What is Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a method of treatment where a skilled physical therapist moves the ligaments and tissue around the internal organs to restore natural mobility. Using these techniques, a trained physical therapist is able to gently dissolve adhesions formed between the connective tissue layers over individual organs.
Definition
- gentle manual therapy that assesses the structural relationships between the viscera (organs), and their fascial or ligamentous attachments to the various systems in the body.
- Visceral Manipulation assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, eliminatory, neuroendocrine and lymphatic dysfunction.
What is the Basis of Visceral Manipulation?
The internal organs are not just floating in space. They are packed compactly with fascia and ligaments which are the connective tissues that support these organs. Our natural movements of the trunk and limbs cause a relative movement in the internal organs.
When the internal organs move, they slide and glide on each other. To eliminate friction during the movement, the organs are bathed in a fluid around them. Certain conditions trigger the inflammatory process in this fluid. The inflammation can be triggered by traumas such as motor vehicle accidents, side effects of medications, dehydration, direct blows to the rib cage or stomach, surgeries, chemotherapy, and certain other illnesses. This inflammation makes the fluid more viscous causing adhesions between connective tissues.
The fascia that holds the internal organs extends throughout the body. Changes in the fascial system in one area can alter the alignment of the body leading to restrictions, or wear and tear in joints.
Most people seek a physical therapist, chiropractor, or medical doctor for their pain and restriction of their joints and muscles. Those restrictions on mobility are just a small reflection of what is going on internally. The visceral manipulation works internally, leading to significant gains in mobility and function in the outer shell.
Brief History
Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by world-renowned French osteopath and physical therapist Jean-Pierre Barral.
Visceral Manipulation assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body—including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunction. It alleviates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments.
Recent research shows significant improvement in musculoskeletal pain after visceral manipulation treatment. Our physical therapist is trained in visceral manipulation from the Barral Institute and is able to use this approach alone or in conjunction with other forms of physical therapy approaches.
What to Expect During a Session?
Visceral Manipulation is a totally painless, a light touch form of manual therapy. During the session, a soft manual force is used to encourage normal mobility, tone, and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues.
The physical therapist will evaluate the restriction and isolate areas of tension and gently place the hands in the area of greatest restriction. By gently moving the tissue according to the tissue’s own lines of tension the physical therapist will free the restriction.
How long will it take to see the results from Visceral Manipulation?
Patients have responded to visceral manipulation in less than five minutes. As little as one treatment session has made significant improvement in many of our clients. They have explained that session as relaxing, relieving excruciating pains, freeing up restrictions, and improving energy and vitality.
For more information, Contact us at Garden City, NY center.
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