Abdominal massage is an advanced massage to
the abdomino-pelvic region for adults, children, and infants. It can be used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, belching, and bloating, stomach pain, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, post partum issues such as diastasis recti, scar adhesions from surgeries such as cesarean delivery, colon resection, and hernia repair, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, bladder issues such as overactive bladder syndrome or painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis, failure to thrive, inability to gain weight, complications from Lyme disease, and stress. Decreased mobility in the abdomino-pelvic organs and muscles can be a causative or perpetuating issue in chronic fatigue syndrome also. Because many people hold stress in the abdominal region this can often cause chronic tensing of the abdominal muscles, impair blood flow and lymphatic drainage into and out of the abdominopelvic cavity, and can hinder deep breathing. Some refer to this as having a “knot in their stomach”. Thus, during times of stress the abdominal muscles also tighten and there is a lack of normal motion of internal organs. Shallow breathing, which occurs during stress, hinders the excursion or movement downward and coordination of the respiratory and pelvic (levator ani) diaphragms. Normally the two diaphragms work in concert, moving together up and down as we breathe to “massage” the internal organs which facilitate normal organ physiology and processes for optimal digestion. Stress, trauma, surgeries, illness, pregnancy and digestive disorders can interrupt the diaphragms coordination. The abdominal massage is gentle and is applied to the abdomino-pelvic muscles and viscera (organs) in a systematic manner. The large intestine is extensively targeted during the abdominal massage and the massage is comprised of gentle circular motions applied in the direction of normal colon motility. Benefits of abdominal massage include improved digestion, improved organ function, improved fertility, decreased bloating, restored bowel motility, decreased abdomino-pelvic pain, release of tight scar tissue, improved blood flow, improved total energy, improved activation/strength of core muscles, improved bowel/bladder and sexual function. Effective abdominal massage can take up to 20 minutes. We also instruct patients to perform the massage independently at home. Our therapists are able to specifically target areas of restriction, adherences, and impaired mobility along the digestive tract and urogenital organs. We restore the normal coordinated diaphragm movements to improve natural organ movement. Our therapists have extensive training in this approach and we see incredible results such decreased in pain and improved organ physiology and function in our patients.
