VISCERAL MANIPULATION

Fascia has many roles in our bodies including stabilization and posture maintenance, enclosing muscles/organs and separation between muscles/organs, attachment of structures to other structures, and it essentially serves as the common thread that links all of our inner workings together [1]. The phrase that “everything is connected” really holds true thanks to fascia! 

When there are restrictions in the normal movement patterns of organs, nerves, muscles, etc., our bodies form patterns of tension, which leads to compensation; this compensation not only causes dysfunction of the structure directly involved but also in structures in other parts of the body (because of fascia!) [2].

For example, let’s say there is a restriction of movement in someone’s liver (meaning that the liver is not moving in the way that it is supposed to move).

This restricted movement could then lead to tension placed on the ribcage (Google liver anatomy and see how close it is to the ribs!), leading to tension placed on vertebrae, to subtle changes in posture, leading to muscle imbalances, which then eventually leads to the perception of pain in the body.

Visceral manipulation is a modality that was developed by Jean-Pierre Barral DO, MRO (F), RPT. It is based on the knowledge that our organs (AKA viscera) have specific patterns of healthy movement within their space and have a direct relationship to the musculoskeletal system via a connective tissue called fascia.

Most of the time, the root cause of the pain is perceived to be a muscle problem. However, with deeper digging and more specific physical examination, we actually find that the root cause was not an issue with the muscle but an issue with the movement of an organ.

In this case, going to get a deep tissue massage or any other modality that is primarily focusing on muscle tension, only provides temporary relief; it is not addressing the root cause. This same idea can be applied to other organs; restrictions can cause many other symptoms in the body besides pain. 

You are probably wondering what in the world causes these restrictions and how do I know if I have restrictions? “Strains in the connective tissue of the viscera can result from surgical scars, adhesions, illness, posture or injury [3].”

Essentially, anything that throws our system out of whack (excess stress, improper breathing, desk jobs, lack of movement, etc) can lead to restrictions in our fascial system. The only way to know if you have restrictions in your organs is to be evaluated by someone who practices visceral manipulation.

INDICATORS THAT YOU MAY HAVE SOME RESTRICTIONS:

  • Past surgery, injury, or illness after which you have not been able to feel 100%

  • Difficulty with belly breathing (or taking a big breath in)

  • Digestive complaints such as constipation, bloating, loose stools, gas, acid reflux

  • Musculoskeletal pain/tightness that does not seem to resolve with massage or other modalities and is not due to a serious underlying condition like bone fractures, autoimmune disease, etc. 

  • Hiatal hernia

    . . . and much more!

So now you may be wondering, what does a treatment entail? Each treatment is unique to the individual presenting with an issue. At the beginning of the visit, the practitioner will ask you questions related to your complaint and do a “listening” to assess for fascial strain or pulling in the body. The practitioner will determine which organ or organs are involved and begin treatment.

Each organ has its own specific technique and hand placement but essentially, the practitioner will place their hands on various parts of a patient’s abdomen and apply gentle pressure to encourage optimal movement of the restricted organ.

Helping an organ to move optimally can encourage improved blood and lymphatic flow and “can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body [4].”

After treatment, the patient should expect to feel a sense of relaxation and should notice positive changes in their body immediately after and even days after treatment. 

If this article piqued your interest in visceral manipulation, schedule a visit with Ana Rodriguez, ND, LAc who received training in visceral manipulation from the Barral Institute. This article is not meant to serve as medical advice but rather, as general information. Therefore, if you think you would benefit from visceral manipulation or are wondering if visceral manipulation is the right modality for you, please schedule an appointment!

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