Neck Saga, Part 17

I still suffer from my literal pain in the neck. Near as I can tell, two types of steroids, an ibuprofen regimen, a cervical pillow, cervical traction, chiropractic, acupuncture, and the sacrificing of goats has done nothing to cure my condition, though each may have contributed to less pain, though that is hard to gauge.

My latest effort involves seeing a Bowen therapist. This particular therapist came recommended by my mom and sister, so I saw him today. Bowen therapy finds its roots back in the 50s, but didn't become established until 1989. It is therefore not recognized by the state of California as its own modality, and must operate under the aegis of Massage therapy.

I just had my first session with Steve Sanders a couple of hours ago, and I must say that I was impressed by it and him. You don't have to strip down (only take your shoes off and empty your pockets), and it is relatively inexpensive ($65 per hour). He recommends a 3-session treatment, and says that he is able to cure any number of maladies. What impressed me about him was that he also believes that Bowen therapy has its limits, and that other treatments (including surgery and medication) may be a better alternative for many conditions.

He said something during the session (which seems quite a bit like massage to the untrained eye) that endeared himself to me. He said, "The problem with Bowen therapy is now you have people going through a four day course, calling themselves Bowen therapists, and then they starting aligning your shakras! Oh please, come on!" I loved it!

After working on me - manipulating my soft tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc. - I had a significantly increased range of motion in my neck and I felt as loose as a goose (and that is loose!). We'll see what happens. I'll let you know if I experience a sudden cessation of pain or if my head spontaneously rolls off my shoulders.