Why do organs lose movement (and how can Visceral Manipulation help?)

Visceral Manipulation is a gentle manual therapy technique that aims to encourage normal tone and movement both within and between organs and their surrounding tissues. Our organs need to be able to glide and slide between one another and surrounding tissues during daily movements, and also need to be able to move to perform their functions. For example, your bladder needs to be able to expand to fill and contract to empty.

So why might an organ lose movement? Here are a few reasons.

1) Physical trauma - Trauma directly to an organ, to surrounding tissues, or due to pressure changes elsewhere in the system (ex: deceleration forces from a car accident).

2) Nutrition/allergies/medications - Affects of diet, allergies, and medications can affect the organs and lead to structural changes and restrictions.

3) Inflammation - Swelling in the tissues can restrict movement and can also lead to stagnation in the lymphatic system, leading to further congestion and restriction in the tissues.

4) Surgery/Scars - Adhesions in and around area addressed during surgery (including c-sections) can become restricted. Scars from surgery or an injury can also cause tissue restrictions.

5) Illness/disease/infection - The body will attempt to protect/restrict an area of infection and illness, and can leave continued mechanical restrictions once the infection is resolved.

6) Posture - Postural habits can cause restrictions in the musculoskeletal system, which can then restrict movements of the organs in the surrounding area.

7) Gravity - The continuous force of gravity can affect our posture and forces on our body.

8) Pregnancy - Restrictions can occur due to obvious changes during pregnancy which can cause organ restrictions during pregnancy and postpartum (pressure changes, DRA postpartum).

9) Emotions - High emotional states can affect the organs (how your stomach reacts when you are anxious) and the surrounding tissues (clenching).

10) Muscle tone and spasm - Spasms in muscle of organs (ex: digestive tubes) or in muscles that support organs (abdominal muscles).

11) Dysfunction of nerves and circulation - Nerve and circulatory function are a key component to organ function.

How do I know if my organs aren’t moving well?

Your body may present with many symptoms that could indicate restrictions in the viscera. Musculoskeletal pain (pain in your back, neck, and joints), experiencing digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or reflux, and even pelvic health conditions like chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, and bladder incontinence may indicate that you have restrictions in your organs.

In my practice, I blend visceral assessment and treatment techniques with traditional orthopedic and pelvic health treatments to help patients reach their goals and improve their health and quality of life long term. If you’re local to the Memphis area, you can schedule an in person session in our Collierville or East Memphis offices here. If you have questions, you can reach me directly at alexis@absolutekineticspt.com.

Blog post written by Dr. Alexis Hutchison, PT, DPT, OCS

Want to learn more? Check out my Organ Mobilization Masterclass

This recording of a live masterclass covers what visceral manipulation is, why your organs need to move, why organs may lose movement, and helps you understand the benefits of visceral manipulation. I also teach self-care and self-mobilization techniques, share helpful resources, and show you how to find a provider near you.