Visceral Manipulations

Visceral Manipulation is a manual therapy technique consisting of gentle, specifically placed manual forces that encourage normal mobility, tone and inherent tissue motion of the viscera, their connective tissue, and other areas of the body where physiologic motion has been impaired. It is characterized by high precision and minimal force. Visceral Manipulation is based on the principle that for an organ to be healthy and have optimal function it must have motion. The visceral system itself relies on the interconnected synchronicity of the motions of the organs and the support structures of the body. A restriction, fixation or adhesion to another structure, no matter how small, implies functional impairment of the organ.

Tissues lose their normal motion when they become inflamed. The natural healing process involves local disruption of normal tissue fibers and their replacement with adhesions or scar tissue. Many factors can cause inflammation including infections, direct trauma (surgery, falls, accidents, abuse, etc.), repetitious movement, diet, environmental toxins, and emotional stress. Diagnoses indicating possible disruption of the visceral system include spinal pain, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, gastrointestinal (GI) pain and dysfunction, and infertility to name a few.

Unfortunately, once adhesions form, they typically remain in the body for a lifetime if left untreated. Adhesions may occur in pain-sensitive structures, or they may glue down structures without causing discomfort.

The treatment is designed to decrease adhesions and improve organ function. I use my hands to locate abnormal tensions in and around the organs, muscles, connective tissues and support structures of your body. I apply gentle and very specific pressure where indicated to assist your body in releasing the mobility-restricting adhesions thus utilizing your body’s ability to self-correct. I always work within your tolerance and comfort level.

Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by world-renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral - more information.

Comparative studies found Visceral Manipulation beneficial for various disorders:

  • Acute Disorders - Whiplash, Seatbelt Injuries, Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries, Concussion, Traumatic Brain Injuries

  • Women's and Men's Health Issues - Chronic Pelvic Pain, Endometriosis, Fibroids and Cysts, Dysmenorrhea, Bladder Incontinence, Prostate Dysfunction, Referred Testicular Pain, Effects of Menopause

  • Emotional Issues - Anxiety and Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Digestive Disorders - Bloating and Constipation, Nausea and Acid Reflux, GERD, Swallowing Dysfunctions

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders - Somatic-Visceral Interactions, Chronic Spinal Dysfunction, Headaches and Migraines, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Peripheral Joint Pain, Sciatica

  • Pain Related to, Post-operative Scar Tissue, Post-infection Scar Tissue, Autonomic Mechanisms.