Digestive Issues

digestive disorders and symptoms of:

• Hiatus hernia

• Acid reflux

• Chronic constipation

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Associated musculoskeletal symptoms

Osteopathy is unique in its ability to assess and treat the motion of these organs using visceral manipulation techniques. (see: Visceral Manipulation) Fascia and ligaments attach the organs of your digestive tract to neighbouring organs and to the deep abdominal wall and diaphragm. There are also attachments to your ribs, pelvis and spine.

In visceral manipulation, the motion of the organ itself is addressed, whilst ensuring that the level of the spine innervating these organs is mobile and not in distress. A spinal restriction can lead to altered nerve signalling to the organs supplied by that vertebra. If altered nerve signalling persists, dysfunction can manifest in the organ over time causing digestive problems. This sends a distressed signal back to the spine causing more soft tissue and vertebral restriction, creating a “facilitated segment” of that part of the spinal cord, thus perpetuating the pain cycle

The vagus nerve exits the base of your skull, journeys down the front of your neck into your chest and abdomen. Osteopathic Practitioners release soft tissue and joint restrictions in the cranial base and upper neck, as this is a common zone of compression for your vagus nerve.

In health, there is a relative balance between the rest and digest function of your parasympathetic vagus and the fight or flight response of your sympathetic nervous system. If your sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive because of continued stress, or pain of physical or emotional origin, the balance between the two can be disrupted. Stress can lead to digestive disorders, interfere with peristalsis, cause sphincters to improperly open and close, affect stomach acid production, permeability of the gut wall and gut bacteria imbalance. (see: How can Osteopathy help with Chronic Pain…)

“ As she releases tight spots in my abdomen I feel my head becoming more centered and my neck releasing…….I feel she really sees the body as a whole and understands where to work to get balance.”

-Betty B.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy (see: OMT) has very effective techniques to help you gain relief from many digestive disorders including:

Acid reflux / hiatus hernia. Hiatus hernia is caused by pressure imbalance. Weakness in the diaphragm causes your stomach to bulge upwards into your chest. It can cause acid reflex or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), where acid can back up into your esophagus. An Osteopathic approach might involve:

• Diaphragm release and pressure balancing

• Release of your esophagus, stomach and associated sphincters (see: Visceral Manipulation)

• Assessment and treatment of the spinal segments in your midback especially T4,T5 (see: OMT)

• Craniosacral techniques to release the base of your cranium and upper neck to address your vagus nerve and calm your autonomic nervous system. (see: Craniosacral Therapy)

• Diaphragm release and pressure balancing (see: OMT)

• Release of your five digestive tract sphincters. The ileocecal valve in the area of your appendix attaches to the front of your sacroiliac joint on the right. Release of visceral tensions can restore alignment to your pelvis. Release of your small intestine can help release restrictions in your mid lumbar spine. Release of the fascia surrounding your sigmoid colon can facilitate emptying. (see: Visceral Manipulation)

• Assessment and treatment of your spinal segments from T5 to L2. (see: OMT)

• Craniosacral techniques release the path of your vagus nerve calming your autonomic nervous system. (see: Craniosacral therapy)

Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO), large intestinal dysbiosis and issues with your microbiome require a multifaceted approach and we are happy to play a role alongside your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor or nutritionist.

“ I was experiencing serious esophageal and digestive issues. My practitioner used various soft tissue and visceral manipulation techniques – some very subtle - and helped me recover. I am convinced that osteopathy is a miracle therapy of sorts.”

-Karen W.