FAQ's
1. How does NKT® work?
Answer: Neuro-Kinetic Therapy ® works by communicating with the motor control center of the brain. Most musculoskeletal pain is caused by imbalances of neurological origins wherein some muscles are overactive, while others are inaccessible by the brain. Using manual muscle testing, the neuromuscular patterns governing these movements are accessed in the brain's motor-control center and can be “edited” for greater efficiency. This process allows NKT to yield faster and longer-lasting results than other techniques.
2. How does Bowen Therapy® work?
Answer: Bowen is a unique therapy that stimulates the body to heal itself. The standard Bowen "move" consists ofremoving skin slack, applying pressure for a few seconds, and rolling over the muscle. This and other techniques used in
Bowen intensifies the ever present communication between mind and muscle, allowing a "conversation" to occur during which
corrections are made and the healing process begins. The work first begins to lock-in during REM sleep the night of treatment. This enhanced communication can continue for a full week after treatment.
3. What can I do to maximize results with Bowen Therapy?
Answer: Bowen is a simple, yet very powerful technique. Your job, post-treatment, is to let the healing process happen and to As such, Bowen offers several recommendations both for the day of treatment and the days between treatments. They are as follows:
1. As soon as you can after the session, take a 15-20 minute walk. This helps your nervous system integrate the work.
2. Drink plenty of water. A good deal of metabolic waste previously residing in stagnant muscles will suddenly be released
into your system. Water can help dilute these wastes and keep you feeling your best.
3. Relax. Don't do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Doing so can halt the processing that occurs after sessions,
limiting benefits. If you received jaw work, avoid hard or difficult to chew foods.
4. Avoid extreme heat or cold. No heating pads, ice packs, hot showers or hot baths. The circulatory fluctuations can
hinder the work.
5. Keep you feet together. Try to put your weight on both feet together when you stand up, get out of bet, get out of a
car, etc. This can help to start restoring balance to your body, particularly your pelvis.
6. Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time without getting up. This can destabilize the pelvis during the crucial setting-in period of the work.
The Week After Treatment
1. Continue to walk. 15-20 minutes per day is best.
2. Continue to take it easy. Avoid overly strenuous activities. Light exercise is fine.
3. Avoid any treatments, including Bowen, for a full week after your treatment. Bowen is a delicate process and can be
easily impeded by other treatments done after, including chiropractic, massages, acupuncture/acupressure, etc. Even
a back-rub can be a no-no.
4. Continue to avoid extreme hot or cold.
(Tom Bowen)
4. How long does it take to see results?
Answer: For both NKT and Bowen, results are usually noticeable after the very first visit, though for some, it can take as many as three visits to notice significant changes.
5. How long do results usually last?
Answer: It depends… an unsatisfying answer, I know. It depends on what led to the imbalances in the first place. If they are of acute origins; that is, they were caused by an isolated incident or by a stress (either physical or psychological) that is no longer a factor, than results should last indefinitely. After all, you've been reprogrammed. However, if the imbalances are due to a repetitive stress, say, sitting in front of a computer all day, then the results may be more difficult to maintain. That being said, the results can still be permanent. However, this will require the client to be very diligent about following my instructions and doing any and all assigned exercises.
6. How long are sessions?
Answer: Sessions are usually 50 minutes long. Longer sessions can be arranged as necessary. With Bowen, it is not uncommon for the client to experience an intense processing reaction during the session such as sweating, light-headedness or even a strong emotional response. This is a signal that the body has had all it can take for the moment. In these circumstances, I will end the session early.
7. How much do sessions cost?
Answer: Sessions are currently priced at $90 per 50-minute session. I accept cash or check. Sorry, no credit cards at this time. Sessions are pay as you go.
8. Do you accept insurance?
Answer: I don’t accept insurance directly, though I will happily provide you with an invoice in the style of your choosing for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. My work is generally accepted by health savings accounts.
9. What is your cancellation policy?
Answer: I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment within 24 hours of your
scheduled appointment time, or simply fail to show up to your appointment, that session must be paid for in full.
10. How many sessions will it take to fix my problem?
Answer: Again, this depends. The simpler and more recent the problem, the more likely you’ll be in and out with a minimum of visits. Older problems are another story. The longer one has had a particular neuromuscular imbalance, the more likely it is that that imbalance has led to other imbalances. Generally speaking, when this is the case, only one “layer” of these imbalances can be cleared up at a time and the problem must be addressed systematically and progressively. It is not unusual for new or different symptoms to arise soon after a session. This is a result of older layers of imbalances being exposed through the work. This is normal and shouldn’t be cause for concern. I recommend clients commit themselves to at least three visits initially. You’ll know by the end of three visits whether or not NKT is the solution for you.
With Bowen Therapy, the standard protocol is three visits, one week apart, followed by monthly visits. Many problems resolve in those first three sessions, but some issues require additional treatments. Per Tom Bowen's philosophy, the body operates on a 7-day healing cycle after treatment. It is not unusual for the client to continue to process the work over the course of the week. This processing can take many forms, most pleasant, some unpleasant. Rest assured, however, once the processing is completed, the net effect will be a positive one.
11. What should I wear to sessions?
Answer: All sessions are “clothes on” sessions… a comforting idea for many people. Occasionally I’ll ask that a particular item of clothing be adjusted or removed if it’s particularly in my way, though this doesn’t happen often. I recommend wearing workout-type clothes… loose fitting and comfortable. Avoid layers and above all else… NO DENIM! Denim is too stiff to work through and is like kryptonite for a manual therapist's hands.
12. What happens during sessions?
Answer: NKT sessions generally consist of four main things: assessments, muscles tests, releases, and corrective exercises. Most say the experience is comparable to a cross between a physical therapy session and a massage therapy session. Note: I AM NOT a physical therapist.
On the other hand, Bowen treatments are a different experience. I perform a series of "moves" on you, then leave the room for a couple minutes to allow the body to "cook" as we say. This "cook" is where the healing begins. Bowen is relaxing and requires little participation from the client. Which treatment one receives is determined primarily by which modality I feel fits the particular issue best, though client preference is also considered.
