Visceral manipulation is a type of gentle treatment used by Osteopaths and other manual therapists which was founded by Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral.
Viscera refers to the organs within the human body which are in the ribcage, abdomen, and pelvis. When we refer to the treatment of organs, it is more to do with the natural physical motion of the organ within the body cavity, rather than issues with the organ which may show up on a blood test.
Practitioners who treat using visceral manipulation focus their treatment on the ligaments, connective tissue and fascia that surround the organs. It is quite common for there to be tension in the ligaments, connective tissue, and fascia. This can be due to many reasons such as accidents, trauma, pregnancy, stress, and dietary issues.
It is very important that our organs can slide and move smoothly, as a great deal of movement occurs with breathing alone (see the video below for a great example of this). Organ restrictions can also cause pain in our joints and muscles due to the organ position, where the ligaments and connective tissues attach and the nerve supply. Often, organ restriction can be the underlying cause for that pain that does not seem to go away.
Visceral manipulation may help with the management of:
- Abdominal pain
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Constipation
- Acid reflux
- Painful periods
- Infertility
- Joint pain (hips, knees, shoulders)
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches
Osteopaths who treat using visceral manipulation undergo special training in order to treat safely and effectively. If you are experiencing any of the above issues, please feel free to contact us to see if visceral manipulation is right for you.
