Frozen Shoulder & Bowen Therapy

You may have seen the post or article in the National Geographic this week (12 June 2025) about frozen shoulder.

It highlighted the fact that 75% of frozen shoulder cases occur in women, most often between the ages of 40 and 60. And in some Asian countries, the condition is so common among menopausal women, it’s colloquially known as “fifties shoulder”.

There is believed to be a strong hormonal connection, with a decline in oestrogen the most likely cause.

But there is some good news: while conventional treatment focuses on pain relief and physical therapy, gentle, holistic approaches like Bowen Therapy are emerging as supportive options.

One study conducted by Dr Bernie Carter (Metropolitan University of Manchester), a well-respected researcher and lecturer in the field of pain research, saw 20 participants suffering from frozen shoulder treated by 5 different Bowen therapists.

Bowen therapy led to significant improvements in mobility and pain for all participants, with 70% regaining full shoulder movement. While not 100% effective, even those with long-term frozen shoulder experienced reduced pain and better function, often replacing intense discomfort with only mild aches.

Because Bowen works with the body’s fascia, nervous system and energy pathways, it’s especially suited to the sensitive hormonal transitions many women face at midlife.