Sciatica and Bowen Therapy
What is Sciatica and its symptoms?
Sciatica is the term used to describe nerve pain that is felt along the Sciatic Nerve which originates in the lower portion of the spine. The pain felt when this nerve is irritated or impinged can be felt not only in the back but also in the legs and even into the feet. It is generally only felt on one side but sometimes can be felt on both sides. Sciatic pain can also present however as numbness and tingling anywhere along that nerve path.
What are the causes of this condition?
This condition is usually brought on by one of the following factors: Swollen or tight muscles in the buttock region, extended time spent in a seated position, spinal degeneration, changes to the spinal column due to trauma or growths, obesity (putting strain on the spine) or an occupation involving a large amount of twisting or lifting.
How can Bowen Therapy help?
Bowen Therapy works on muscles, ligaments, tendons, and the connective tissue of the body via gentle cross fibre moves. These cross-fibre or “Bowen moves” work to bring about hydration to areas of tension allowing the muscles and connective tissue to move more freely and thereby reduce pain. The process of a Bowen Therapy session itself is very relaxing and works to get the nervous system to relax. By doing so can bring about relaxation to some of the other body systems that can sometimes be overlooked in terms of pain either chronically or acute. Systems positively influenced by a Bowen Therapy session other than the muscular system include digestive, lymphatic, respiratory and fascial network. You might be thinking but hey it is my butt that is sore!! Well, as Bowen Therapists, we work to treat the whole body as well as the issue area. And just as an example, when we are in a state of stress our body decides that proper digestion may not be its main priority not understanding the long-term effects that this can cause. For example, when we are unable to absorb our nutrients effectively via our digestive system the result may be nerve supply communication issues or muscle cramping.
What would a Treatment Plan using Bowen Therapy to treat Sciatica look like?
As a general rule of thumb, Bowen Therapy for treatment of injury or a chronic condition is performed over 3 sessions close together, generally about 7 to 10 days apart. The treatment would be focused on relaxing the large muscles in the areas around the pelvic girdle such as hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes to name a few. But like always, you are unique, and your Bowen Treatment would be tailor-made for you based on your contributing factors.
How can I contribute to my own healing?
Sometimes after a Bowen session, you may be given stretches or strengthening exercises. Completing these as instructed usually will speed recovery and assist in pain reductions.
Magnesium baths a few times a week while having the series of Bowen sessions will be super helpful. Our skin is one of our body’s biggest organs and a magnesium bath is a quick, easy, and relaxing way to increase your magnesium stores and relax muscles. If your pain or mobility prevents you from having a whole-body soak in the tub you can always just soak your feet. You can even multi-task and do this while you watch TV or browse social media.
It is important to take a break from strenuous exercise until inflammation and pain have subsided. Also looking at and addressing where possible the factors that may have caused the irritation in the first place will be helpful. Perhaps if you work 8 hours seated at a computer you need to take regular breaks to get up and walk around? Perhaps if your job involves manual handling you need to check in with yourself and see if you are performing the task correctly or if there is a tool you can use to reduce your manual load?
Still have more questions?
Reach out- I am more than happy to have a chat about your specific situation. You can email me at info@melanielarsenbowen.com or ph. on 0408 836 321.