A pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of Bowen technique in the management of clients with frozen shoulder.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clients' experience of Bowen Technique in the treatment of frozen shoulder in terms of their pain, functional ability and well-being.


METHODS
A case series that used primarily quantitative methods and qualitative interviews.


METHODS
Twenty participants with frozen shoulder.


METHODS
Bowen Technique, using 'frozen shoulder procedure'.


METHODS
Range of active and passive motion (abduction, flexion, extension, medial rotation, lateral rotation and 'wall climb') in both shoulders, pain intensity scores, impact on well-being and health status.


RESULTS
Improvement in shoulder mobility and associated function for all participants. Median 'worst pain' pre-therapy score reduced from 7 (mean 7, range 1-10) to a median 'worst pain' score of 1 (mean 1.45, range 0-5) post-therapy. Fewer pain quality descriptors used by all participants. All participants experienced improvement in their daily activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Bowen Technique demonstrated an improvement for participants, even those with a very longstanding history of frozen shoulder. Further trials are warranted.
Clinical Nursing Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. bcarter@uclan.ac.uk
B
B
Carter
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000628:therapy*