Visceral Osteopathy
Treatment of internal Organs and their connections
Every organ in the body is in constant motion. The heart beats, the lungs expand, the intestines work in wave-like rhythms, and the liver follows the movements of the diaphragm. Just like a mobile, all the organs are connected to one another by fine connective tissue sheaths, known as fasciae, whilst also being anchored to the body wall. This allows them to remain in place whilst still being able to move freely. In visceral osteopathy, we focus specifically on this internal mobility in order to identify and gently treat any potential restrictions.
Possible functional complaints in this area:
- These include gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, stomach irritation, bloating, abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome, as well as complaints following abdominal surgery, for example due to adhesions.
- Tension in the area of the lungs and diaphragm can manifest as a feeling of tightness in the chest, shallow breathing or shortness of breath. Through its fascial connections, the diaphragm also influences the voice, which is why hoarseness or speech problems may also be an issue here.
- Bladder and pelvic complaints such as an overactive bladder, frequent urge to urinate or pelvic pain are another common presentation, as are back pain or shoulder and neck tension without any clear orthopaedic findings. These may also originate from the organs via the fascial connections.
- Many female patients come to us with issues relating to the uterus and ovaries, such as period pain, fertility concerns or problems associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
- Tension in the area of the liver and gallbladder – such as a feeling of pressure in the upper right abdomen or discomfort following gallbladder surgery – can also be a starting point. Many people associate osteopathy primarily with the musculoskeletal system. In fact, most treatments also involve the organs, as the body and its organs are not separate systems. We would be happy to discuss with you whether osteopathic care might be beneficial.
The connective tissue sheaths surrounding the organs not only provide support but also act as conduits. Nerve fibres, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels run through them. That is why, in osteopathy, we consider not only the individual organ but also its connective-tissue environment, including all the nerves and vessels running through it. If tension develops in the tissue or adhesions form between the organ sheaths, this can restrict natural mobility or irritate nerves and vessels. Using targeted examination techniques, we can detect such tension and hardening in the tissue surrounding the organs. Visceral osteopathy addresses complaints that may be linked to specific organs or organ systems. These are usually functional complaints – that is, symptoms that cannot be attributed to any organic disease.
The scientific background
Mechanical factors and fascial adhesions
Surgical scars, inflammation, lack of exercise, poor diet or chronic poor posture can lead to adhesions. Fascia are thin sheets of connective tissue that envelop all the structures in the body – muscles, organs and bones. When healthy, these layers are supple, have a high moisture content and can glide smoothly past one another. Adhesions are actually various changes in the tissue structure: inflammatory reactions, fibrosis, scar tissue or dysfunctional collagen cross-linking. Instead of gliding smoothly past one another, the fascial layers then ‘stick’ together or become rigid. Imagine cling film, which normally unrolls smoothly from the roll. However, once the film has become tangled or damaged, it is difficult to separate and smooth out again. The situation is similar with adhesions in the fascia. The organs or muscles can then no longer move optimally, which can affect their function in the long term. The organ itself is not directly affected; it is only the surrounding fascia that is affected. Visceral techniques therefore target precisely these adhesions in order to restore greater freedom of movement to the organs.
Neurovegetative regulation
Every organ is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Chronic stress can disrupt this delicate regulation and lead to functional symptoms, even if the organ itself is healthy. For example, prolonged stress can cause the stomach to cramp and lead to heartburn, without there being any inflammation or organic damage. In such cases, visceral osteopathy works on two levels. On the one hand, it uses techniques that address the autonomic nervous system and its stress regulation; on the other hand, it employs specific manipulations directly on the muscles of the stomach.
Blood circulation and lymphatic flow
Blood circulation and lymphatic flow: From an osteopathic perspective, reduced organ mobility can also affect blood circulation and lymphatic flow, which in turn could impact the organ’s function. Just as a kinked hose restricts the flow of water, adhesions or tension in the tissue can constrict the supply pathways around an organ.