Tessa has recently completed part 4 of an extensive training programme in Visceral Manipulation taught through the Barral Institute based in the United States.

Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by world-renowned French Osteopath and Physiotherapist Jean-Pierre Barral.

VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. VM allows an integrated approach to evaluation and treatment of a patient to assess the structural relationship between the viscera (the organs) and their fascial or ligamentous attachment to the musculoskeletal system.  Simply put, the organs are surrounded by tissue or fascia and these attachments travel throughout the body and often connect with the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Strains in the connective tissue of the viscera can result from surgical scars, adhesions, illness, posture or injury.  Tension patterns form through the fascial network deep within the body and the body will have to compensate.  This creates fixed, abnormal points of tension that the body must move around, and this chronic irritation gives rise to functional and structural problems.

Imagine adhesions around an appendix scar.  It could create a modified axis that demands abnormal accommodation from nearby body structures.  For example the adhesions could alter tension through the right abdomen and thorax region which could alter shoulder position.  This in turn can cause mechanical disturbances around the shoulder joint thus increasing the liklihood of impingement and rotator cuff disorders.

VM allows a therapist to gain a wider picture of a patient’s pain and dysfunctional presentation.  It allows us to look at the connection between the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, fascia, discs) and the visceral organs  (including the liver, stomach, gallbladder, intestines, pelvic and thoracic organs).

A recent study conducted by The University of Sydney has found a link between a lack of strength in women and an increased need for residential aged care.

To stay strong it is important to take every opportunity to stay active.  Walk rather than drive, use stairs, not the lift.

Weight training is great to strengthen and tone major muscle groups, but make sure you don’ t  just focus on extremities, but your core as well.  Body weight controlled exercises such as squats, push ups and triceps dips can be a cheap and very effective way of gaining safe strength benefits.

Aim for an all- round workout that ensures you maintain an upright posture and this will reduce your chances of injury and joint pain in the future.