Authors (including presenting author) :
NG APC(1), CHEN JPY(2), LI ACY(3), WOO AKH(2), YAU DKW(3,4), MO JWH(1), POON DWF(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Occupational Therapy, Prince of Wales Hospital, (2)Pain Management Center, Department of Anaesthesia, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, (3)Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, (4)Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Introduction :
The multi-disciplinary team at pain clinic, which includes Occupational Therapy (OT), provides comprehensive care for patients suffering from Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). These patients often experience significant challenges related to chronic pain, functional capacity and overall well-being. Previous studies suggest that central pain sensitization in FMS may be contributed by chronic inflammation of fascia and impaired healing response. The International School of Bowen Therapy (ISBT)-Bowen therapy is a non-invasive myofascial release technique that consists of specific sequences of gentle cross-fibre moves over muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The technique stimulates the flow of blood and lymph, thus activating the body's healing mechanisms.
Objectives :
The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ISBT-Bowen therapy in reducing pain, enhancing functional performance, alleviating sleep and mood disturbances, and improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
Methodology :
This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) study (Clinical trial no.: NCT04554784) conducted in collaboration with the Pain Management Center in NTEC. A total of 78 patients diagnosed with FMS were randomly assigned to either the Bowen therapy (BT) (n=40) or control (CT) (n=38) group between September 2020 and December 2023. The BT Group received 8 sessions of Bowen therapy over 12 weeks in the Department of OT, Prince of Wales Hospital, while the CT group did not receive Bowen therapy but continued their conventional treatment. Both groups were followed up for 12 weeks afterwards. The primary outcome was pain intensity, assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included limb endurance, sleep disturbance, psychological distress, activity interference and quality of life. Data was collected at initial intake, end of Bowen therapy and 12 weeks after treatment. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to compare the additional change of outcome measures between intervention and control group.
Result & Outcome :
The median age of participants was 58 years (IQR: 50-62), with 68 patients (87%) were female. Although GEE analysis suggested that no significant difference in pain intensity was observed between the groups (p=0.519) over time, patients in BT Group 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 Bowen therapy.
Conclusion: In addition to multidisciplinary team approach, the incorporation of ISBT-Bowen therapy in routine pain management service by occupational therapist may support patients with FMS in enhancing limbs endurance, reducing activity interference, alleviating sleep and mood disturbances, and thus contributing to improved overall well-being.
