Effectiveness of Bowen Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Research indicates that chronic inflammation of the fascia and an impaired healing response contribute to central pain sensitization in fibromyalgia. The International School of Bowen Therapy (ISBT)-Bowen Therapy is a manual therapy that may stimulate the flow of blood and lymph, thus activating the body’s healing mechanisms.

Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Bowen therapy in alleviating pain, enhancing functional capability, reducing sleep and mood disturbances, and improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods: Seventy-eight patients were randomly assigned to either the ISBT-Bowen Therapy (BT) (n = 40) or Control (CT) (n = 38) group in this randomized controlled trial. The BT group received eight sessions of Bowen therapy over 12 weeks, in addition to their conventional pain treatment, while the CT group did not receive Bowen therapy but continued their conventional treatment. Both groups were followed for 12 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured by the Numeric Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included limb endurance, activity interference, sleep disturbance, psychological distress, and quality of life.

Results: The median age of the patients was 58 (interquartile range (IQR): 50–62) years, and 68 of them (87%) were female. While there was no significant difference in pain intensity over time between the two groups, patients experienced improved endurance in the lower extremities (p < 0.001) and dominant arm (p = 0.020), reduced activity interference by pain (p = 0.005), and improved mental health-related quality of life (p = 0.002) after BT.

Conclusion: ISBT-Bowen Therapy may be effective for fibromyalgia patients in improving limb endurance, reducing activity interference, and enhancing quality of life.