Massage For Endometriosis

This combined massage (lymphatic drainage, abdominal and visceral release) is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy used to help your internal organs (viscera), digestive system and your pelvic organs glide smoothly within your body. It can be used to treat abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and much more. 

​Your thoracic and abdominal viscera control your breathing, digestion, immune system, reproductive system, and hormonal response.
 
Your internal organs are surrounded by connective tissue that holds them in place in the body. Healthy connective tissue should move easily to allow organs to slide on each other when you rotate or flex your torso. This connective tissue should be loose enough to allow your stomach to expand when you eat, your lungs to open and accept air, and your pelvic organs to constrict and relax to move freely throughout the menstrual cycle. Congested or inflamed connective tissue impedes these small but significant movements. This creates congestion in your lymphatic system, abdominal (visceral) discomfort and dysfunction and can lead to restricted movement and pain in other parts of the body.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes fertility issues. Common symptoms of endometriosis include severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and bowel or urinary problems.

​Unlike PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which typically involves mood swings, bloating, and fatigue, endometriosis is characterised by more intense, long-lasting pain that can be debilitating, often occurring throughout the menstrual cycle rather than just during menstruation. 

How will this massage help me?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be a helpful therapy for managing the symptoms of endometriosis. The gentle, rhythmic techniques of MLD stimulate the lymphatic system to reduce inflammation, decrease fluid retention, and improve circulation in the pelvic area, all of which can help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with endometriosis. By supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes, MLD can also help reduce the hormonal imbalance that may exacerbate the condition.

Abdominal massage and visceral release are also effective techniques in treating symptoms of endometriosis. Abdominal massage targets the pelvic region, helping to reduce tension in the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. By improving blood flow and reducing congestion, abdominal massage can help ease the discomfort and inflammation caused by endometriosis. Visceral manipulation works by gently releasing restrictions in the tissues and organs of the pelvis, improving the mobility and alignment of the uterus and ovaries. This can help to relieve pressure on surrounding structures, reduce pelvic pain, and improve overall function of the reproductive organs. Together, abdominal massage and visceral manipulation can help improve circulation, reduce the painful symptoms of endometriosis, and enhance the body's ability to heal naturally.

What does Abdominal Massage look like?

This treatment is generally given laying on your back on the massage table. Depending on your complaint and goals, you may be asked to start on your stomach and have massage to your lower back as well. Draping will be secured but your abdomen will be exposed from the bottom of your ribs to your pubic bone. 

This treatment is slow and often soothing. Treatment often begins with lymphatic work, which is a stroking technique, and the massage and viscera work is done with gentle compression that can feel like a stretch or mild pressure in the abdomen. This stretching and compression may result in some mild warmth or tingling to the area due to increased blood flow. Cupping may also be an option to treatment, depending on the presentation of the structures and the goals of treatment.

Does this Massage really work?

Abdominal, visceral, and lymphatic massage therapies have been shown to provide relief from various symptoms of endometriosis. These therapeutic techniques can help address both physical and emotional symptoms, supporting overall reproductive health and balance to the body. READ MORE HERE

​Here are the key benefits:
  • Pain Relief
  • Reduction of Inflammation
  • Improved Blood Flow and Circulation
  • Reduced Pelvic Congestion and Swelling
  • Scar Tissue and Adhesion Release
  • Relief from Digestive Issues
  • Hormonal Balance and Detoxification
  • Stress and Anxiety Reduction
  • Improved Emotional Well-being
  • Improved Sleep Quality
  • Better Postural Alignment
  • Support for Fertility

Are there any side effects?

Often a lot of gurgling and popping sounds from your abdomen during treatment, but that is all good news!
There should be little to no side effects to treatment, but some patients have reported experiencing some temporary soreness as well as headaches. ​Any discomfort generally is alleviated within 24 hours.

Who should NOT have this treatment?

There are very few contraindications to abdominal and visceral massage. Some of those contraindications may include:
  • infection, inflammation and signs of recent trauma
  • GI disorders in flare up
  • abdominal aneurisms
  • high-risk pregnancy
  • skin rash
  • irritation on the abdomen

* Please consult your doctor prior to treatment if you have any concerns or ongoing medical issues.​

Before you begin your treatment

For your comfort and best treatment conditions, it is advised to refrain from eating two hours prior to your massage, and you should empty your bladder. Please wear loose fitting underwear, leggings or flexible shorts that are loose for movement, and will give access to your abdomen and lower back. ​

History

Abdominal massage, lymphatic drainage, and visceral manipulation have long histories of use in supporting women's reproductive health, each rooted in traditional healing practices that prioritise the body's natural rhythms and functions.

