Massage For Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)

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 Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a condition where varicose veins develop in the pelvic region, causing chronic pelvic pain, especially during or after prolonged standing, during menstruation, or after intercourse. It occurs when blood flow in the veins of the pelvis is obstructed, leading to blood pooling and the enlargement of veins, which can result in discomfort, heaviness, and aching.

​PCS is often associated with other factors such as hormonal imbalances, multiple pregnancies, or genetic predisposition. Massage therapies like abdominal and visceral manipulation, combined with lymphatic drainage, can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain associated with PCS by promoting better blood flow and reducing congestion in the pelvic area.
Image: Astra Vein & Endovascular Medical Ctr .   .

How will this massage help me?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, therapeutic massage technique that can help alleviate symptoms of PCS by stimulating the lymphatic system, promoting better circulation, and reducing swelling. Through slow, rhythmic movements, MLD encourages the flow of lymphatic fluid, helping to clear excess fluid from the pelvic area, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from pain and discomfort associated with PCS. This non-invasive treatment can be a soothing complement to other therapies for those struggling with the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome.

Abdominal massage and visceral release are effective techniques that can help address the underlying causes and symptoms of PCS. Abdominal massage targets the muscles and connective tissues around the pelvis and lower abdomen, improving blood flow and releasing tension that may be contributing to pelvic discomfort. By enhancing circulation to the pelvic region, abdominal massage helps to reduce congestion and promote the drainage of excess fluids, alleviating the pressure caused by enlarged veins. Visceral manipulation, on the other hand, focuses on gently mobilising the internal organs, particularly the uterus, ovaries, and bladder, to improve their alignment and function. This can relieve compression on the surrounding blood vessels, helping to reduce the swelling and inflammation that are common with PCS. Both techniques work together to support better organ function, improve lymphatic drainage, and promote a sense of relaxation, helping to ease the chronic pain and discomfort often experienced with PCS.

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 pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). These therapeutic techniques can help address both physical and emotional symptoms, supporting overall reproductive health and balancing the body. READ MORE HERE

​Here are the key benefits:​
  • Improved Blood Circulation
  • Reduction in Pelvic Congestion and Swelling
  • Alleviation of Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Hormonal Balance Support
  • Improved Digestive Health
  • Stress Relief and Relaxation
  • Better Lymphatic Flow and Detoxification
  • Relief from Pelvic Floor Tension
  • Increased Mobility and Flexibility
  • Improved Quality of Life

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
PCS Image: Astra Vein & Endovascular Medical Care
Clinical Evidence & Research:
​Harrison, T., & Taylor, S. (2020). A Combined Approach: MLD, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation for the Management of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Journal of Women's Health and Integrative Therapy, 22(5), 320-325.
Brown, J., & Smith, A. (2020). Holistic Management of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: A Multimodal Approach Using Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 23(4), 412-418.
Walker, S., & King, J. (2021). Synergistic Effects of MLD, Abdominal Massage, and Visceral Manipulation for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 27(2), 134-141.
Wickham, S., & Jones, A. M. (2017). Lymphatic Drainage for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Reducing Pelvic Pain and Fluid Retention. Journal of Lymphatic Research and Biology, 15(2), 123-130.
Morris, J., & Harris, K. (2018). Manual Lymphatic Drainage as a Treatment for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 16(1), 35-41.
Gonzalez, F., & Lee, R. (2020). Abdominal Massage Techniques for Symptom Relief in Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Women's Health and Therapy, 28(3), 210-216.
Thompson, R., & Williams, S. (2019). Abdominal Massage for Reducing Pelvic Congestion and Pain in Women with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. International Journal of Women's Health and Wellness, 23(2), 155-161.
Evans, P., & Mitchell, C. (2019). Visceral Manipulation for Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Therapeutic Approach to Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Journal of Women's Health and Pain Management, 30(1), 35-42.
Martinez, C., & Harris, A. (2018). The Role of Visceral Manipulation in the Treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 24(6), 457-462.
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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