What is Visceral Mobilization?
Visceral Mobilization is a hands on technique that works with the viscera (the internal organs) and the surrounding connective tissue that binds and anchors the organs to each other and to the bones of the body.
Injury can cause decreased motion within connective tissue that surrounds these organs and cause pain. Gentle visceral mobilization of these tissues can improve motion within these tissues and help decrease pain and improve the functioning of these organs.
How can organs cause pain in the body?
Your organs are surrounded by muscle and fascia. If the organs are not moving properly in the body, it can start to trigger dysfunction in the fascia and muscles surrounding them. Fascia restrictions can lead to trigger points in the muscles, which can even cause referred pain in other areas of the body.
An organ can develop restrictions for a variety of reasons, including, physical traumas, surgery, poor posture or pregnancy/delivery. When the organ is not moving properly, the body starts to compensate, specifically in the musculoskeletal system.
Conditions that Benefit from Visceral Mobilization include:
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Sciatica
- Low back pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Pelvic pain
- Incontinence
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Digestive disorders
- Endometriosis
Visceral Mobilization as a Treatment Tool
Visceral mobilization evaluates the entire body to find the source of the problem. The therapist feels for decreased motion within the viscera or restrictive patterns throughout the muscles and the fascia of the body and then applies various visceral mobilization techniques. This treatment is designed to help get good blood flow to the area and heal the tissue.
Visceral mobilization helps the practitioner identify the source of the dysfunction. The treatment is designed to release the restrictions, elongate and mobilize the tissues through gentle compression and various other techniques. It is often combined with other techniques designed to release the myofascial tissue as well as treat the muscles that have become unhealthy.
Want to learn more about how visceral mobilization can help treat your condition? Click here to schedule a complimentary phone consultation with one of our physical therapists.
