What is Visceral Manipulation?

‘Viscera,’ relates to the internal organs of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and intestines. Visceral Manipulation (VM), is a gentle manual therapy that aids your body’s ability to release restrictions and unhealthy compensations that cause pain and dysfunction.

 

VM does not focus on the site of pain, but rather evaluates the whole body system to find the source of the problem. The VM therapist is trained in advanced anatomy and palpation skills to be able to feel for the altered or decreased motion within the viscera. They are also able to palpate and assess for restrictive patterns throughout the body to then be able to skillfully apply gentle compression, mobilization and elongation of the soft tissues in order to facilitate a release at the source to correct the problematic dysfunction. 

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How Do the Organs Contribute to Musculoskeletal Pain and Dysfunction?

Your body is made up of many interrelated components—bones, muscles, nerves, fascia and organs (viscera). When you breath, walk and stretch, your organs move in your chest and abdomen; they are in perpetual motion—this movement is transmitted through the fascia to all  structures of the body. When we are healthy, these structures move with ease and fluidity—there is an ongoing harmonious relationship within the system.

 

Physical and emotional trauma, surgery, lifestyle, infections, environmental toxins, diet, posture, pregnancy all alter this normal fluidity through forced compensation patterns that create abnormal points of tension and pain. A small dysfunction in one area is then magnified by thousands of repetitions each day in our habitual movement patterns. Overtime, the small dysfunction becomes a larger systemic issue that often shows up as pain at the level of the musculoskeletal system.

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Visceral Manipulation has been shown to help with:

• Whiplash, seat belt injuries and neck pain

• Sports injuries including concussions and mild TBI

• Orthopedic issues

• Spinal dysfunction

• Lower back pain and sciatica

• Headaches and migraines

• Carpal tunnel

• Joint pain

• Swallowing dysfunctions

• Digestive disorders

• Post-operative scar tissue pain

• Women’s and Men’s health issues including chronic pelvic pain

• Pediatric health issues including colic

• PTSD, anxiety and depression

• Immune Disorders including chronic fatigue

• And so much more….