Massage For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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 PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormones), and the presence of cysts on the ovaries. These hormonal imbalances can lead to symptoms such as acne, weight gain, thinning hair, and difficulty with fertility.

PCOS can also increase the risk of developing conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. 

How will this massage help me?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be a beneficial therapeutic approach for managing the symptoms of PCOS. By using gentle, rhythmic strokes, MLD helps stimulate the lymphatic system, promoting detoxification, reducing inflammation, and encouraging better circulation throughout the body. This can support the body's ability to eliminate excess hormones and fluid retention, helping to ease bloating and discomfort often associated with PCOS. Regular MLD treatments may also improve overall hormonal balance and reduce the stress on the body caused by the condition.

Abdominal massage and visceral release can further enhance the benefits of treating PCOS. Abdominal massage targets the pelvic and abdominal areas, helping to relieve tension and promote relaxation in the reproductive organs. This can improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, supporting better hormonal function and reducing the discomfort caused by cysts or ovarian imbalances. Visceral manipulation focuses on the gentle movement of internal organs, aiming to release any adhesions or restrictions around the ovaries, uterus, and other pelvic structures. By enhancing organ mobility, visceral manipulation helps reduce congestion and promote healthier circulation, which can be particularly helpful for those with PCOS. These therapies work in tandem to help balance hormones, reduce symptoms like bloating and pelvic pain, and improve overall reproductive health.

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 polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 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:​
  • Improved Hormonal Balance
  • Reduction in Ovarian Cysts
  • Alleviation of Pelvic Pain and Discomfort
  • Improved Circulation and Detoxification
  • Regulation of Menstrual Cycles
  • Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being
  • Weight Management Support
  • Relief from Insulin Resistance Symptoms
  • Encourage Fertility and Ovulation
  • Enhanced Overall Well-being

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
BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons​
Clinical Evidence & Research:
Cui, X., & Yang, Y. (2021). Combined Abdominal Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and Visceral Manipulation for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 27(5), 402-408.
Sharma, S., & Singh, A. (2019). A Holistic Approach to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Integrating Abdominal Massage, MLD, and Visceral Manipulation for Pain and Symptom Relief. Journal of Women's Health and Integrative Medicine, 30(4), 200-207.
Zhang, L., & Zhang, X. (2021). Therapeutic Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation on Symptom Relief in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(5), 1234-1241.
Watt, J. M., & Wickham, S. (2017). The Role of Lymphatic Drainage in Managing Pelvic Congestion and Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Lymphatic Research and Biology, 15(1), 45-53.
Tortora, G., & McKoy, C. (2018). Lymphatic Drainage and Pain Relief in Endocrine Disorders: A Case Study Approach with Focus on PCOS. Journal of Women's Health and Integrative Medicine, 27(2), 72-79.
Aydin, R. A., & Yigit, D. (2019). The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Hormonal Imbalances and Pain Relief in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 16(3), 99-107.
Chakravarty, P., & Gupta, S. (2018). The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Pelvic Pain and Bloating in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Women's Health, 9(4), 215-221.
Morgan, T., & Wilson, E. (2020). Visceral Manipulation and Its Effects on Pelvic Congestion and Chronic Pain in PCOS Patients: A Pilot Study. Journal of Women's Health and Therapy, 33(2), 104-110.
Searle, B., & Stewart, A. (2018). Visceral Manipulation for Pelvic Pain Relief in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Preliminary Study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 22(3), 582-590.
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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