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5/5
Susan is an expert in her field of visceral manipulation. She has helped me to recover from several different muscular issues in the last few years that other traditional physical therapists have not been able to…
Jodi S.
Jodi S.
What Is Visceral Manipulation?
Visceral Manipulation is a manual treatment technique developed by Jean-Pierre Barral, RPT, DO, which facilitates the release of restrictions occurring within or surrounding the viscera (organs) of the body so that the body may function in a more balanced and optimal way.
Why is it important to release restrictions and rebalance the viscera (organs)?
An organ is attached in various ways to other structures, including the skeletal system and other organs. Each organ has its own tissue structure, as well as its own rhythm and pattern of movement. Restrictions in tissue or movement cause pulling of other structures and result in compensations in body posture and movement. These compensations may force other body parts to overwork or underwork, causing pain and/or difficulty with movement, resulting in dysfunction.
For optimal health, a harmonious relationship between the motions of the organs and other structures of the body is crucial.
How can Visceral Manipulation help heal the body?
Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by world-renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral. Comparative studies found Visceral Manipulation beneficial for various disorders.
What types of problems can Visceral Manipulation help?
Acute Disorders
- Whiplash
- Seatbelt Injuries
- Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries
- Concussion
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Bloating and Constipation
- Nausea and Acid Reflux
- GERD
- Crohn’s Disease
- Swallowing Dysfunctions
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids and Cysts
- Dysmenorrhea
- Bladder Incontinence
- Prostate Dysfunction
- Referred Testicular Pain
- Effects of Menopause
- Anxiety and Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Neuromotor problems
- Vertigo (Neurological & non-neurological)
- And much more!
Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Headaches and Migraines
- Back, hip and knee pain
- Sciatica
- Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- (& other repetitive strain injuries)
- Shoulder Peri-arthritis & Capsulitis
- Restricted Range of Motion
- Peripheral Joint Pain
- Somatic-Visceral Interactions
- Chronic Spinal Dysfunction
- Post-operative Scar Tissue
- Post-infection Scar Tissue
- Autonomic Mechanisms
- Constipation and Gastritis
- Persistent Vomiting
- Vesicoureteral Reflux
- Infant Colic
- Liver Disorders
- Kidney Disorders
(Content compiled from the educational materials of the Barral Institute)
How are visceral manipulation techniques used in identifying the cause of pain and dysfunction in the body?
Gentle hands-on healing for good health.
This technique uses gentle compression and elongation of the soft tissues that aids your body’s ability to release restrictions and unhealthy compensations that cause pain and.
Visceral Manipulation assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia and ligaments. Visceral Manipulation increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.
Visceral Manipulation is used to locate and solve problems throughout the body. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism.
What Our Patients Have To Say
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A: Firstly, I don’t believe in doing what didn’t work before. Many physical therapy practices approach a problem by going to the painful region. Oftentimes, this is a very temporary fix. By taking a holistic, hands-on approach, I understand that your pain may be coming from another part of the body, or even have multiple sources, including posture. By individualizing your treatment, I concentrate on healing and re-balancing the body, to manage your pain and lessen the chance of it returning. Then, I teach you how to manage your posture and movement.
A: Treatments for headaches or other pain from a recent problem will generally benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first 2 weeks, then 1 session per week. Older conditions will benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first week and then 1 session per week. Wellness sessions to rebalance and optimize the body for healthy aging range from a single session every month to once every six months and will be recommended on an individual basis.
A: An initial evaluation will take 1 hour. (Scar adhesion or sinus treatments only require 45 minutes.) Most follow-up treatments will be done in 30 minute sessions; multiple body areas may require 45 minutes
A: Any heavy exercise or recreational program should be done prior to the physical therapy or wellness session and then not for 24 hours after, in order for the body to adjust itself to the changes in muscle balance.
A: I will teach you techniques to perform on yourself if there is a flare-up and instruct you on proper body mechanics and ergonomics.
A: It is a facial aesthetics program of wrinkle reduction and facial rejuvenation using hands-on physical therapy and osteopathic techniques which may reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck. A FREE HEALTHY AGING CONSULTATION is available. See Refacée®
A: Wellness programs for healthy aging are not covered by most insurances, but may be reimbursable through a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA). A written bill and receipt will be provided upon your request. Although I do not participate in or bill insurance directly, I will provide a bill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, upon request. As there are many types of insurance plans with each provider, it is your responsibility to understand the terms of your insurance. *Those with Medicare Part B insurance from CMS will only be allowed to be part of the Healthy Aging program, NOT for physical therapy treatment. Please see Payment Terms and Policies.
A: Appointments may be made in the following ways: Please call 410-665-3223 Email: Dr.Susan@baltimoreholisticpt.com
