Visceral Osteopathy For Gut Health & Abdominal Well-being

Viscera means organ and visceral osteopathy is a branch of osteopathic treatment that focuses on restoring balance and equilibrium to the internal organs of the body and their supporting connective tissues, particularly within the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

What is Visceral Osteopathy?

Sometimes likened to abdominal massage, visceral osteopathy is a gentle hands-on therapy that supports the health and mobility of your internal organs — particularly those within the abdomen and pelvis. It focuses on releasing tension in the connective tissues that support the organs, helping improve their movement, circulation and communication with the rest of the body.

These tissues hold and suspend the organs in place, and additionally contain vessels and nerves that supply nutrients and provide neurological communication between organs and the brain. Releasing tension and restriction is intended to restore equilibrium and optimal function.

Gentle natural support for digestion, and tension & discomfort in the gut

Why might someone choose to have Visceral Osteopathy?

People may find visceral osteopathy helpful for things like digestive discomfort, bloating, reflux, constipation, visceral hypersensitivity (abdominal pain). or feelings of tightness and stress in the stomach. It can also help promote relaxation and a greater sense of balance throughout the body. Treatment works best with a multidisciplinary approach that addresses diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Another reason people might consider visceral osteopathic treatment is for chronic musculoskeletal pain that isn’t resolving with standard treatment. Digestive health and musculoskeletal health are closely connected. For example, reflux can refer pain to the mid-back or neck through shared nerve pathways. Similarly, tightness in the abdominal tissues can influence posture and spinal movement.

Some people seek visceral osteopathy due to feeling stress and tension in their abdomens, affecting their well-being. Many people hold stress or emotion in their abdomen. Visceral osteopathy can help soothe this area by gently stimulating the vagus nerve, which supports the body’s “rest and digest” response. Improving vagal tone can help reduce stress, promote deep relaxation, and enhance digestive function.

The body is a three-dimensional complex structure and viewing it from this perspective can be beneficial for the best outcome.

If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive discomfort, abdominal tension, or wish to support your gut health naturally, visceral osteopathy offers a gentle, holistic approach to restoring comfort and wellbeing.

Each session is tailored to your individual needs and may include general osteopathic techniques, lifestyle advice, and strategies to support relaxation and healthy digestion.

FAQ

What happens during a visceral osteopathy session?
Sessions are gentle and involve light, hands-on techniques applied to the abdomen and surrounding areas. Other areas contributing to dysfunction, like the back or neck for example, are often also treated with mobilisation and soft tissue techniques. Most people find the treatment relaxing and calming.

What is the difference between Visceral Osteopathy and Abdominal Massage?
Visceral osteopathy uses precise, gentle techniques to assess and release restrictions in the connective tissues that support and surround the internal organs. The goal is to restore the natural mobility and function of these organs and their relationship with the rest of the body.

Abdominal massage, on the other hand, is often used for relaxation or to stimulate digestion more generally, without the same structural or diagnostic focus.

Visceral osteopathic techniques are mainly used in treatment but depending on why a person seeks treatment, general abdominal massage techniques may be used.

What is the difference between visceral osteopathy and general osteopathy?
General osteopathy primarily focuses on the musculoskeletal system — the joints, muscles, and spine — to restore movement and reduce pain.
Visceral osteopathy extends this approach to the internal organs and connective tissues, recognising how restrictions in the viscera can influence posture, breathing, and musculoskeletal balance.
Both approaches work together to support whole-body health and function.

Can visceral osteopathy be used alongside other treatments?
Absolutely. Visceral osteopathy can complement other healthcare approaches, such as nutritional therapy, physiotherapy, or medical treatment for digestive conditions. It works best as part of a multidisciplinary approach that supports diet, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing.

If you’re ready to support your digestion naturally, I’d love to help. Book your visceral osteopathy appointment in Sydney today.