Game Set and Match with Bowen

Pat Cash

I had been asked to play in the Australian Open Legends match 2020 and would fly out from London in early January as I was also commentating on the event.  The problem was having just had back surgery I was finding it hard to walk let alone pick up a racket!  

I’d had a lumbar laminectomy on L3,L4 of my spine and was operated on by the same surgeon as Andy Murray, in fact we had the same condition except according to the surgeon my condition was worse, as I’d had it for longer!  Although the surgery was thankfully a success, the state I was in my doctor was concerned that I might not get back on court at all, let alone at the Australian Open.  My posture and mobility post op was really compromised, I felt I wasn't standing on top of my hips, restrictions and tension in my fascia were bending me forward and backwards at the same time! Walking was really uncomfortable, I had pain and restrictions in my in my achilles, hips and lower back.  Also knee pain (which had been a problem for years) as well as severe carpal tunnel in my right wrist.

I was referred to Mike by a friend that had seen him for Bowen just before the over 40’s Mens Singles Final in a tournament at The Queens Club.  He was having shin pain and was unsure if he should play as he didn’t feel he’d be able to get through the match.  

After the treatment he said his symptoms had gone.  He went on to win it in straight sets.  On that recommendation and although my current situation was far more severe, I thought I’d give it a shot. I was really ready to try anything!

I met Mike and our first session was on 29th November 2019, the surgery had been on 4th November 2019. I didn’t really know what to expect from the treatment, I have tried so many over my career.  I have to say the results were remarkable.  I quickly felt on top of my hips again, my body felt balanced, aligned and like I had dumped all the trauma of the spinal surgery. My range of movement returned very quickly over the first sessions, which enabled me to start training and building my strength.  We continued with Bowen to support this process, to help recover and prepare. 

The surgeon says my scarring is really minimal, I’m sure it helped with that. My consultants found my results unusual impressive to say the least. He had doubted if I would be able to play again.  As it happened with the help of Bowtech I was able to get back on court quickly.  I not only took part in the match but felt strong and played really well!  

I found the results from Bowtech significant after the first session and every subsequent session brought further improvement.  There was very quickly a huge difference in my posture I could move more freely, my body felt more balanced.  There was also a marked reduction in pain, not just in my back it also helped with the long standing conditions on my knee and wrist. 

As a professional athlete and ex champion I understand how important it is to be at your physical and emotional best. I would therefore recommend Bowen to help deal not only with post operative or serious conditions and injuries but to also clear niggling issues and to help prevent injury.  To rebalance and release stress from the body as well as to speed recovery, like it did for me.

Pat Cash
Wimbeldon Champion 1987
Australian Open Finalist 1987, 1988
Davis Cup Champion 1983, 1986