Visceral Manipulation
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Visceral Manipulation is a gentle manual therapy that aids your body's ability to release restrictions and compensations that cause pain and imbalances. Visceral Manipulation does not focus solely on the site of pain, but evaluates the entire body to find the source of the problem. As a manual therapist, Susan feels for the altered or decreased motion within the organs, as well as the restrictive patterns throughout the body and then applies the Visceral Manipulation techniques. The hands on techniques are not aggressive despite working with organs that sit deeply in the body. The treatment is a gentle compression, mobilization and elongation of the soft tissues. This type of organ specific manual therapy re-establishes the body's ability to adapt and restore itself to health.
As each person's situation is different, the number of visits will vary. Many people experience significant improvement within 3 to 5 sessions; others may require additional treatment. We will develop a plan based on your needs and how your body responds to treatment. Information on this page is taken from the Visceral Manipulation brochure. |
How Do Organs Contribute to Pain and Imbalances? |
Your body is made up of many interrelated components: bones, muscles, nerves, fascia and internal organs. Your organs are in perpetual motion. When you breathe, walk and stretch, your organs move in your chest and abdomen. For example, when you take a breath, your kidneys move one inch; and with deep inhalation, they move 4 inches.
This movement of organs is transmitted through fascia to other structures of the body. When you are healthy, all the structures move with fluidity. This movement is important as it influences activities throughout the body from the tiniest cellular pulsations to rhythmic contractions of the heart and blood flow. Optimum health relies on this harmonious relationship. Organs lose mobility due to physical trauma, surgery, lifestyle, infection, pollution, diet, posture, pregnancy, etc. When an organ is restricted and fixed to another structure, the body is forced to compensate. This creates abnormal points of tension and chronic irritation gives way to functional and structural problems throughout the body. Imagine scar tissue around the lungs. Every breath requires movement but the scar tissue alters the normal pattern. This could shift rib movement creating pulls on the spine resulting in mid-back and neck pain, and limit shoulder movement. This scenario highlights just one of hundreds of possible ramifications of a small dysfunction- magnified by thousands of repetitions each day. This also explains how pain can often be far removed from the actual cause. |