What is Visceral Manipulation, And How Does It Work?

What is visceral manipulation?

The term “visceral” refers to organs located deep within the body. Visceral manipulation is a non-invasive technique for promoting internal organ health and healing. Our bodies, including our organs, are designed for movement. When conditions exist that obstruct your organs’ natural, minimal movement within your body, they impair your body’s normal function and wellness.

Visceral manipulation is a technique in which an experienced therapist uses his or her hands to move and release fascial restrictions in the abdomen and pelvis in order to promote normal organ movement and function. The majority of people are familiar with the concept of joint and muscle restrictions causing tightness, pain, and restricted movement in their bodies but do not consider the organs’ role. It is common for people to visit their physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist to address pain and alignment issues. These practitioners frequently only address the surface of the issue if they do not consider your organs’ mobility in your alignment movement patterns.

How does Visceral Manipulation work?

Visceral manipulation is used to locate and release dysfunctional patterns of movement and vitality throughout the body. It stimulates the client’s natural mechanisms for optimizing organ function, reducing the negative effects of stress, increasing mobility, and optimizing metabolism.

When therapists perform visceral manipulation, they will use up and down, back-to-front, and side-to-side motions to massage the organs and release tension or restrictions to restore the organ to optimal function.

The practitioner’s touch may include compression, mobilization, and elongation of the tissues. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, they may stand, sit, or lay down.

What can you expect from a visceral manipulation session?

To begin, you’ll want to dress in loose, comfortable clothing. You may remain fully dressed throughout the session, and certain practitioners may require you to wear a gown. In general, similar to receiving a massage, the specific area of your body is exposed. Certain practitioners, on the other hand, may work on you through a thin layer of clothing.

Then, the physical therapist or osteopath with whom you are consulting should conduct a thorough assessment to determine which areas to treat. The rib cage, abdomen, and pelvis are frequently treated with visceral manipulation.

If you receive scar tissue treatment, you may experience tenderness or mild discomfort. However, the majority report that it feels good because it is loosening up tight tissue that may be causing pain. For example, scar tissue can cause muscle restriction, resulting in back pain, sciatica, hip or knee pain.

Some visceral manipulation for a digestive tract or rib cage restrictions, and some techniques require a firmer touch, while others are much lighter. As the tissues begin to relax, you may experience tenderness, tightness, or even gurgling in your stomach.

Who can Benefit from Visceral Manipulation?

The majority of adults benefit from some form of visceral manipulation. Just as a body massage helps loosen What is Visceral Manipulation, And How Does It Work (1) muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues, visceral manipulation can help alleviate restrictions in the layer of tissue and fluid surrounding and connecting your organs. Restriction and inflammation around your organs can occur as a result of the following:

jarring forces from the exterior
Internal changes in your body
Infection
Tissue scarring
Stress on the emotional level

Among the most frequently cited reasons for seeking visceral manipulation are the following:

Changes that occur postpartum
Surgery of the abdomen
Automobile collisions
Accidents and sports-related injuries
Unexplained chronic pain
Endometriosis
Digestive problems

What should you know?

Only those with advanced training in Visceral Manipulation are qualified to provide this science-based manual therapy. The assessment and treatment process both involve gentle pressure applied by your therapist’s hands to specific areas of your abdomen. Although the treatment focuses on organ manipulation – stomach, kidneys, liver, bladder, and uterus, the benefits can be extensive. Following Visceral Manipulation, pain relief frequently occurs in seemingly unrelated body areas, including the back, neck, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica.

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What is Visceral Manipulation, And How Does It Work?

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