Visceral Manipulation Therapy

A body needs movement in order to be healthy. At this point in our understanding of body mechanics and health, that is an undisputed fact. But did you know that applies to every structure in the body as well, including the organs (i.e. viscera)? No, that doesn't mean we need to send our horses stomach on a mile long jog to reach optimal health, but it does need to be unrestricted for optimal health.

But why would an organ be restricted? Don't they just sit inside the body cavities and perform their designated functions? What possible difference could that make to the way our horses body moves? The organs are intimately connected and intertwined with the fascial system- that intricate web of connective tissue that binds the body together. This connective tissue helps to hold the organs in place in the body. Healthy connective tissue should move easily to allow organs to slide against each other, and within the body cavities, as your horse moves, rotates and flexes. For example, connective tissue should be loose enough to allow the horses stomach to expand as he eats; his lungs to expand to accept air; and his intestines to constrict and relax to move waste. These are the systems within the body that we do not fully appreciate until they are not working correctly!

Congested or inflamed connective tissue impedes these small but significant movements and can ripple out through the body. It can start with visceral discomfort and can lead to restricted movement and pain. The body is a complex system with many interconnected subsystems, all working together to help your horse thrive. When one of those systems is compromised in any way, the body compensates.

Inflammation from illness or trauma can thicken and tighten the fascial network that supports the nearby organs. If an organ gets shifted through a variety of reasons, it can get "stuck", creating restrictions in the movement and dysfunction in the organ.

Trauma, surgeries, and even side effects from medications, can create adhesions in the viscera. As a scar heals, the connective tissue supporting the skin can start to bind with deeper tissues, creating a pattern of restriction that can extend beyond the original effected area.

This is where Visceral Manipulation Therapy may help! As we have discussed, the tissues of the body have a deep and innate intelligence. Everything that has happened in your horse's life-injuries, disease, stressors- is recorded in the tissues. Through "listening" to these tissues with gentle hands-on techniques, a skilled practitioner can feel where the tissues are pulling are pulling toward areas of restriction, the areas of the body that are not moving, and the areas of greatest impact to your horse's well-being from the manual therapy perspective.

Is Visceral Manipulation Therapy Right For Your Horse?

This modality is usually performed at the end of a massage session. It is often extremely effective to get these deeper releases when the horse is relaxed. It can also be performed alone, most often when there is a specific concern or as a part of rehabilitation. It has been proven to help with a wide variety of issues but may be something to consider for your horse for the following reasons:

1. If there has been trauma, injury or surgery (after cleared by vet)

2. if your horse performs repetitive movements. This can be related to training, an event, or even being stalled or behavioral patterns

3. If your horse's posture is altered. This could be an effect of aging, ridden exercises, injury, etc.

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Because Visceral Manipulation Therapy can help such a wide variety of conditions, it will benefit most horses. Just the act of living can often cause tissue restrictions and bodily imbalances over time. Visceral Manipulation addresses these restrictions and imbalances and promotes bodily healing.