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Visceral Osteopathy
By Roger Kingston
Visceral Osteopathy Visceral technique is perhaps the least heard of aspect of the Osteopathic treatment spectrum and is performed by only a few osteopaths, however those that do can get incredible results with cases where others have failed. The viscera or bodily organs like the bowel, kidneys, liver etc are all made of specialised tissue and / or smooth muscle which is very heavily innervated by the autonomic nervous system. They do not simply do not flop about in their respective bodily cavity, the thorax, abdomen or pelvis but they are attached by ligaments to specific structures or by structures known as the omentum. They have the ability to slide over one another and to distort with different bodily positions and to move with the cycles of breathing. In pregnancy the abdominal and pelvic viscera must be able to accommodate being stretched, squashed and moved out of the way by the developing baby. As in all situations a human body that has developed normally and not been abused by drink, drugs, inappropriate diet, infection, injury or surgery the viscera should all function well and not cause pain. However this is rarely the case, irritable bowel syndrome is at epidemic proportions along with gallbladder disease, and the implications for the health of the whole body is very much affected. Where inflammation occurs within the bodily cavities the “inflammatory soup” will cause adhesions to be laid down and this is effectively like velcro between the organs restricting their movement and eventually established adhesions become scar tissue and can effectively strangle an organ. Organs made of smooth muscle can go into spasm and stay in spasm, infection can effectively freeze an organ only allowing it to carry out its essential functions but with little capacity for anything else. A dysfunctional state is established. Very often the patient will have had extensive tests which reveal no actual pathology and they are given medication to control their symptoms but this is rarely that effective. An osteopath skilled in visceral assessment and treatment will be interested in the whole story the patient brings and will take particular account of issues causing a prolonged inflammatory or dysfunctional state, examples being food sensitivities, smoking, stress, intrauterine contraceptive devices, chronic infections etc. An assessment of the abdominal wall for scars, muscle tone or lack of, core stability, diaphragmatic and breathing function, mechanical dysfunction of the pelvis, spine and thorax, function of the pelvic floor etc. Then very careful palpation of the organs themselves and assessing their range of movement, tone and if they are painful or not. The osteopath with his knowledge of anatomy and embryological development will know which directions the organs should move in, find when they are restricted and determine if further imaging or diagnostic tests are required. Often the osteopath will simply put his hands on the affected area and listen to the tissues before being drawn accurately to an area of trouble. So in treating a problematic organ that may be causing spinal pain via a viscerosomatic reflex the osteopaths may want to have the patient lie on his side while he gently places his fingers into their abdominal wall and gently stretch and relax the muscles. As they relax he will probe deeper and when contacting the organ or its attachments may stretch these or actually go against the restriction and find a position of balanced tension where a reflex relaxation may take place. Adhesions can be stretched, separated or the organs can be simply given “breathing space”. The osteopath will follow the organ and its attachments releasing tension and encouraging normal movement. Restrictions in the spine are addressed and exercises prescribed to enhance the function of the abdominal wall. Lifestyle advice is given and follow up recommended. The whole process should be relatively painless and effective for a wide range of problems. Visceral technique has been around a long time but it was in the 70’s when 2 French osteopaths, Barral and Mercier really started to research and develop the approach and this has been further developed by Caroline Stone. Few colleges teach this at an undergraduate level, with the exception of the European School of Osteopathy where I was privileged to have been taught by the above 3 osteopaths. |
http://www.eso.ac.uk
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That was very interesting for me as my 86yr old mother has bad problems with diverticulitis. I look forward to reading more of your intels.
Cheers
Angela
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