visceral osteopathy

The viscera (organs) of the body are all connected to one another via connective tissue and ligaments. If there is tension in these tissues, the organs they surround cannot function well within the physiological rhythms of breathing and physical movement. Over time, this lack of mobility can result in poor functioning of the organ, often causing patients to feel sluggish or uncomfortable. 


Because the same nerves that supply the viscera also supply certain levels of the spine, visceral problems can also result in back pain that does not get better simply by treating the area of pain. Other visceral problems can result in pain elsewhere in the body- liver problems can refer pain to the right shoulder and spleen problems to the left. Constipation can also be addressed by visceral techniques that treat the bowels. 


Tension can build up around organs due to bad posture, lack of movement, illness or injury. Visceral techniques are gentle, external techniques, used to reduce tension in the tissues surrounding certain organs such as the lungs, liver, stomach, reproductive organs, bladder or spleen, so that they can can move freely and function correctly, reducing any pain they are referring to other parts of the body.