Understanding the Body, One Layer at a Time
Assessment Led Bowen Therapy
Supporting Pain, Tension and Everyday Wellbeing
What is the Bowen Technique / Bowen Therapy?
Bowen Therapy is a gentle, hands-on soft tissue technique that works with the body rather than against it. It can be performed directly on skin or over light clothing, with no forceful manipulation, deep pressure or oils. Many people are surprised by how subtle it feels and by how naturally their body responds to it.
What can Bowen help?
People often choose Bowen Therapy when they’re experiencing pain, tension or reduced mobility, whether from a recent strain, an old injury, or long-standing patterns their body has been carrying for years. Because Bowen works closely with the nervous system, many clients notice changes in how their body feels and moves, and how they manage the physical demands of daily life.
Clients also frequently report feeling calmer, sleeping more easily, or experiencing improvements in general wellbeing. Bowen doesn’t force change; it offers the body a chance to settle, ease tension and find more comfortable movement in its own time.
It’s a gentle, whole-body approach that supports physical comfort, mobility and overall wellbeing.
How an Assessment Led Session Works
In clinic, I use Assessment Led Bowen (ALBT). Each session begins with looking at how your body is moving, compensating and adapting on the day. Rather than focusing only on the area that hurts, I look at the whole picture, posture, movement patterns, areas of restriction, nervous system responses and the layers your body may be holding from past strain or injury.
This assessment guides the treatment so it’s accurate, focused and specific to what your body needs in that moment. Instead of following a set routine, the session evolves from what your body shows, allowing me to work with the underlying patterns that shape how you move and feel.
Common Reasons People Seek Bowen Therapy
People often seek Bowen Therapy when they notice changes in how their body moves or feels particularly when tension, stiffness or movement restrictions keep returning despite rest or other approaches. Clients commonly come for support with:
Movement & Mobility
- Stiffness or reduced range of movement in the neck, back, hips or shoulders
- Difficulty bending, reaching, twisting or turning comfortably
- Movement patterns that feel “out of sync” or unbalanced
- Tightness building through the legs, glutes, calves or feet
- Mobility limitations affecting walking, sport or daily tasks
Muscle & Soft Tissue Tension
- Persistent muscular tightness or guarding
- Recurring tension that comes back despite stretching or massage
- Postural strain from sitting, standing or manual work
- Discomfort from old strains or minor injuries still influencing movement
Load, Demand & Fatigue
- Feeling physically drained or unable to “reset” after busy periods
- Low resilience to daily stressors or physical demands
- Nervous system overload, trouble switching off or winding down
Head, Jaw & Upper Body Patterns
- Jaw tightness or clenching that affects neck and shoulder comfort
- Tension-related headaches or recurring upper-body tightness
- Shoulder or rib tension influencing breathing or rotation
Everyday Life & Functional Ease
- Discomfort during work, lifting, driving or household tasks
- Niggles and “sticking points” that limit hobbies or exercise
- Difficulty feeling stable, grounded or confident in movement
Transitional Phases
- Changes during pregnancy or after birth
- Returning to activity after a period of reduced movement
- Adapting to lifestyle, posture or workload changes
Bowen offers a gentle, whole-body approach aimed at helping the body settle, organise and move with more ease by working with the nervous system and soft tissues. Sessions are tailored using an assessment-led approach to understand the patterns driving your discomfort, not just the symptoms that show up.
Bowen Therapy FAQs
Is Bowen Therapy suitable for all ages?
Bowen is a gentle, non-invasive approach that can be adapted for most people and all stages of life, from babies to older adults. Because it uses light touch and works with the body’s natural responses, many people choose it whether they are very active, dealing with mobility challenges, or simply prefer a softer style of bodywork.
If you have any medical concerns or a complex health history, it’s best to check with your healthcare professional and let me know in advance so the session can be tailored safely and comfortably.
What happens during a Bowen session?
Each session begins with a short conversation about how your body has been feeling and any changes you’ve noticed. I then carry out a brief assessment to understand how your body is moving, where it may be holding tension and which areas may benefit from gentle support. You’ll lie comfortably on a therapy couch (or sit if that’s easier for you), fully clothed. Bowen is performed with light touch on specific points of the muscles, tendons and fascia. These moves are followed by short pauses, giving your nervous system time to process the input and begin adjusting. The session stays quiet and unhurried, allowing your body to settle and respond in its own way.
What should I wear for a Bowen session?
Bowen can be performed directly on skin or through light, loose clothing. Thicker or restrictive clothing such as jeans, jumpers, compression leggings or tight skirts, can make it harder to work effectively with the tissue. Comfortable options such as T-shirts, shorts, joggers or soft leggings work well. You’re welcome to bring something to change into if that feels easier.
