Visceral Manipulation

Visceral Manipulation (VM) is another technique developed by Osteopaths that works through the connective tissue to alleviate abnormal tension in the organs of the body. When there are abnormal tensions in these connective tissues, it can effect the functioning of an organ and can create pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system.

Because the organs are attached to structures like the spine and diaphragm, when they tighten up, it can cause pain in unexpected places; for instance, pain in the right shoulder can be caused by the liver, and in the left shoulder it can be caused by the stomach. By releasing connective tissue around the liver or stomach, we alleviate the pain in the shoulders. Sounds wild, but it works. If you’re curious as to why this works, read my section on connective tissue.

Visceral Manipulation in conjunction with CranioSacral Therapy is a great tool for figuring out how to alleviate pain that seemingly comes out of nowhere.