Manual Osteopathy for Digestive Health: Find Relief with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
By Alyssa Gowan, Non-Physician Osteopathic Manual Therapist
In today's fast-paced world, digestive discomfort has become a norm for many individuals. From bloating and constipation to acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), many people silently suffer with gut-related symptoms that impact their quality of life.
Although dietary changes and medications are often the first line of defense, a lesser-known but highly effective approach is manual osteopathy.
Although osteopathy is often associated with pain relief, joint health, and posture correction, this hands-on treatment can also play a significant role in addressing digestive issues. Through gentle manipulations, osteopathic manual practitioners help restore balance within the body, supporting not only musculoskeletal health but also digestive function.
This article will delve into the gut–body connection, explain how manual osteopathy supports digestive wellness, and explore how this holistic approach can offer lasting relief for those struggling with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
What Is Manual Osteopathy?
Manual osteopathy is a hands-on, non-invasive form of therapy that focuses on aligning and optimizing the body's structure to support its function. It's based on the principle that the body has the innate ability to heal itself when its musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems are in balance.
Osteopathy works holistically, targeting joints, muscles, fascia, viscera (organs), the cranium, and the nervous system.
The Gut–Body Connection
The digestive system involves more than processing food—it's deeply integrated with the rest of the body. The diaphragm, spinal column, abdominal muscles, pelvis, and even the cranium all play a role in gut health. When any of these areas is restricted or imbalanced, it can contribute to digestive symptoms.
Poor posture, stress, previous surgeries, and musculoskeletal issues can all disrupt the natural movement of the organs and the flow of blood, lymph, and nerve signals. This can lead to sluggish digestion, cramping, and more.
How Manual Osteopathy Supports Digestive Health
Manual osteopathic therapists use gentle techniques to restore movement and balance in the body, which can improve your digestive health in several ways:
1. Visceral Manipulation
This technique involves gentle hands-on movements of the internal organs to release tension, improve mobility, and enhance circulation. For example, scar tissue or restrictions around the stomach or intestines can affect their ability to contract and move food effectively. Releasing these tensions can reduce bloating and constipation.
2. Improving Diaphragm Mobility
The diaphragm doesn't just help you breathe—it also massages your digestive organs with every breath. If it's tight or restricted (due to stress or poor posture), it can affect gut motility. Osteopathic treatment can restore proper diaphragm movement and relieve pressure on the stomach and esophagus—often helping with reflux or heartburn.
3. Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System
Digestive function is largely controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "rest and digest" system. Manual osteopathy can help calm the nervous system, reducing stress-related digestive issues like IBS or indigestion.
4. Addressing Musculoskeletal Imbalances
Tension in the spine, pelvis, or ribs can impact the organs' ability to function properly. By realigning these areas and releasing fascial restrictions, osteopathy can help create a more supportive environment for the digestive system.
What to Expect During a Manual Osteopathy Session for Digestive Health
During a manual osteopathy session for digestive issues, the practitioner will begin with a thorough assessment of your posture, movement patterns, and abdomen. Treatment is gentle, often involving light pressure, stretching, and mobilization techniques. Many people find the experience deeply relaxing and often notice improvements in digestion within a few sessions.
Scientific Support and Evidence: The Case for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Holistic Gut Health
Peer-reviewed research indicates that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may benefit various digestive concerns, including:
· Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
· Infantile colic
· Postoperative ileus
· Functional gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction such as dyspepsia and gastrointestinal reflux (GERD).
Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews show that OMT can reduce IBS, and GERD symptoms, improve quality of life, and aid recovery after GI surgery, with a favorable safety profile (Bjørnæs et al., 2016; Müller et al., 2022; Licciardone et al., 2013).
Evidence for OMT's effectiveness in infants with GI disorders, such as colic, is promising but mixed, highlighting the need for more robust studies (Posadzki et al., 2022).
Overall, while OMT has demonstrated the ability to provide symptom relief for some digestive conditions, further high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice (Müller et al., 2022; Posadzki et al., 2022).
Consider Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Holistic Gut Health
Digestive health is complex, and sometimes overlooked aspects—like body mechanics and stress—can be key contributors. Manual osteopathy offers a safe, holistic approach that treats the body as an integrated whole, helping support not only your gut, but your overall well-being.
If you're struggling with persistent digestive issues and haven't found lasting relief, consider exploring osteopathy as part of your wellness toolkit. Book an osteopathic manual therapy session today and take the first step toward better gut health and lasting relief.
References
Bjørnæs, K. E., Reiertsen, O., & Larsen, S. (2016). Does osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) have an effect in the treatment of patients suffering from gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Int J Clin Pharmacol Pharmacother, 1(116), 2.
Müller, A., Franke, H., Resch, K. L., & Fryer, G. (2022). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 68, 102828.
Licciardone, J. C., Gatchel, R. J., & Aryal, S. (2013). Recovery from postoperative ileus after elective colorectal surgery with osteopathic manipulative treatment: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 113(6), 462-468.
Posadzki, P., Lee, M. S., Ernst, E. (2022). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for gastrointestinal disorders in infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Pediatrics, 181, 1235–1245. 10.1038/ajg.2018.339