If any clothing needs to be adjusted for access to specific areas, you’ll always be covered with clean towels, and you will never be asked to remove underwear or any religious clothing. Your comfort, privacy and dignity are always prioritised.
Can I bring a chaperone?
Yes, absolutely. You’re very welcome to bring a chaperone, friend or family member with you to your session, especially if it helps you feel more comfortable during your first visit. Your safety, comfort and sense of ease are always a priority.
For anyone under 18, or for adults who require support, a parent, guardian or appropriate chaperone must remain in the room throughout the session.
How long does a Bowen session last?
A typical Bowen session lasts around 60 minutes. Your first appointment may take a little longer so we can go through your medical history, discuss what you’re experiencing and carry out a full assessment before beginning treatment.
How many Bowen sessions will I need?
Everyone responds to Bowen differently. Some people notice changes after one session, while others benefit from two or three sessions to allow their body time to settle, adapt and shift longer-held patterns. The number of sessions depends on how long the issue has been present, how your body responds, and whether several areas are involved. After an initial block of sessions, some people choose to come occasionally for maintenance or support alongside work, hobbies or sport. Others prefer to book only when their body begins to feel tight, tired or under strain. We’ll discuss what feels right for you.
Can Bowen Therapy be combined with other treatments?
Bowen can sit alongside many other approaches, but it’s usually recommended to avoid having other hands-on therapies at the same time such as massage, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture or reflexology. This helps ensure your body isn’t receiving mixed signals or too much input at once, allowing us to clearly see how you’re responding to Bowen on its own.
You are welcome to continue with non-manual treatments such as counselling, medication or exercise as normal. If you’re unsure how to space things out, I’m happy to talk it through before you book.
I’ve got a new injury; how long should I wait before booking a session?
Bowen Therapy is very gentle and can often be adapted around more recent injuries, but the best timing depends on what has happened and any guidance you’ve been given. Sessions can always be shaped around your comfort, avoiding areas that feel too sore or sensitive. Some people choose to come in soon after a strain to help their body settle, while others prefer to wait a few days until any initial tenderness has eased. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch and we can talk through what feels right for you.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with Bowen Therapy?
Bowen is generally considered a gentle, low-risk therapy, and most people find it relaxing. As your body adjusts, it’s not unusual to notice temporary changes such as mild stiffness, tiredness, light headaches or a sense of feeling “a bit off” for a day or two. These responses usually settle quickly.
If anything feels unexpected or you’re unsure about how your body is reacting, please feel free to get in touch.
Please note: Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult your GP or medical practitioner.
Is Bowen Therapy accredited?
Yes. I trained with the College of Bowen Studies, which is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). This ensures high standards of training, professional practice and ongoing development.
Ready to get started?
You don’t have to put up with tension, stiffness or feeling “not quite yourself.”
Take the first step and book your session today.
Bowen in Motion
What clients say
- I have been suffering from back, leg and shoulder pain following extensive surgery earlier this year. A friend reccomended Beth and told me about Bowen therapy. I booked an appointment in the hope that I could get some relief from my pain … More which had me in tears at times. Beth was very welcoming and patient with me, I could tell she was very knowledgeable about the body and she is very experienced with Bowen. Beth could tell I felt anxious and took time to put me at ease. She used Bowen therapy techniques on me and after 3 sessions I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my pain. Beth also provided me with some exercises I could do at home to help. I highly reccomended anyone who has pain to try Bowen with Beth, I'm so pleased I did. I will visit her again for some scar tissue therapy when I feel ready. Thanks Beth!
- I am so grateful for the excellent care I received from Beth at Bowen in Motion. I was experiencing stiffness and painful neck pain and also down my left arm. Beth took her time to explain everything clearly and I felt completely comfortable … More and supported throughout the entire process, and was given a personalised treatment plan to do also at home. The treatment significantly reduced my pain and improved after only 2 sessions. (I cancelled my third as not required - pain free). I highly recommend Beth, she is truly dedicated to her patients well-being.
- Bowen in motion was recommended to me by a friend who had also suffered with sciatica. Beth was so friendly when I met her at my first appointment and I felt completely comfortable every time. The treatment helped hugely with my symptoms … More and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Beth again should I need to 🙂
- I started off seeing Peter, who did a fantastic job of peeling away the layers of problems with my back and neck. Since he has handed over to Beth I have been seeing her and she has continued the fantastic job of sorting the problems that … More I have had. Beth also treated my hysterectomy scar and this was amazing. I did not realise how restricted my leg and hip movement was until she did the scar release work. I am so grateful to them both for the work that they have done.
Both my parents have also received treatment from Peter and Beth on my recommendation with great success.
I regularly recommend Beth's services to friends and family.
