Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs (viscera) and their surrounding connective tissues, known as fascia. Just like muscles and joints, organs have a natural, inherent motion and ability to glide and move in relation to each other. When this natural mobility is restricted due to injury, surgery, inflammation, poor posture, or chronic stress, it can lead to problems, not just in the organs themselves, but also in distant parts of the body.
A trained visceral manipulation practitioner uses light, specific manual forces to assess the mobility and “listen” to the subtle movements and restrictions of the organs and their fascial attachments. They are looking for areas where the organs may be restricted in their natural motion. Once a restriction is identified, the therapist applies gentle pressure, stretches, or subtle movements to encourage the release of tension and restore the organ’s normal mobility. This improves the communication and movement between the organs and the rest of the body’s systems, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, vascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and urogenital systems.
VM can reduce a vareity of symptoms by addressing the root cause.
Musculoskeletal pains: (like back pain, neck pain, or sciatica) can have a visceral origin. For example, a restriction in the liver’s mobility might pull on the diaphragm and affect the neck or shoulder. VM aims to identify and treat these underlying visceral restrictions, which can lead to more lasting pain relief.
Improves Organ Function: By restoring the natural motion and glide of organs, VM can help improve their physiological function.
Digestive Disorders: Bloating, constipation, acid reflux, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and post-surgical digestive issues.
Respiratory Issues: May help with conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis by improving the mobility of the lungs and diaphragm.
Urogenital Issues: Can be helpful for chronic pelvic pain, bladder incontinence, menstrual irregularities, and some fertility challenges.
Reduces Scar Tissue and Adhesions: After surgery (especially abdominal or pelvic surgery) or injury, scar tissue can form and restrict the movement of organs and surrounding tissues. VM can help to gently release these adhesions, improving mobility and reducing pain.
Enhances Overall Body Mobility and Posture: When organs are restricted, they can pull on the surrounding fascia, affecting posture and creating tension in the musculoskeletal system. By releasing these visceral tensions, VM can improve overall body mechanics, flexibility, and alignment.
Promotes Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage: Improved organ mobility can facilitate better blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and nerve function, contributing to overall health and vitality.
Reduces Stress and Tension: The gentle, mindful approach of VM can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and their physical manifestations.
Supports the Body’s Self-Healing Mechanisms: VM works by assisting the body’s inherent capacity to heal and self-regulate. By removing restrictions, it allows the body’s natural forces to work more effectively.
Conditions Often Addressed by Visceral Manipulation:
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, shoulder, hip pain)
Sciatica
Headaches and migraines
Digestive disorders (IBS, constipation, acid reflux, bloating)
Post-surgical scar tissue pain
Whiplash and other traumatic injuries
Fibromyalgia