Visceral Manipulation (VM)

Visceral Manipulation is the gentle mobilisation and manipulation of the internal organs and surrounding structures. For us to flex and move our trunk and limbs beautifully, there needs to be good mobility and motility of all our internal organs. An organ’s mobility is its ability to move and glide as the body does. An organ’s motility is its ability to hold its own rhythm and function. 

A surprising number of musculoskeletal problems can be affected or even have their root cause in poor visceral manoeuvrability. For example, a right shoulder restriction can be linked to poor liver mobility i.e. the connective tissue attachments around the liver are limiting upper trunk and shoulder girdle mobility, restricting shoulder movement. A restriction in the recto-sacral or coccygeal ligaments can cause hip restrictions or lower back issues. Releasing these restrictions and adhesions within and around the internal organs and their corresponding connective tissue attachments can be incredibly effective in solving some fundamental physical problems. 

VM is also very effective for digestive system problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, reflux and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease and Colitis. VM applies gentle manual therapy to encourage normal mobility, tone and motion of the gut organs and their connective tissues. Portions of the bowel can be prone to recurrent inflammation, leading to scar tissue formation and subsequently poor mobility and motility. This affects the passage of food through our system and even the absorption of nutrients from that food. Abdominal surgery leaves significant scar tissue ‘trains' through neighbouring internal organs, affecting the movement and function of these organs. VM is very effective in addressing these problems. See www.barralinstitute.com for more information.