Visceral dysfunction is defined as “impaired or altered mobility or motility of the visceral system and related fascial, neurological, vascular, skeletal, and lymphatic elements” (Seffinger).

Mobility refers to the movement of an organ in response to forces generated outside of the organ, e.g., diaphragmatic and cardiac motions which affect the ascent and descent of the viscera, along with blood flow.

Motility refers to the inherent movements of an organ, e.g., peristalsis.

The steps to properly diagnose visceral dysfunction are as follows:

1. Inspection
2. Auscultation
3. Percussion
4. Palpation
5. Osteopathic screening exam

Once dysfunction in a particular organ or region has been identified, treatment may be initiated.

1. Treat the appropriate ganglia corresponding to the dysfunctional organ via myofascial release

• Celiac ganglion
  • Innervates the foregut (distal esophagus, stomach, proximal duodenum, liver, gallbladder, spleen, portions of the pancreas)
• Superior mesenteric ganglion
  • Innervates the midgut (distal duodenum, portions of the pancreas, ileum, jejunum, ascending colon, proximal ⅔ of the transverse colon)
• Inferior mesenteric ganglion
  • Innervates the hindgut (distal ⅓ of the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum)

2. Treat any viscerosomatic reflex by addressing vertebral dysfunction at the corresponding level
3. Treat the corresponding Chapman point of the dysfunctional organ
4. Treat the dysfunctional organ itself via indirect or direct myofascial release