From around August 2021, I’d been suffering heel pain which initially I thought was something to do with nerves so I started taking nerve supplements which didn’t help. Ten I went to see the orthopaedic specialist in TDMC on 5/11/2021 who recommended ultrasound treatments in the hospital’s physio depatyment. After 15 sessions, the dull ache was still there and got worse when I walked around any mall which although not that frequent, was nevertheless annoying. I went to see the orthopaedic specialist again on 6/1/2022 who said I could stop the physio therapy and gave me another appointment for June this year so that I could have another x-ray taken to see whether the calcification had gotten worse by then.
Meanwhile, I had to do something. Should I sit and wait for the calcification to maybe get worse or search for other forms of treatment. Actually a few months ago, I had already found My Bowen Therapy on the Internet and had considered going there for a free consultation. They have an outlet at Glomac Damansara and a newer one at Etiqa Twin Towers.
On the first day of CNY 1/2/2022, I whatsapped them to ask for an appointment and was promptly given a reply on 2/2/2022. I was asked which outlet I would like to visit. Either outlet was fine with me, I just wanted the first available appointment. I was given an appointment on 3/2/2022 @ 1020am at their Etiqa outlet with their therapist, Encik Hafiy.
Naturally I did a bit of research on Bowen therapy. It originated in Australia and gained popularity after the founder’s passing. It isn’t a medical treatment or a massage. It involves gentle, rolling hand movements over the body, paying particular attention to tendons, ligaments and muscles, to find out the cause of the problem. For example, the cause of my heel calcification may not be the heel itself. It may be my back or neck. It could even be my jaw. The experienced therapist will be able to determine where the cause of the problem lies.
I arrived early for my appointment and as soon as I sat down sat down at the reception area, Encik Hafiy appeared and ushered me into a treatment room for the consultation. He explained that the therapy involved hand movements on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, along with the fascia and skin around them. The idea is to reduce pain by stimulating the nervous system.
After asking a few questions, I asked whether I could have a session today. For therapists like Encik Hafiy, it’s RM200 per session but if I signed up a 4 session package, it would be RM699, valid for a year. If I felt better after 3 sessions, I can keep the 4th session until the package expires. Luckily there was still some time before my consultation time was over so I could squeeze in my 1st session.
Firstly, I lay on my stomach with my legs dangling off the bed. The therapist could tell that my left leg is slightly shorter than my right. He administered rolling movements on my back and shoulders, some of the pressing motions hurt a bit as I have a very stiff back and shoulders.
Then I lay on my back, he could tell that my stomach area (right side) felt a but hard. Actually I know because I have been told by massage therapists many years ago. Encik Hafiy said it may be due to fibroids (benign) which are very common in women. I guess it is time to get a scan after I fix this persistent heel problem which has taken up quite a bit of money.
My neck and jaw felt sore when those areas were pressed. This whole session was very interesting for me as I thought the focus would be on my sore heel but no, the actual cause is probably somewhere else. Encik Hafiy informed me that he will focus on my pelvic area during the next session (it will be once a week).
This kind of therapy may just be what I need since ultrasound treatments didn’t do the trick. I’ve been advised not to sit too long and to drink plenty of water. My soft tissue needs plenty of movement to ensure maximum mobility. I need to keep my fascia hydrated so that my soft tissue surfaces glide over each other and not stick together.
