What happens when my organs are stuck together?
When your viscera doesn’t slide and glide
Viscera is defined as the soft internal organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, and the organs of the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems - in essence your core. Your viscera play a critical role in filling up the “canister” of the abdomen and pelvis, working in harmony to support the midline of the body while ensuring the normal functioning of various bodily systems. This intricate synergy is essential for maintaining overall health and stability. These internal organs are designed to be in constant motion, functioning harmoniously to support overall health. They are meant to slide and glide effortlessly during all body movements, including essential activities such as when you breathe, walk, and STRETCH your limbs. This movement is crucial for maintaining their health and optimal function.
Your organs are surrounded by connective tissue (fascia) that firmly holds them in place, providing both support and structure. In a healthy system, this connective tissue should allow the viscera to move freely and easily within the body. Ideally, the connective tissue should be loose enough to safely accommodate your bladder as it expands, allow an egg to seamlessly connect with sperm during reproduction, and enable your intestines to efficiently transport waste products. However, adhesions in the connective tissue can significantly alter the ability of your organs to perform these vital functions. Additionally, because the movement of your organs is transmitted through fascia to other areas of the body, adhesions can cause restricted movement and discomfort in regions such as your hip, shoulder, and neck.
Another side effect of visceral restrictions is referred pain to the myofascial and skeletal systems via the viscerosomatic reflex. When adhesions limit movement of organs a reflex can send information to the peripheral areas of the body (somatic system), eliciting perceived pain in the muscles, fascia, and joints. This is due to the interconnectedness of the nervous system, essentially causing referred pain via the spinal cord. A common example of this is with endometriosis. Adhesions associated with endometriosis originate in the organs but often manifest as muscle tension or pain in the pelvis or low back. This is the primary mechanism that makes women with the diagnosis of endometriosis present with pain with intercourse or abdominal pain.
Visceral Manipulation and STRETCHING
Visceral manipulation is a specialized and organ-specific treatment designed to address scar tissue and fascial adhesions. This therapeutic approach involves highly skilled hands-on techniques to effectively release and STRETCH restrictions, adhesions, and tension found within the abdominal connective tissues and fascia. The process includes a thorough evaluation and release of restricted organs, which works to restore healthy movement, enhance overall bodily function, and decrease existing pain. By targeting and releasing restrictions, visceral manipulation can effectively address a range of problems, such as hip dysfunction, shoulder pain and tightness in the back and hamstring muscles. Therapy targeting the visceral system has been shown to be effective in reducing chronic low back pain and pelvic floor pain. Additionally, it can be a critical component of STRETCHING the abdomen, helping to release tension not only in the back and pelvis but also opening up the anterior fascial line. When the viscera and anterior fascia of the body are tight it creates a situation of constant tension essentially collapsing the body - tightening everything anterior and weakening everything posterior. Think of a stooped posture or someone pulling on the front of your shirt. Both would affect your function and eventually cause pain. Visceral manipulation helps improve posture and combats the feeling of tension experienced by those with endometriosis, digestive disorders, low back pain and even those suffering from anxiety or depression.
Example of the impact of visceral adhesions
Imagine sitting for long durations in front of a screen with a rounded back, a posture commonly known as hunching over. This poor posture significantly shortens the hip flexors, leading to a reduction in the space between your ribs and pelvis. Consequently, this compression pushes your internal organs closer together, hindering their ability to slide and glide. As a direct result of these adaptive changes, you will begin to experience a noticeable decrease in your overall mobility and flexibility, making it difficult to fully straighten up when in an upright position. Sitting at your computer all day can eventually lead to limited shoulder and hip movements, difficulty with breathing, increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles, and significant strain and discomfort in your neck. All of these issues are intricately linked to decreased visceral mobility - whenyour organs are stuck together.
References
da Silva, Fabiana C, Viaria, Leonardo S, Santos, Lucas V, Gaudreault, Nathaly, Cruvinel-Júnior, Ronaldo H, Santos, Gilmar M. Effectiveness of visceral fascial therapy targeting visceral dysfunctions outcome: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023 Jul 31;23:274. doi: 10.1186/s12906-023-04099-1
Horton, R C. The anatomy, biological plausibility and efficacy of visceral mobilization in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, Autumn 2015, 117, 5–18
Sikandar, Shafaq, Diskenson, Anthony H. Visceral Pain – the Ins and Outs, the Ups and Downs. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2012 Sep 1. Published in final edited form as: Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2012 Mar;6(1):17–26. doi: 10.1097/SPC.0b013e32834f6ec9
