# Physiotherapy and visceral therapy > Visceral therapy in physiotherapy: what it involves, which conditions it is used for and whether it has side effects. We explain step by step. Źródło: https://fizjostyl.pl/en/visceral-therapy-in-physiotherapy/ · język: en · pełny opis gabinetu: https://fizjostyl.pl/llms.txt Blog · Konrad Niziankiewicz Visceral therapy in physiotherapy: what it involves, which complaints it's used for and whether it has side effects. We explain it step by step. [Book an appointment](https://rejestracja.medfile.pl/register/catalog/?uuid=9b800421-44aa-593e-f584-e55b0b74cba1&language=en) [881 505 588](tel:+48881505588) Book online 24/7 · visits Mon–Fri 7:00–21:00, Sat 7:00–14:00 · [2 clinics in Krakow](https://fizjostyl.pl/en/contact/) ## How do they differ, and when can they complement each other? Visceral therapy is a form of manual therapy in which the therapist works with the tissues of the abdominal and thoracic cavities and their connections with the musculoskeletal system. However, this doesn't mean "repositioning organs" or treating diseases of the internal organs with pressure. In practice, it's one of the manual methods that can be used as part of a broader physiotherapy process – alongside a movement assessment, manual therapy, breathing work and appropriately chosen exercises. ## How does visceral therapy differ from conventional physiotherapy? Physiotherapy covers a much broader scope. During a visit, the physiotherapist may assess, among other things, joint mobility, muscle strength, the way you move, nervous system function, previous injuries and which movements or positions make your symptoms worse. Visceral therapy can be one element of such an assessment and treatment. The organs in the abdominal cavity don't function in complete isolation from the rest of the body. They are surrounded by the peritoneum, fasciae and supporting structures, and lie anatomically close to the diaphragm, spine, pelvis and abdominal muscles. For example, attention may be paid to: - **the diaphragm** , which separates the chest from the abdominal cavity and works together with the abdominal muscles during breathing, - **the thoracolumbar fascia** , which connects many structures of the trunk and helps transfer loads, - **the psoas major** , which runs deep in the abdominal cavity close to the lumbar spine, - **the pelvic floor muscles** , which work together with the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, - the connective tissues and fasciae surrounding the individual structures of the abdominal cavity. That's why, in a patient with back pain, restricted trunk mobility or a feeling of abdominal tension, the physiotherapist may examine not only the painful area, but also how the diaphragm, abdomen, hips and pelvis are working. However, this doesn't mean that every spinal complaint comes from the internal organs. An assessment and differentiation of the possible causes of the problem are needed first. ### What might visceral therapy look like? Visceral therapy usually uses gentle manual techniques applied through the abdominal wall or within the neighbouring tissues. The therapist may assess, among other things, the tension and mobility of the tissues around: - the diaphragm, - the epigastrium, - the intestines, - the liver area, - the stomach, - the pelvis, - post-operative scars. The work doesn't have to be limited to the abdomen alone. One example is the **diaphragm** . It's the main breathing muscle, but it also attaches to the lower ribs and the lumbar spine. If we notice restricted breathing mechanics during the assessment, this may be one of the elements included in therapy. Similarly, with a scar after abdominal surgery or a caesarean section, the physiotherapist may assess the mobility of the scar itself and the surrounding tissues. A broader view also takes the nervous system into account. The internal organs have autonomic and sensory innervation, and information from the organs and musculoskeletal structures reaches the nervous system. This is one of the reasons why visceral and musculoskeletal symptoms can sometimes occur at the same time. However, this doesn't mean that manual therapy can "fix the vagus nerve", improve the function of a specific organ or cure a digestive disease. If there are symptoms such as persistent severe abdominal pain, bleeding, fever, unintentional weight loss or other worrying complaints, proper medical diagnosis is needed first and foremost. Research on visceral therapy is still developing. Some studies suggest that, as an addition to standard physiotherapy, it may influence pain and function in selected patients, including those with chronic musculoskeletal pain. At the same time, reviews highlight the small number of good-quality studies and the need for further research. ### When can visceral therapy be part of physiotherapy? The most important thing is not to choose a therapy based on the name of the method. A patient shouldn't come in assuming "I need visceral therapy". First, we need to establish what their problem is related to. For example, a patient reports: - recurring lower back pain, - a feeling of abdominal tension, - restricted trunk mobility, - discomfort around the lower ribs, - difficulty taking a deep breath, - complaints in the pelvic area, - restricted mobility of a post-operative scar. The assessment may show that it's worth working on hip movement, strengthening the gluteal and trunk muscles, improving the function of the diaphragm and using manual therapy around the abdomen. For another patient, visceral therapy may not be needed at all. That's why at FizjoStyl we see it as **one of the tools available** , rather than a stand-alone solution to every problem. At the first visit, we start with an interview and assessment. Among other things, we check the musculoskeletal system, the areas related to your symptoms and the factors that may contribute to them. Only then do we choose the therapy – it may include manual work, visceral therapy, exercises, breathing work or a combination of several methods. Choosing a particular technique isn't what matters most. **What matters most is understanding the problem and tailoring the therapy to the individual patient.** Need help in person? [Physiotherapy in Kraków – FizjoStyl](https://fizjostyl.pl/en/) : clinics in Kliny and at ul. Wolska 2a. ## Book a visit 5.0 · 491 reviews Google - [**Free consultation** 15 min](https://fizjostyl.pl/en/free-consultation/#terminy) - Mon–Fri 7:00–21:00, Sat 7:00–14:00 · book online 24/7 - Wolska 2a (Prokocim) and Wicherkiewicza 23/K (Kliny) [Book online](https://rejestracja.medfile.pl/register/catalog/?uuid=9b800421-44aa-593e-f584-e55b0b74cba1&language=en) [881 505 588](tel:+48881505588) ## Want to talk it over with a physiotherapist? Book a free 15-minute consultation. We will talk about your problem and, if you wish, continue straight into a full visit. [Book a free consultation](https://fizjostyl.pl/en/free-consultation/#terminy) [Prefer us to call you back? →](https://fizjostyl.pl/en/free-consultation/#oddzwonimy) Advice from our physiotherapists ## See how you can help yourself [More on Instagram →](https://www.instagram.com/fizjostyl.krakow/) The exercises in these videos are general guidance. If your pain is severe, getting worse or not going away, book a consultation. ## Wolska 2a clinic Prokocim, next to the Bieżanowska stop. Parking in front of the building. [See the clinic →](https://fizjostyl.pl/en/physiotherapy-wolska/) ## Kliny clinic ul. Wicherkiewicza 23/K. 2 parking spaces for patients. [See the clinic →](https://fizjostyl.pl/en/physiotherapy-kliny/)