Hands-on therapies # Visceral Manipulation Gentle hands-on therapy to restore natural organ movement and reduce pain [Call +1 604 923 8323](tel:+16049238323) ## What Is Visceral Manipulation? Visceral manipulation is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on your internal organs and the connective tissues surrounding them. Your organs naturally move and glide as you breathe, walk, and go about daily activities. When this movement becomes restricted, it can lead to pain, digestive issues, and dysfunction throughout your body. This specialized technique was developed by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral, who discovered that organ mobility restrictions could be a hidden source of chronic pain and health problems. At At Ease Physio in [South Surrey](https://ateasephysio.ca/contact), we use visceral manipulation to address the root cause of many conditions that don’t respond to conventional treatment. Organs can become restricted from: - Surgery and scar tissue formation - Injury or illness - Inflammation - Prolonged stress and poor posture These restrictions create tension patterns that pull on surrounding structures, potentially causing pain in your [back](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/back-pain), [hips](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/hip-pain), [shoulders](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/shoulder-pain), or other areas far from the original problem. To understand more about this approach, read our article on [why visceral manipulation works](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/why-visceral-manipulation) for persistent pain and dysfunction. Best for Digestive issues, post-surgical adhesions, chronic unexplained pain Typical course 3–6 sessions Coverage Extended health benefits (physiotherapy) ## Who is this for? - Experience digestive issues unresponsive to diet, supplements, or medications - Are recovering from abdominal or pelvic surgery with tightness or pulling sensations - Live with chronic back, hip, or pelvic pain unresponsive to conventional care - Have unexplained symptoms that don't fit a clear diagnosis - Want a gentler approach that works with your body - Seek comprehensive care addressing the whole body, not isolated symptoms ### Conditions and concerns - Digestive issues (IBS, bloating, constipation) - Post-surgical adhesions (C-section, appendectomy, hernia repair) - [Chronic lower back pain with no clear structural cause](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/back-pain) - Pelvic pain and dysfunction - Acid reflux, GERD, and hiatal hernia symptoms - Unexplained abdominal discomfort - Endometriosis-related pain - Bladder dysfunction and urinary urgency - Breathing difficulties from diaphragm restriction ## How it helps - ### Reduces Chronic Pain Releases tension in tissues surrounding digestive organs to relieve abdominal discomfort - ### Improves Digestion Restores proper motility to stomach, intestines, and colon - ### Releases Back & Hip Tension Addresses organ restrictions that pull on spine and pelvis - ### Supports Post-Surgical Recovery Prevents and treats adhesions formed during healing - ### Addresses Unexplained Pain Finds hidden sources of tension missed by other treatments - ### Promotes Better Breathing Frees restrictions around diaphragm and ribcage ## What to expect 1. ### Initial Assessment A thorough conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and health goals. Your therapist assesses posture, breathing patterns, and performs a gentle hands-on evaluation of your abdomen. 2. ### Treatment Session Lie comfortably on a treatment table, fully clothed. Your therapist uses gentle, sustained pressure to engage restricted tissues, working with your body's natural rhythms rather than forcing change. 3. ### Post-Treatment Care Changes typically appear within 24–48 hours. Some experience immediate relief; others notice gradual improvement. Drink plenty of water and allow rest to support healing. ## Meet the Practitioners Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery. ### [Susannah Reid](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) Clinic Owner & Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) ### [Megan Davis](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/megan-davis) Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/megan-davis) ### [Larissa Vishniakoff](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/larissa-vishniakoff) Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/larissa-vishniakoff) ## New to physiotherapy? Start with an assessment. You do not need to choose a treatment technique. [First visit & fees](https://ateasephysio.ca/patient-info#pricing) ## Why choose At Ease Physio? - ### Specialized Training Susannah Reid brings advanced visceral manipulation training to South Surrey, treating complex conditions other practitioners may overlook. - ### Integrative Approach We combine visceral manipulation with pelvic health physiotherapy, treating you as a whole person. - ### Comfortable Environment Our South Surrey clinic provides private treatment rooms designed with your comfort in mind. - ### Comprehensive Care For complex conditions, we integrate visceral manipulation with craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and lymphatic drainage. ## Frequently asked questions **Is visceral manipulation painful?** No. Visceral manipulation uses very gentle pressure and should not be painful. You may feel some tenderness in restricted areas, similar to pressing on a tight muscle. If you ever feel uncomfortable, let your therapist know immediately so they can adjust. **How is this different from massage?** Massage primarily addresses muscles and superficial fascia, while visceral manipulation focuses on internal organs and their surrounding connective tissues. The touch is typically lighter and more specific, following subtle organ movements rather than applying broad strokes. **How many sessions will I need?** Most people experience significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. The exact number depends on complexity, duration of your condition, and how your body responds. Acute issues often resolve quickly; chronic conditions may require more time. **Is visceral manipulation covered by insurance?** Yes. When provided by a registered physiotherapist, visceral manipulation is covered under most extended health plans that include physiotherapy. Check with your provider to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements. **What should I wear to my appointment?** Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows abdominal access and doesn't restrict breathing. Yoga pants or loose shorts with a comfortable top work well. You'll remain clothed during treatment, with appropriate draping used when direct skin contact is needed. ## Conditions We Treat [Back Pain Treatment Specialized physiotherapy treatment for lower back pain in South Surrey. Get relief from acute and chronic back pain with personalized care. Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/back-pain) [Hip Pain Treatment Specialized physiotherapy for hip pain in South Surrey. Effective treatment for hip arthritis, bursitis, labral tears, and sports injuries. Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/hip-pain) [Sciatica Treatment Effective physiotherapy treatment for sciatica and sciatic nerve pain in South Surrey. Relief from leg pain, numbness, and tingling. Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/sciatica) ## Related Services [Craniosacral Therapy Gentle therapy targeting the skull, spine, and sacrum for headaches and chronic pain Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/craniosacral-therapy) [Manual Therapy Skilled hands-on techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/manual-therapy) [Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Gentle therapy to stimulate lymphatic circulation, reduce swelling, and boost immunity Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/lymphatic-drainage) ## Could Your Pain Be Coming From Within? Unexplained back, hip, or digestive discomfort may have visceral origins. Book an assessment to explore this gentle approach. [Book an appointment](https://ateasephysio.janeapp.com/) [Contact Us](https://ateasephysio.ca/contact)