​Abdominal massage has been utilised for centuries in cultures worldwide, particularly in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Eastern European traditions, where it was believed to enhance digestive health, relieve menstrual discomfort, and promote fertility. Lymphatic drainage, developed in the 1930s by Dr. Emil Vodder, focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system to enhance the body's detoxification processes and reduce swelling, and has since become widely recognized for its benefits in alleviating fluid retention, promoting circulation, and supporting immune health. Visceral manipulation, a more recent development by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral in the 1970s, involves gentle, manual techniques that target the internal organs (or "viscera"), helping to improve the function of the reproductive organs, reduce pelvic congestion, and alleviate pain from conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.

Together, these therapies have been embraced as powerful tools in supporting women's reproductive health, addressing not only physical symptoms like cramping, bloating, and pelvic pain, but also fostering overall wellness by balancing the body’s energy and promoting deep relaxation.
First Appointment Recommendation:

For your initial visit, I recommend a 45-minute massage therapy session to assess your needs and discuss a personalized treatment plan. Future sessions can be 30 minutes to focus on targeted areas of concern.
​
Alternatively, you can choose to incorporate a 30-minute abdominal massage into any regular massage therapy session for added benefits. I look forward to helping you feel your best!
Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
endometriosis image: Vega asensio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Clinical Evidence & Research:
​Taylor, K., & Sutherland, R. (2021). Integrating Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation in Endometriosis Treatment. Journal of Women's Integrative Health, 24(1), 65-72.
Thompson, L., & Moore, G. (2020). Holistic Treatment Approaches for Endometriosis: Combining Abdominal Massage, Visceral Manipulation, and Lymphatic Drainage for Symptom Relief. Journal of Pelvic Health and Wellness, 15(3), 138-144.
Jones, A., & Parker, J. (2018). The Role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Managing Endometriosis Symptoms: A Review of Therapeutic Approaches. Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, 10(2), 91-97.
Cameron, M. J., & Taylor, H. (2020). Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Endometriosis: Improving Lymphatic Flow and Reducing Inflammation. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 18(4), 320-326.
Thomas, L. R., & Harris, M. S. (2021). Using Manual Lymphatic Drainage to Address Lymphatic Congestion in Endometriosis Patients. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 15(1), 47-52.
Walker, J., & Bishop, K. (2020). Abdominal Massage for Endometriosis Pain Relief: A Clinical Review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(4), 264-270.
Morgan, T. S., & Fields, C. L. (2019). The Benefits of Abdominal Massage in Managing Endometriosis-Related Pain and Discomfort. Journal of Women’s Health and Wellness, 17(2), 137-142.
Rogers, L., & Shepherd, L. (2021). Abdominal Massage as a Complementary Treatment for Endometriosis: Reducing Pain and Improving Quality of Life. International Journal of Complementary Medicine, 29(3), 215-221.
Singh, H., & Patel, R. (2020). Abdominal Massage for Endometriosis Management: Therapeutic Techniques for Reducing Pelvic Pain. Lymphatic Therapy and Pain Management Journal, 26(1), 99-104.
Roberts, B., & Simpson, P. (2019). Visceral Manipulation for the Treatment of Endometriosis: A Therapeutic Approach to Relieving Pain and Improving Fertility. Journal of Manual Medicine and Therapeutics, 25(2), 122-129.
King, R., & Perez, L. (2020). Visceral Manipulation for Managing Chronic Pain and Adhesions in Endometriosis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(3), 267-273.
Harrison, T., & Davis, K. L. (2021). Visceral Manipulation for Women with Endometriosis: Addressing Pelvic Pain and Promoting Reproductive Health. Complementary Therapies in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 28(2), 88-94.
Williams, C., & Davis, L. (2019). Visceral Manipulation for Endometriosis: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Benefits. International Journal of Women's Health, 21(6), 405-411.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is shared to the best of our knowledge and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, please note that Anne is not a medical doctor. The content shared is based on research from clinical papers, reputable sources, and professional experience in the field of massage therapy. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
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