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.12.008
PMID: 38763593
Appears in  Recent National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine Publications

Metrics

1 Record Views

Abstract

Introduction: Bowen Therapy (BT) is a non-invasive manual therapy used to treat muscle pain and discomfort, poor flexibility and imbalances in the body's tissues. Globally, the BT profession comprises a small, but widely dispersed, network of practitioners. While a small pool of preliminary clinical research has begun to investigate the effectiveness of BT for a range of conditions, the investigation of the practice of BT remains extremely limited. Methods: This study employs secondary analysis of a national cross-sectional workforce survey of complementary medicine practitioners, to describe the characteristics of BT professionals and their practices in Australia. The study sampled data collected from individuals with qualifications in Bowen Therapy involved in the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Study participants (n = 80), primarily female (71.3%) and with a mean age of 52.9 years, reported commonly using a range of assessment tools, discussing a range of health topics with their clients, and using diverse manual therapy techniques in their practice. Participants most commonly reported consulting with clients reporting stress (84.9%), neck pain (75.0%) and sciatica (66.0%). Participants reported treating middle aged (93.4%) and older people (63.3%) most frequently. Discussion and conclusion: BTs provide care to a range of clients experiencing a number of conditions and symptoms. Further research should explore the rich details and establish the outcomes of BTs’ care with a view to helping inform safe, effective, coordinated patient care across the wider primary care team.

Details

Logo image