Benjamin Shield, Ph.D.

Visceral (Organ) Manipulation

Visceral manipulation is a fascinating and crucial adjunct to bodywork and treating the ‘whole person.’ Within the scope of this work, my goal is to treat common somatic symptoms that are visceral in origin. The work is invaluable in the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of numerous conditions involving digestive, thoracic, pre- and post-pregnancy, and urogenital issues. It is essential, as well, to gently evaluate and treat organs and organ systems after trauma, illness, and surgery.

When digestive disorders are present, the evaluation and treatment of the diaphragm, stomach, small intestines, colon, liver, and gall bladder may be beneficial. Some of the common symptoms include:

  • Referred pain patterns
  • Restrictions of the diaphragm
  • Liver and gall bladder disorders
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Gastritis
  • Stomach and duodenal ulcers
  • Ileocecal valve problems
  • Colitis
  • Chronic constipation

When urogenital disorders are present, the external evaluation and treatment of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, uterus, and ovaries may be beneficial. Of particular importance is the relationship of the urogenital viscera to their influence on the spine, pelvic floor, and lower extremities.

Some of the common urogenital symptoms that I evaluate and treat in my practice include:

  • Ptosed (dropped) kidneys
  • Bladder dysfunction, incontinence, hypersensitivity, prolapse, and adhesions
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Pelvic and abdominal pain
  • Uterine retroversion and prolapse
  • Prevention of obstetrical problems
  • Mechanical and functional disorders of the ovaries and uterine tubes
  • Visceral influence on circulatory problems, low back, and leg pain

When thoracic disorders are present, the evaluation and treatment of the thoracic viscera may be beneficial. Some of the common thoracic conditions include symptoms of the:

  • Lungs: including pulmonary complications, conditions of the pleura, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Heart and pericardium
  • Thymus
  • Lymphatic system
  • Nerve and vascular plexi affecting these structures

The goal is to evaluate the position, anatomical relationship of the organs, movement, and function of the organs and organ systems. It is my philosophy that as we normalize structure, function will follow.