Course Overview

In this webinar, Kevin Ryan again shares his knowledge of the Methods developed by Australian Osteopath Thomas (Tom) Bowen for helping clients with presentations of muscular-skeletal pain and dysfunction. These methods use well-known acupuncture points with a rolling soft tissue method applied in a specific sequence to achieve an improved range of motion to joint function.

This 3-hour webinar was recorded during a hands-on one-day workshop in May 2023 and completes the commemorative 40th anniversary of the passing of Tom Bowen. It includes:

1. A review of the Methods shown in the first course in the light of increased awareness of the structure and function of the joints before, during and after the Methods are applied. This is designed to increase the results obtained. Tom Bowen's development of his unique methods is blended with an experiment illustrating the relationship between somatic dysfunction and posture using a Method for correction of the range of movement of the fibula joint. This allows for a deeper understanding of the intimate relationship and interdependence between structure and function in our clients.

2. Methods used for dysfunction and strains of the lower, middle and upper back, neck, TMJ, respiratory diaphragm, major leg muscles, shoulders, elbows, wrists ankles and feet.

3. Examples using volunteers from among the participants show how the general, standing posture of the client may be improved as corrections are made to joint dysfunction.

Course Objectives

• The viewer will develop a increased understanding of the uniqueness of the Bowen methods as a Tui Na tool through exposure to the refinements of the methods as they are presented with further detail or enhancements.
• The viewer will be able to describe the acupuncture points that are used as the basis of the application of each method. They will be able to incorporate the use of this knowledge into their understanding of the role of Acupuncture in health care.
• The viewer will learn further tools to assess joint dysfunction and postural strain patterns in clients before and after a session.
• The viewer will develop an increased awareness of the interdependent relationship and connection between the structure and function of the soma, through learned assessment and application methods as developed by Tom Bowen.
• The viewer will learn the overall postural implications following application of these methods to improve joint range of movement and function in general.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 minThe first section of the course covers the Bowen Method for the proximal fibula joint. This shows that improved function of one part of the soma has on general body posture. Tools for assessing postural strain in the client’s soma are shown.

15 min - 30 minThis section reviews the Patella Tracking Method and describes the Bowen Method used for posterior compartment issues of the knee joint.

30 min - 45 minThe lower back Bowen Methods are reviewed and the the effect of applying flicking of tissue over a group of four well known acupoints to isolate that part of the soma is investigated. The impact on posture is described.

45 min - 1 hrsThis section of the course investigates the multifunctional role that the thoracic spine has on pain and ROM issues within that section of the body. The relationship with the lower back and the neck is shown and described.

1 hrs - 1.25 hrsThis section of the course covers the Bowen Methods used for neck dysfunction. The Methods include individual attention to the anterior and posterior supporting muscles of the neck.

1.25 hrs - 1.5 hrsThis section of the course covers the Bowen Methods used to assist respiratory diaphragm function, shoulder muscle function including posterior and anterior shoulder muscles.

1.5 hrs - 1.75 hrsThis section of the course covers the Bowen Methods for elbows forearms, wrists, and thumbs. The acupuncture points used in these methods are among those that many practitioners are used to using with needles.

1.75 hrs - 2 hrsThe Bowen Methods used to assist function of the Quads, Hamstrings, Sartorius, Iliopsoas, Piriformis and the Quadratus femoris muscles are discussed in the context of their contribution to lower and upper back presentations in clients are shown.

2 hrs - 2.25 hrsThis section of the course covers Bowen Methods to assist the soft tissues involved in function of the ankle and foot including bunions, heel and toe pads. A direct link between these joints and postural pain patterns is shown.

2.25 hrs - 2.5 hrsThe Bowen Methods to assist ROM restrictions of the Costo-and Sterno vertebral joints are shown. This includes a wrap up of the Methods covered in the course and information on how they fit into clinical practice including postural considerations.