What are the causes of Fibromyalgia?
There are various speculations and theories as to the onset of Fibromyalgia;
Some believe it could be related to a change in the way pain is perceived by the Nervous system. It could be said that the Central Nervous System (C.N.S.) is misfiring messages of the body being in pain to the brain as being in agony. This is thought to be attributed to certain chemicals in the brain being present at abnormal levels.
There is also a belief that it may be a genetic disorder passed down from the parents.
Another factor could be a trauma of some sort i.e. loss of a loved one, abuse, relationship issues.
Disturbed sleep is thought to be not just a symptom but also a possible cause of Fibromyalgia.
Injury, infection or operation are also thought to be possible triggers for this condition.
What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
This list is by no means exhaustive but just some of the things reported by Fibromyalgia sufferers.
Amplified sensitivity to pain: What may seem nothing more than gentle pressure to a non-sufferer may be perceived as agonising pain by the person suffering from Fibromyalgia.
Disturbed sleep: Not only be a symptom but also a possible trigger for Fibromyalgia.
Depression and anxiety: Possible triggers and not just symptoms of this condition.
Fatigue: Can range from mild to a feeling of extreme tiredness which can come on at any time and can be completely draining to the point where they can’t do anything.
Cognitive issues (Fibro-Fog): Affects memory, learning, thinking, attention, concentration and speech.
Digestive issues: May suffer from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (I.B.S.) causing abdominal pains, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea and also Irritable bladder condition where one needs to pass urine more frequently.
Muscle weakness: Occurs as a result of a lack of sufficient exercise due to the pain.
Headaches and dizziness: May also experience.
Inability to regulate body temperature: May feel too hot or cold.
Bowen Therapy as a treatment option for Fibromyalgia
Bowen Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, manual therapy that shows promise in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms by stimulating the autonomic nervous system to shift from a stress response to a "rest, digest, and repair" state. Studies indicate it can improve quality of life, boost limb endurance, and reduce pain interference.
Potential Benefits for Fibromyalgia
Reduced Pain and Tension: It aims to relieve chronic, widespread pain by releasing tension in muscles and fascia.
Improved Sleep and Well-being: Patients often report better sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
Improved Function: Research has indicated improved endurance in limbs and enhanced quality of life.
Increased Relaxation: The technique, which involves light, precise, and gentle movements over soft tissue, promotes a deep sense of relaxation.
How Bowen Therapy Works
Parasympathetic Shift: The therapy helps rebalance the body by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system.
Pause Protocol: Treatments involve short, 2–3 minute breaks, which allows the body to process the gentle stimuli and adjust, making it ideal for the high sensitivity associated with fibromyalgia.
Treatment Frequency: While some relief may be felt in 1–3 sessions, consistent, gentle sessions are generally recommended to avoid overloading the system.
Evidence and Considerations
Scientific Evidence: Small-scale studies and randomized trials have suggested that Bowen Therapy can be an effective complementary approach to managing fibromyalgia.
Effectiveness Rates: Some sources report high patient satisfaction, with some studies suggesting improvement in roughly 80% of cases in specific studies on chronic pain.
Safety: It is considered very safe and gentle, making it suitable for those with chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia Success Story
Woman, 30's, 2 treatments. 3 years of fibromyalgia - worse in the past twelve months - Gail felt pain in her 'back, neck, limbs …all over'. After the first Bowen treatment she experienced extreme 'anesthetic' tiredness for three days, then improved steadily: less pain, no falling down, almost no vertigo, and walking and sleeping better. After only two treatments she experienced real improvements.
It is recommended to consult with a qualified Bowen Therapist to create a personalized plan.
