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.

The treatment is a gentle compression, mobilization and elongation of the soft tissues.

Optimum health relies on a harmonious relationship between the motions of the organs and other structures of the body.

When an organ is no longer freely mobile but is fixed to another structure, the body is forced to compensate. This disharmony creates fixed, abnormal points of tension and the chronic irritation gives way to functional and structural problems throughout the body.

Visceral Manipulation assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia and ligaments. Visceral Manipulation increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.

Visceral Manipulation is used to locate and solve problems throughout the body. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism.

 

The Therapeutic Value of Visceral Manipulation

Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by world-renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral. Comparative studies found Visceral Manipulation beneficial for various disorders.

Acute Disorders

• Whiplash
• Seatbelt Injuries
• Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries
• Concussion
• Traumatic Brain Injuries

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Headaches and Migraines
• Back, hip and knee pain
• Sciatica
• Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• (& other repetitive strain injuries)                                            
• Shoulder Peri-arthritis & Capsulitis
• Restricted Range of Motion
• Peripheral Joint Pain
• Somatic-Visceral Interactions
• Chronic Spinal Dysfunction

Digestive Disorders

• Bloating and Constipation
• Nausea and Acid Reflux
• GERD
• Crohn’s Disease
• Swallowing Dysfunctions

Women's and Men's Health Issues

• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids and Cysts
• Dysmenorrhea
• Bladder Incontinence
• Prostate Dysfunction
• Referred Testicular Pain
• Effects of Menopause

Pain Related to

• Post-operative Scar Tissue
• Post-infection Scar Tissue
• Autonomic Mechanisms

Pediatric Issues

• Constipation and Gastritis
• Persistent Vomiting
• Vesicoureteral Reflux
• Infant Colic

Emotional Issues

• Anxiety and Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Organ Disorders

• Liver Disorders
• Kidney Disorders

Neurological Disorders

• Neuromotor problems
• Vertigo (Neurological & non-neurological)
• And much more!

(Content compiled from the educational materials of the Barral Institute)