Visceral Manipulation is a gentle hands-on technique used to detect and release organ restrictions. This, in turn, allows the body to balance itself. The technique was developed by Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral who is a French osteopathic physician. He discovered that often times when organs, and the connective tissue surrounding them, become irritated and restricted, associated muscles become tight and joints become restricted or "stuck", too.
Many things can cause organ restrictions. Surgery, illness, stress, trauma and childbirth are some common causes. Anytime there is irritation or inflammation of the connective tissue (tissue that holds all our cells together), adhesions and scar tissue can result. For example, the scar we see on the surface after surgery is often only the "tip of the iceberg" compared to what is happening underneath.
Every single cell in our body is covered with connective tissue, so we are literally connected from head to toe. A good example of how organ restrictions can affect muscles and joints is an appendectomy (surgery to remove the appendix). The appendix is found where the small intestine joins the large intestine. This special junction lies directly next to a major muscle (the psoas muscle) that attaches to the spine, pelvis and upper thigh. Thus, the scar tissue from the surgery could cause this large and important muscle to get tight and pull on the spine, pelvis or upper thigh, in turn causing joint restrictions.
Conditions such as hiatus hernias, irritable bowel syndrome and urinary incontinence respond well to visceral manipulation. Also, after childbirth or any surgical procedure, visceral manipulation can be effective in restoring balance to the organs. Before having visceral manipulation, Dr. Harrison will go through a detailed history and physical exam to determine any underlying conditions that need to be addressed or if a referral to another health care practitioner is required.
A treatment session will last approximately 1/2 hour. Typically the next treatment will occur 3 weeks later to allow the body to self-correct. A total of 3 to 5 treatments is usually sufficient.
Sometimes people may feel mild discomfort during a treatment but usually it is just a feeling of light pressure where the technique is being applied. Although some people may feel slightly nauseous, fatigued or emotional after a treatment, most people experience a sense of well-being. It is best not to eat for 2 hours prior to a treatment.
If you are currently a chiropractic patient, you may book directly with Dr. Harrison for a Visceral Manipulation evaluation and treatment session (1/2 hour). Otherwise, it is recommended that you book a new patient appointment with Dr. Harrison so she can go through a complete chiropractic evaluation to determine what care, in addition to Visceral Manipulation, may be required.
For additional information, check out the Upledger Institute website at: http://upledger.com/
