What should I expect in my first appointment?

Your first visit will be 55 minutes and includes a comprehensive assessment of your condition, medical history, and movement patterns. Your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Do you accept extended health insurance?

Yes! We offer direct billing for 25+ insurance providers including Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sunlife, and more. Check our full list or contact us at info@ateasephysio.ca.

How do I book an appointment?

Book online through our Jane App booking system, call us at 604-923-8323, or visit us in person at Morgan Crossing.

Specialized Manual Therapies

Visceral Manipulation

Gentle hands-on therapy to restore natural organ movement and reduce pain

Book Appointment Call (604) 923-8323

Visceral manipulation therapy for digestive health and chronic pain at At Ease Physio in South Surrey

Best For

Digestive issues, post-surgical adhesions, chronic unexplained pain

Session

30–55 minutes

Typical Course

3–6 sessions

Coverage

Extended health benefits (physiotherapy)

What Is Visceral Manipulation?

Visceral manipulation is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on your internal organs and the connective tissues surrounding them. Your organs naturally move and glide as you breathe, walk, and go about daily activities. When this movement becomes restricted, it can lead to pain, digestive issues, and dysfunction throughout your body.

This specialized technique was developed by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral, who discovered that organ mobility restrictions could be a hidden source of chronic pain and health problems.

At At Ease Physio in South Surrey, we use visceral manipulation to address the root cause of many conditions that don’t respond to conventional treatment. Organs can become restricted from:

Surgery and scar tissue formation
Injury or illness
Inflammation
Prolonged stress and poor posture

These restrictions create tension patterns that pull on surrounding structures, potentially causing pain in your back, hips, shoulders, or other areas far from the original problem.

To understand more about this approach, read our article on why visceral manipulation works for persistent pain and dysfunction.

How It Helps

Reduces Chronic Pain

Releases tension in tissues surrounding digestive organs to relieve abdominal discomfort

Improves Digestion

Restores proper motility to stomach, intestines, and colon

Releases Back & Hip Tension

Addresses organ restrictions that pull on spine and pelvis

Supports Post-Surgical Recovery

Prevents and treats adhesions formed during healing

Addresses Unexplained Pain

Finds hidden sources of tension missed by other treatments

Promotes Better Breathing

Frees restrictions around diaphragm and ribcage

Conditions We Treat

Digestive issues (IBS, bloating, constipation) Post-surgical adhesions (C-section, appendectomy, hernia repair) Chronic lower back pain with no clear structural cause Pelvic pain and dysfunction Acid reflux, GERD, and hiatal hernia symptoms Unexplained abdominal discomfort Endometriosis-related pain Bladder dysfunction and urinary urgency Breathing difficulties from diaphragm restriction

What to Expect

Initial Assessment

A thorough 55-minute conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and health goals. Your therapist assesses posture, breathing patterns, and performs a gentle hands-on evaluation of your abdomen.

Treatment Session

Lie comfortably on a treatment table, fully clothed. Your therapist uses gentle, sustained pressure to engage restricted tissues, working with your body's natural rhythms rather than forcing change.

Post-Treatment Care

Changes typically appear within 24–48 hours. Some experience immediate relief; others notice gradual improvement. Drink plenty of water and allow rest to support healing.

Who Is This For?

This treatment may be right for you if you:

Experience digestive issues unresponsive to diet, supplements, or medications

Are recovering from abdominal or pelvic surgery with tightness or pulling sensations

Live with chronic back, hip, or pelvic pain unresponsive to conventional care

Have unexplained symptoms that don't fit a clear diagnosis

Want a gentler approach that works with your body

Seek comprehensive care addressing the whole body, not isolated symptoms

Why Choose At Ease Physio?

Specialized Expertise

Susannah Reid brings advanced visceral manipulation training to South Surrey, treating complex conditions other practitioners may overlook.

Integrative Approach

We combine visceral manipulation with pelvic health physiotherapy expertise, treating you as a whole person.

Comfortable Environment

Our Morgan Crossing clinic provides private treatment rooms designed with your comfort in mind.

Comprehensive Care

For complex conditions, we integrate visceral manipulation with craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and lymphatic drainage.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Visceral manipulation uses very gentle pressure and should not be painful. You may feel some tenderness in restricted areas, similar to pressing on a tight muscle. If you ever feel uncomfortable, let your therapist know immediately so they can adjust.

Massage primarily addresses muscles and superficial fascia, while visceral manipulation focuses on internal organs and their surrounding connective tissues. The touch is typically lighter and more specific, following subtle organ movements rather than applying broad strokes.

Most people experience significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. The exact number depends on complexity, duration of your condition, and how your body responds. Acute issues often resolve quickly; chronic conditions may require more time.

Yes. When provided by a registered physiotherapist, visceral manipulation is covered under most extended health plans that include physiotherapy. Check with your provider to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows abdominal access and doesn't restrict breathing. Yoga pants or loose shorts with a comfortable top work well. You'll remain clothed during treatment, with appropriate draping used when direct skin contact is needed.