Visceral Osteopathy: Why is it Important?
Visceral osteopathy is another branch of osteopathic techniques which deal with the manual manipulation of the viscera - the organs, mainly within the abdomen.
The organs include: the stomach, liver, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, small and large intestines, the ovaries, uterus, liver, kidneys, bladder, pancreas.
Treatment via visceral osteopathy aims to improve visceral mobility.
Visceral mobility is how well the organs can release and contract within the body cavity. Overburdened organs can develop adhesions, this makes the organs less pliable, which in turn can hinder organ function.
When a person is under strain, stress, going through physical and/or emotional trauma the deep structures of the body clench protectively, which can lead to generalized body stiffness, tension and pain.
The viscera
The organs are soft, wrapped in fascia and attached to ligaments which then are attached to the spine and body cavities.
Due to this close connection, every time we move or breathe, the viscera mobilizes within the abdomen.
Therefore musculoskeletal movement has a deep effect on visceral movement and vice versa.
When the viscera is unable to shift and move correctly the outcome can be stiffness, pain and/or bloating within the abdominal space, this could also result in pain in other areas of the body, such as the head, neck, shoulders and lower back.
Why choose visceral osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy which uses your own body to improve organ function, while helping to relieve the side effects of stress and improving your general health.
Although visceral osteopathy can be used to treat everyday aches and pains, there are specific conditions that osteopaths can help to treat, such as:
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Genito-urinary system dysfunction
• Digestive disturbances
• Gynaecological issues
• Headaches
• Sleeping disturbances
What to expect from a visceral treatment?
The overall goal of treatment is to boost ligament and fascial tension and movement, ease organ placement within the body cavity while improving lymphatic and blood circulation to the organs and muscles.
Treatment often involves an abdominal release massage that combines:
Surface and deep pressing
deep strokes
Abdominal release
Diaphragm release
Rib cage and rib muscle release
Visceral osteopathy has a complex positive effect on the patient’s body.
The treatment has a profound impact on a person’s bones and spine when manipulating their organs.
As a result, many patients are freed from joint pain, back pain, and other general aches and body pains, while feeling more release and relaxed after treatment.
