Physical Therapy for Visceral Problems

Physical therapy for visceral problems offers an effective, non-invasive approach for patients experiencing persistent symptoms related to the digestive and respiratory systems. Rather than focusing solely on symptom relief, visceral physical therapy addresses mechanical restrictions within the internal organs and the connective tissues that support them—often the missing link in chronic, unresolved conditions.

At PD Rehab in Mount Prospect, IL, we help patients from the Chicago area who have struggled for months or even years with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, pelvic discomfort, chest tightness, and digestive irregularities. Many of these individuals have already tried medications or consulted multiple specialists, yet their symptoms persist.

In many cases, the underlying issue is not organ disease, but impaired mobility and tension within the visceral tissues caused by post-surgical adhesions, chronic inflammation, trauma, prolonged stress, or postural imbalances. Through advanced visceral physical therapy techniques, including Fascial Counterstrain, we gently identify and release these hidden restrictions. As a result, the body can function more efficiently, allowing pain to decrease and long-term relief to occur.

How Visceral Physical Therapy Works

Visceral physical therapy is a specialized, hands-on approach that targets the internal organs (viscera) and surrounding connective tissues to restore mobility, reduce strain, and improve overall body function.

At PD Rehab in Mount Prospect, we use advanced techniques such as Fascial Counterstrain to identify and gently release hidden tension patterns within the organ systems that often go undetected by traditional imaging. Unlike standard physical therapy, which focuses primarily on muscles and joints, our method addresses the root cause of symptoms by treating soft tissue reflexes within the autonomic nervous system, lymphatic flow, vascular systems, and visceral fascia. Each session is highly personalized, based on a detailed, full-body assessment that evaluates how organ dysfunction may contribute to pain, posture issues, or nervous system imbalances. Our goal is to deliver lasting relief by restoring harmony between the internal organs and the rest of the body. Read more on our blog.

Symptoms and Conditions We Treat

Visceral dysfunction can affect many body systems and lead to persistent, unexplained symptoms. Our approach is effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

Digestive Issues

  • Constipation, diarrhea, or IBS
  • Acid reflux (GERD), nausea, or food sensitivity
  • Post-surgical digestive problems

 

Pelvic and Urogenital Conditions

  • Chronic pelvic pain (men and women)
  • Urinary urgency, frequency, or bladder pain
  • Menstrual pain or pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Pain after C-section or gynecological surgery

 

Cardiorespiratory Symptoms

 

Systemic and Neuromuscular Symptoms

 

Frequently Asked Questions About visceral problems

What is visceral physical therapy, and how does it work?

Physical therapy for visceral problems is a gentle, manual therapy that targets the connective tissue around internal organs. Techniques like Fascial Counterstrain help restore natural organ mobility, improve circulation, and relieve strain patterns that may be causing chronic pain or dysfunction.

What symptoms can physical therapy for visceral problems help with?

Visceral therapy may help with abdominal pain, bloating, pelvic pain, constipation, acid reflux, respiratory restrictions, and unexplained musculoskeletal pain. It’s often effective when symptoms persist despite standard medical treatment.

Is visceral physical therapy safe?

Yes. Fascial Counterstrain and other visceral techniques are extremely gentle and non-invasive. They are safe for all ages and especially beneficial for people with chronic conditions or sensitivities to more aggressive treatment methods.

How is visceral therapy different from traditional physical therapy?

Traditional PT focuses on muscles and joints, while visceral therapy addresses restrictions in the connective tissue around organs. At PD Rehab, we integrate both to treat the body as an interconnected system.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the complexity of your condition and your body’s response. Some patients feel relief within 1–3 sessions, while others may need ongoing treatment for long-term or multi-system issues.

Start Your Journey to Recovery

If you’ve been struggling with chronic symptoms that haven’t responded to traditional treatments, visceral physical therapy may offer the solution you’ve been looking for. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation at our Mount Prospect clinic and start your path toward lasting relief.