Here’s a bit of science, to help you make sense of BoneWork. bones form the overall framework of our bodies, giving us shape, support, movement and protection. We tend to think of bones as hard, dry and unyielding, as described in the song, ‘dem bones”. This is true of dead bones, most familiar to meat eaters and dog owners. However, living bone is somewhat different. It has a blood supply, a nerve supply and comprises 30 % collagen, which makes it springy and resilient. Bone is therefore a plastic, malleable substance, which can change, given the right conditions.

Scientific research conducted by Dr. Heike Jäger at the University of Ulm, Germany, is beginning to back up what Sharon Wheeler has observed. When compression and tension forces are applied to bone cells, calcium channels in the cells open, enabling calcium phosphate and water to flow in. This softens and nourishes the bone (like adding water to clay) and ultimately, stimulates the production of “bone-forming” and “bone-eating” cells, needed to regenerate bone and sculpt it to the right shape. Calcium is good for bones, making them firm and strong.

The therapist surrounds the bone being treated with a snug hold, applying equal pressure on all sides. This is low to medium-level pressure and should feel comfortable and relaxing. You may even drop off to sleep during treatment. If you experience pain or feel that the pressure is uneven, you should tell your therapist immediately, so that they can adjust their hold or pressure. After 10-30 seconds, the bone starts to move and change under the therapists hands and they will move with you to facilitate the change. You may also experience memories or emotions associated with the injury. You survived it before, so this won’t do you any harm and processing it will help you heal.

In most cases, you will observe incredible changes in the bones and joints immediately. During treatment. You may be encouraged to take another look at or feel of the bone, have a wriggle or stand up and walk, so we can monitor your progress. Positive change often continues long after treatment, especially if you look after yourself well and follow aftercare advice.

• Badly healed fractures (including thosw with metal plates or pins)
• Overgrown bone
• Bone that has a lump after healing
• Crooked bones
• Bone distortions or twists, not due to fractures
• Broken noses
• Bunions
• Joints that will not straighten after being broken.