Visceral therapy is one of the techniques manual osteopaths or massage therapists use to restore balance and function, relieving pain and discomfort.
Visceral therapy, also known as visceral manipulation therapy, is a gentle manipulation technique to relieve tension and restore mobility.
Let’s find out more about this safe and natural treatment in our latest article.
What exactly is viscera?
The viscera are the body’s internal organs, specifically those located in the chest — so, the heart and lungs — and those found in the abdomen — the liver, pancreas and intestines.
Visceral therapy uses gentle massage techniques to manipulate the organs and the connective tissue that hold them in place.
This releases the pressure, restrictions and lack of mobility that can stop the organs from fully functioning and impacting other areas of your health and wellbeing.
These issues may be caused by scars from surgery, poor posture, disease or strain. Releasing any tension allows the body to work better as a whole, from the inside out.
How can it help me?
⚠️ Bloating is not random.
🫁 Organ restriction is treatable.
🌿 Your body can move better again.
Visceral therapy can help with many different types of disorders. These include:
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation
- Endometriosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Injuries sustained in accidents, like whiplash or seatbelt injuries
- Menopause related issues
- Menstrual pain
- Pelvic pain
- Poor posture
- Scar tissue-related issues
A healthcare professional such as a manual osteopath or a massage therapist can carry out visceral therapy.
At the start of your session, they will ask you questions about your health and wellbeing and what you hope to achieve from treatment, which could be relief from pain or the discomfort of an old injury.
Then your manual therapist will use hands-on techniques to massage and manipulate the targeted area, including the soft tissue surrounding your organs.
This is not painful, and many people report that they find it a relaxing and positive experience.
It’s suitable for most people and, as we’ve seen, can help a whole range of conditions, so as well as being gentle, it’s versatile too!
Visceral Osteopathy vs. Visceral Massage — what’s the difference?
Visceral Osteopathy (Osteopathic Visceral Manipulation) takes a holistic view of your body. It recognizes that restricted organs—whether from stress, posture, scars, or inflammation—can affect your back, ribs, hips, digestion, and even your breathing. The osteopath identifies these restrictions and gently restores movement through precise, specialized techniques.
Visceral Massage Therapy is a gentler, more general approach that relaxes the soft tissues and organs to reduce bloating, abdominal tension, and discomfort. It feels soothing and brings relief, but doesn’t include the broader diagnostic framework used in Osteopathy.
Both can be part of your healing plan—just at different levels.
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Osteo Health proudly serves:
Midnapore, Shawnessy, Somerset, Evergreen, Sundance, Walden, Legacy, Seton, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, McKenzie Towne and surrounding Calgary communities.
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📊 Real Clinical Example
Client: 46-year-old female
Symptoms: Chronic abdominal bloating and lower back tension
History: C-section (12 years prior), high stress occupation, sedentary work
After completing 4 Visceral Therapy and 2 Visceral Massage sessions:
✅ Reduced visible bloating by end of day
✅ Improved abdominal softness
✅ Improved bowel regularity (daily)
✅ Decreased lower back discomfort
✅ Deeper breathing pattern
By restoring organ mobility and improving diaphragmatic function, mechanical strain reduced — leading to symptom improvement.
(Individual results vary. Proper assessment required.)
Transparent Pricing | Expert hands‑on treatment
💡Visceral Therapy — FAQ
How does Visceral Therapy work?
Your organs are meant to move with every breath. When they lose mobility due to posture, stress, inflammation, or scars, surrounding muscles and nerves compensate. Gentle techniques help restore mobility so the body can rebalance naturally.
Will the treatment be painful?
No—Visceral Therapy is gentle, slow, and precise. Most clients describe it as relaxing, relieving, and surprising in how effective it feels.
How many sessions will I need?
Many clients feel improvement within 4–5 sessions, but chronic conditions may require a personalized plan. Your therapist will guide you based on your body’s response.
What are the benefits?
Clients often report:
Reduced bloating and abdominal tension
Better digestion
Improved posture and breathing
Less back, rib, or hip pain
A feeling of lightness and ease in the body
Is Visceral Therapy safe?
Yes—it is safe, gentle, and non-invasive when performed by a trained practitioner. Your treatment is always adapted to your comfort level and health history.
What should I expect during the first session?
We begin with a conversation about your health goals. Then your therapist performs a gentle assessment of your abdomen, ribs, and spine, followed by targeted, hands-on techniques to restore mobility.
How do I know if Visceral Therapy is right for me?
If you experience bloating, abdominal tightness, digestive issues, pelvic discomfort, or back pain that “never quite goes away,” visceral restrictions may be involved. A session can help clarify what your body needs.
Is visceral Therapy covered by Insurance?
Visceral Therapy coverage depends on the type of treatment and your specific insurance plan.
💰Visceral Osteopathy is typically covered under Osteopathy benefits.
💰Visceral Massage Therapy is typically covered under Massage Therapy (RMT) benefits.
Because every insurance policy is different, we recommend checking your individual plan to confirm coverage details, limits, and any referral requirements.
If you need a receipt for submission, we provide instant claim-ready receipts for easy reimbursement.
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