What is Visceral Manipulation (VM)
The rhythmic motions of the visceral system as therapeutic tools
Jean-Pierre Barral, a Physiotherapist (RPT) and Osteopath (DO) from France, developed a form of manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs, their environment and the potential influence on many structural and physiological dysfunctions. Visceral Manipulation relies on the palpation of normal and abnormal forces within the body. By using specific techniques, therapists can evaluate how abnormal forces interplay, overlap and affect the normal body forces at work. The goal is to help the body's normal forces remove abnormal effects, whatever their sources. Therapists using Visceral Manipulation assess the dynamic functional actions as well as the somatic structures that perform individual activities. They also evaluate the quality of the somatic structures and their functions in relation to an overall harmonious pattern, with motion serving as the gauge for determining quality. Due to the delicate and often highly reactive nature of the visceral tissues, gentle force precisely directed reaps the greatest results. As with other methods of manipulation that affect the body deeply, Visceral Manipulation works only to assist the forces already at work. Because of that, trained therapists can be sure of benefiting the body rather than adding further injury or disorganization.Benefits
VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body, thus revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of many problems. These problems include:- Acute Disorders (Whiplash, Concussion and other injuries.
- Digestive Disorders (Bloating and Constipation, Nausea and Acid Reflux, GERD, Swallowing Dysfunctions)
- Women's and Men's Health Issues (Chronic Pelvic Pain Endometriosis, Fibroids and Cysts, Dysmenorrhea, Bladder Incontinence, Prostate Dysfunction, Referred Testicular Pain, Effects of Menopause)
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (Somatic-Visceral Interactions, Chronic Spinal Dysfunction, Headaches and Migraines, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Peripheral Joint Pain, Sciatica, Neck Pain)
- Pain Related to: Post-operative Scar Tissue, Post-infection Scar Tissue, Autonomic Mechanisms
- Pediatric Issues (Constipation and Gastritis, Persistent Vomiting, Vesicoureteral Reflux, Infant Colic)
- Emotional Issues (Anxiety and Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)