It is great to know that if I have a problem, I can call Beth and know that relief will come once I see her.
Thank you Beth. - I had a back problem, and thanks to Beth, the pain went away after just two sessions. She has a lovely and welcoming environment, explained everything clearly in detail, and gave me really helpful advice and exercises to do at home. I can’t … More recommend her enough!
- I initially went to see Beth for recurring shoulder pain after my partner recommended her. I had some relief after the initial treatment, and was pain free after the third. She also helped with hormonal issues monthly. Beth is so lovely … More and even saw me the same day when I messaged her in pain! Highly recommend!!
- I have had back issues for a number of years and suffered silence. Beth was recommended to me through a friend and I can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve done. Bowen has really helped with the pain and mobility. Whenever I have a flare … More up she’s the first person I contact and within a session or two I’m as good as new again. She’s such a lovely lady, friendly, caring and brilliant at what she does. Highly recommend!!
- Background - I injured my knee whilst running and this was followed by a back injury, caused by cleaning windows!. The back pain was so bad that I struggled to dress and couldn’t tie my shoe laces. Discussing my predicament with a friend … More and they recommended a visit to Beth at Bowen in Motion.
Treatment - My initial visit started with a consultation and an explanation about what the treatment involved followed by the treatment itself. My initial thoughts were that the
process is so gentle that it couldn’t work. I was wrong, the day following treatment my mobility was already improving.
The second appointment continued repairing my knee and back injuries and found areas that I had injured previously and had either forgotten about, or had learned to live with. I had already been back in the Gym which I did not think possible
Today was my final appointment and sees me technically discharged. Beth has been brilliant throughout, always explaining what areas were being treat whilst ensuring that I was comfortable throughout. There has never been any pressure to book extra appointments proving that patient care is at the forefront of the business.
I unreservedly recommend Beth at Bowen in Motion and should I need any treatment in the future, this will be my port of call. Thank you for your time and patience and for repairing me and thank you to Julie for pointing me in the direction of Bowen in motion for my treatment.
Brian Lewis. - I have had severe shoulder and back problems for over 3years. I wasted time and money on various treatments before I came to Peter. He is very knowledgeable, professional and on top of that, a really nice and polite person as well. Since … More I began my therapy with Peter, I can go after sports activities like before and enjoy daily life pain free. I only can recommend BOWEN in Motion.
- Beth was recommended to me by my girlfriend after she had Bowen Therapy for her back pain, I was suffering from shoulder pain which had been ongoing for quite some time, after two sessions my shoulders are now back to normal and pain free, … More I can't recommend Beth enough, what she does is amazing, thank you so much.
- I had a taster session with Beth at a wellness day and was so impressed by the immediate relief on my arthritic hip,was was able to walk without pain or limping,I booked a session to deal with other issues around scar tissues and that is … More successful going forwards. I have another session booked to follow up with working on neck,head and shoulders,I am so happy to have found Beth for Bowen in the village I live in.Thank you Beth.😇🙏
- I met Beth at an event and was intrigued to find out more about how Bowen might help with aches and pains i suffer due to fibromyalgia. Beth was very friendly, professional and informative. I took away a leaflet to have a read and must … More admit I was sceptical.
A few friends that also attended the event were raving about how incredible the affects of Beths Bowen treatment had been and so I hesitated no more and booked in.
WOW. I really wish I had met Beth sooner because Bowen has completely changed my whole lifestyle. I no longer have to miss family times because I've over exerted myself the day before. I can walk freely without feeling constant pain in my joints. Gone are the evenings laying on the sofa feeling sorry for myself with my heat pad.
I actually believe Beths Bowen treatment is magical.
Highly highly recommend for anyone thinking about booking, you will not regret it! - Visited Beth after a recommendation from a friend who saw I had back pain. Was fantastic. On my first visit I was at pain level 8! After about an hour after that appointment it was 2 and completely pain free by the next day. I couldn’t … More believe it as the treatment was very slight. I now visit infrequently (approx every 4 or 5 weeks) and not had any back issues since. Even going to gym and playing golf again!!…..things I’d stopped doing for a couple of years due to back pain.
- I was unsure if anyone would ever solve my back/neck/shoulder pain. I have tried massage, physio, osteopath, chiropractor and even acupuncture! Nothing has ever worked until I met Beth at Bowen in Motion. After just 3 treatments I was completely … More pain free and able to sleep much more soundly.
I can't recommend her enough - so glad she was recommended to me and I am now passing her details to all my friends and family!
Thanks Beth - I have been visiting Peter for a couple of months now and have found the treatments excellent.
I now have good movement and I am pain free.
I have recommended Peter to other family members that have experienced the same results.
I would … More recommend him to anyone that has a mobility or pain issue.
He is also a very likeable therapist and very professional.
