27 March 2026

Bowen Technique and Scoliosis - Our Experience. By Rebecca Jenks image

Nancy was Diagnosed with a Significant Scoliosis around 12 Months ago, age 12 by a Physio at her Dance School.

My daughter Nancy was diagnosed with a significant scoliosis around twelve months ago age 12, by a Physio at her dance school. Her curve measured 55.4° at the first scan, so we were told bracing and physio would be ineffective.

We had second opinions and gradually shifted our mind set from denial to acceptance. On the advice of Jo Wortley (College of Bowen studies), I began doing pages 1,2 and 3 plus the procedure for Spinal curvature on Nancy to ensure she remained comfortable and active whilst we moved up the NHS waiting list.

There is a history of mild scoliosis down the female genetic line of our family but none that has progressed to the degree that Nancy’s has.Nancy’s hip are slightly tilted to the right but her shoulders are even which is possibly why I missed this developing. I urge you to check your adolescent children or grandchildren for any signs as they have growth spurts.

For the first few months of Bowen treatment the response from the spinal procedure was incredibly positive. Unfortunately it didn’t hold for much longer than a week before her curve began to collapse back to its curvy 'S' shape. Six months on from initial Xray her curve had increased to 77° which although concerning Nancy wasn’t experiencing any negative side effects from the deterioration (which the surgeon finds incredible), and was still carrying on like any other 13 year old girl.

We’re at the top of the waiting list now and surgery has been imminent since January (rearranged 4 times now).

I begun treating Nancy mid February 2025 when we were give the news that surgery was the only option. I treated her weekly for almost 3 months and then begun to spread the treatments out gradually. From October I was treating her just once a month unless on the rare occasion she complained of any pain.

As her mum knowing Nancy as I do, I believe that Bowen not only supported her spine but also her emotions, as she’s gone from being quite a nervous emotional child to a strong confident young lady. There doesn't seem to be any nerves or anxiety around the Surgery, she appears simply determined to get it sorted out and to move forward with her life with a straighter spine.

This won't be the end of Nancy’s story by a long way. Bowen will remain essential in her recovery as her muscular skeletal system adjusts to its new straighter spine and metal work.

To be continued……….

Photos below show her back shape before Bowen and afterwards, you can see the crease at her waist on the right almost vanishes.