I’ve had a handful of patients recently who have heard of visceral manipulation and are seeking out this specific treatment. This makes me so happy that people are finding out that there is a holistic way to treat restrictions around the organs and surrounding tissues. I’m going to share some information about visceral manipulation, why it’s important, and why I use it in my practice.
Visceral Manipulation is a very gentle manual therapy used to mobilize the viscera, which are the internal organs of the body such as the liver, stomach, pelvic organs, and intestines as well as the connective tissue surrounding them.
The visceral organs require a certain amount of movement and glide on each other to support normal movement throughout the body. Surgeries, inflammation, and physical traumas can create tightness or adhesions in the visceral organs that in turn can limit the mobility in the trunk and limbs. To be able to reach up to a tall shelf, your arms need to be able to reach far over your head and require a stretch along your trunk. Your viscera also require quite a bit of stretch to accommodate that movement.
Visceral restrictions can lead to low back, hip, or shoulder pain as well as contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction due to limited mobility. When the organs aren’t able to move as well as they should, it can also lead to pelvic health conditions such as constipation, bladder urgency/frequency, abdominal pain, and painful menstruation.
I find that our medical systems often overlook or disregard scar tissue adhesions or believe they can’t be successfully treated. I rarely find that women who have abdominal or pelvic surgery are referred to physical therapy, despite the opportunity to restore mobility and reduce scar tissue adhesions. Many uncomfortable conditions can be prevented by people receiving appropriate treatment closer to their surgeries.
Pelvic floor therapy used along side with visceral bodywork complement each other so beautifully by restoring the mobility and capacity of the pelvic space.