Bowenwork, also called Bowen Therapy or Bowen Massage is a form of deep tissue bodywork that uses a light touch instead of heavy pressure. Precise rolling moves made on muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that release stuck fascia for long lasting pain relief from acute and chronic conditions. Short series of moves are followed by rest periods that let your body process and respond. It's deeply relaxing, calming for the nervous system, and done fully clothed.
Bowenwork may be a good fit for you if you’ve tried other types of bodywork such as massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture, and only get short term relief for your chronic pain, or if you’ve recently injured yourself and want to support your body's healing.
Client often come to me with:
back pain, scoliosis, or sciatica
neck pain, headaches, migraines, or TMJ issues
arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, or EDS
dysautonomia or chronic fatigue syndrome
shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder
hip, knee, ankle, and foot problems, including plantar fasciitis
carpal tunnel, golfers elbow, or tennis elbow
sports and accident injuries
recovery before and after joint replacement surgery
Benefits clients often notice:
less chronic and acute pain
better flexibility and range of motion
more restful sleep
less anxiety
more energy
faster recovery from injuries and surgeries
relief that often lasts longer than other bodywork
What to expect:
What to wear: Thin, loose clothing like sweatpants, shorts or a t-shirt. Please avoid jeans and spandex, which make the work harder and less effective.
Your first visit: We'll review your health history and may do range-of-motion testing and before/after photos to track your progress. Your privacy is always protected.
During the session: You will stay fully clothed, usually lying face down with pillows for comfort. Seated or standing work is available if needed. I use gentle rolling moves over specific muscles and tendons, with less pressure than you'd expect. After each series of moves, I step out of the room so your body can respond. Warmth, tingling, or small muscle twitches during the rest periods are normal.
Session length: Your first visit is 90 minutes. After that, sessions are 30, 60 or 90 minutes, depending on your needs and how your body responds.
How many sessions: For first time clients or anyone who hasn't had Bowenwork in over a year, a minimum of three sessions (one a week for three weeks) is recommended. After that, a 2-3 week break lets your body integrate the changes. Many clients notice significant change in the first few sessions, and chronic conditions may need more.
After your session: I'll give you simple stretches to start at home the next day, to help your body adjust to the changes.
It's common to be sore the next day. It's also common to feel relief for a few days after your first session, then have the pain return, sometimes stronger than before. This is normal. Your body is adjusting to new signals while it's still pulled toward old patterns.
That's why your second session matters so much. Repeating the work reinforces the new changes, and relief lasts longer with each session.
A full list of aftercare instructions are available here.
If you've been searching for manual lymphatic drainage, Lymphatic Bowenwork offers a different, gentle approach. Instead of rhythmic pumping, precise Bowenwork moves release congested fascia so your lymphatic system can move more freely. Short series of moves are followed by rest periods that let your body process and respond.
You might benefit if you experience:
fatigue, brain fog or headaches
sinus congestion or worsened allergies
a puffy face or eyes
soreness and stiffness upon waking
digestive gas and bloating
difficulty losing weight despite your efforts
Clients often come to me with:
mild lymphedema and swelling after injury or surgery
strains, sprains, or bruising (recent or long-standing)
swelling before or after joint replacement surgery
rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, or EDs
tendonitis or bursitis
chronic inflammation
migraines, or lasting effects of a concussion
Benefits clients often notice:
more energy
more restful sleep
clearer thinking
better flexibility and range of motion
less muscle pain and fewer headaches
less bloating
Lymphatic Bowenwork can support mild lymphedema. Clients with pitting edema, swelling that requires compression wrapping, heart conditions, or lymphedema related to cancer treatment are referred to a certified lymphedema specialist.
What to expect:
What to wear: Thin, loose clothing like sweatpants, shorts, or a T-shirt. Please avoid jeans and spandex, which make the work harder and less effective.
Your first visit: We'll review your health history and may do range-of-motion testing and before/after photos to track your progress. Your privacy is always protected.
During the session: You will stay fully clothed. You'll start face down on the table, then turn onto your back with a pillow under your knees. I use gentle Bowenwork moves to release the fascia where congestion builds, stepping out of the room so your body can rest and respond. To finish, I gently massage your main lymph nodes, the "Big 6", and walk you through each one so it's fresh in your mind for practicing at home. It's so relaxing that many clients fall asleep.
After your session: I'll teach you how to do the Big 6 on yourself at home, so the benefits continue between sessions. For full aftercare instructions, see my Lymphatic Aftercare page here.
A scar can affect how you feel as much as how you move. Many people feel self-conscious, anxious, or upset about a scar, especially when it's tied to a hard experience. You're not alone, and you don't have to keep living with it this way.
You might notice at or around your scar:
burning, numbness, or tingling
pulling, tightness, or a hard, ropey feel
roughness or hypersensitivity
less range of motion, flexibility or strength nearby
cold hands or feet
Benefits clients often notice:
a softer, less noticeable scar
less pain and hypersensitivity
relief from burning, numbness, and tingling
softer skin around the scar
emotional relief surrounding scar formation
better range of motion and flexibility
fewer muscle spasms
reduced risk of muscle tears and strains
Clients often come to me with:
scars from mastectomy, lumpectomy, or breast reconstruction
scars from abdominal surgery, such as appendix, gallbladder, hysterectomy, or C-section
scars from joint replacement (knee, hip, shoulder)
head wounds, trauma wounds, or amputations
Some burns
plantar fasciitis or carpal tunnel syndrome
What to expect
What to wear: Loose clothing that gives easy access to the scar.
Your first visit: We'll review your health history and may include range of motion testing and photos of the scar/s before and after treatment. Your privacy is always protected.
During the session: You stay fully clothed except for the scar area, positioned comfortably with pillows.
First I'll ask you to touch the scar and describe what you notice, physically and emotionally at your own pace. Then I use light fingertip pressure on the scar and surrounding skin to free restrictions. There's no force, and the work always stays within your comfort. At the end, you'll touch the scar again and notice what's changed.
How many sessions: Smaller scars (less than 3 inches) often just need one session. Larger scars may need three or four sessions. Scar work begins at least 8 weeks after surgery.
After your session: The area may be sore for a couple of days. In the week after, it's normal to have an emotional release, such as crying, sadness, or anger. This is your body letting go of feelings tied to the scar, and it passes.