Cranial and Visceral Therapy

We are not only made of bones and muscles. Every tissue in our body is connected to the other in

terms of position and function. When one structure is not functioning well, it may compromise the function of the surrounding tissues (i.e.: muscles, nerves, fascia, tendons, ligaments). The treatment of a dysfunctional structure has to be specific to its own position (anatomy) and function (physiology).

Many aches and pains can be expressed by referred pain originated from dysfunction in viscera (digestive and respiratory organs) or tensions in the cranium. A good and most common example is the low back pain manifested by a woman presenting uterine menstrual contractions (cramps). The inverse is also true. A defect of the spinal mechanics can affect the visceral function through tensions and abnormal stretching of connective tissues which upholds the visceras, and venous congestions.

Therefore, when treating any dysfunction, the physiotherapist has to be prepared to search for the causes of pain/dysfunction and to treat the patient by using a variety of treatment modalities. The treatment has to include muscles, joints, connective tissues, viscera and cranial structures.

Cranial and Visceral Therapy complements all other manual therapy techniques utilized in physiotherapy, in order to treat the body as a whole with its different and connected structures. Both therapies detect and treat dysfunctions presented in organs (viscera) and tensions in the skull, mostly originated by mechanical imbalances caused by traumas, injuries, adhesions from scars or even the lack of activity.

If during your physiotherapy assessment it is believed that your injury is connected to a visceral or cranial dysfunction, the physiotherapist will conduct further specific assessment to conclude whether the following procedures should be included to your treatment:

• Musculoskeletal techniques: maneuvers applied directly to muscles, joints and fascia (i.e.: spinal manipulation, joint manipulation, massage, myofascial release)

• Visceral techniques: gentle external massage on abdomen or chest directing to specific digestive and respiratory organs, and more importantly, the diaphragm muscle. This therapy is indicated to treat adhesions located in the chest and abdomen (forced postures, infection, previous cesarean section or surgeries, traumas).

• Cranial techniques: gentle and passive maneuvers on scalp, base of the skull, and face. This therapy is indicated to people of any age, from babies to elders.

In every case presented by any patient, it is necessary to bear in mind that each loss of mobility of any structure (joint, muscle, ligament, fascia, nerve or viscera) can unbalance the good body functioning. Particularly, the lack of mobility of digestive organs can increase in severity in a long term by provoking irritations, deficient blood circulation, which in turn favors dysfunctions and diseases.

Visceral Therapy is useful for:

• Hiatal hernia
• Intestinal adhesion
• Swallowing difficulties
• Chest problems
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Digestive problems
• Constipation
• Painful periods
• Painful intercourse
• Gastric reflux

Cranial Therapy is useful for:

• Cephalea and migraine
• Sinus problems
• Tensional headaches
• Stress related tension
• Jaw pain
• Facial pain
• Crying and colic in babies and children

Contraindications:

• Inflammation or sharp pain in the area
  
• Fever in the last few days
• There is a history of cancer
• The diagnosis is in doubt