Visceral Manipulation
The term “visceral” refers to deep inside the body. Visceral manipulation is a noninvasive means of promoting health and healing for your internal organs. Our bodies are built for motion; that includes our organs. When conditions exist which prevent the natural, minimal movement of your organs within your body, it impedes the normal function and wellness of your body as a whole.
Who Can Benefit from Visceral Manipulation?
Most adults can benefit from some level of visceral manipulation. Just as a body massage loosens up muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues, visceral manipulation can remove restrictions present in the layer of tissue and fluid that surrounds and connects your organs. Restriction and inflammation around your organs can develop from:
- Exterior jarring forces
- Changes inside your body
- Infection
- Scar tissue
- Emotional stress
Some common reasons for seeking visceral manipulation include:
- Post-delivery changes after pregnancy
- Abdominal surgery
- Car accidents
- Falls and sports injuries
- Unexplained chronic pain
- Endometriosis
- Digestive issues
What You Need to Know
Only those specially trained in Visceral Manipulation can offer this science-based, manual therapy. The assessment process and therapy involve gentle pressure by the hands of your therapist on specific areas of your abdomen. Although the treatment focuses on manipulation of the organs – stomach, kidneys, liver, bladder, uterus, etc., the benefits can be far-reaching. Pain relief following Visceral Manipulation often occurs in seemingly unrelated parts of the body such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, carpel tunnel, and sciatica.
The effectiveness of Visceral Manipulation in improving energy flow and decrease in inflammation has been studied and documented by leading osteopaths, including the original practitioner of this therapy, Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral. The resulting changes in your body following a Visceral Manipulation session can be documented by measuring thermal energy, just as you can measure a decrease in inflammation in muscle tissue through thermal evaluation methods.
To learn more about how this innovative manual therapy could benefit you, schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists trained in Visceral Manipulation.
