Integrated Visceral and Fascial Manual Therapy Course

Overview

Human organs support the internal functions of life, while the musculoskeletal system provides the external structure that allows movement, posture, and stability. When the musculoskeletal system functions well, it creates optimal conditions for healthy metabolism, nervous system regulation, breathing, circulation, hormonal balance, and genitourinary function. Likewise, dysfunction in internal organs can directly affect movement and posture.

Since 2017, the Barral Institute Malaysia has been introducing the series of Barral Institute manual fascial release courses, including Visceral Manipulation and Neural Manipulation. With the addition of New Manual Articular Manipulation approaches, therapists have gained a broader perspective for evaluating and treating the body as an integrated whole.

These manual techniques have helped clinicians manage complex and challenging cases. However, many therapists continue to ask an important question:

How can osteopathic manual techniques be integrated with physical therapy assessment, movement training, and exercise prescription?

To answer this need, we are pleased to invite Dr. Rene Assink, an experienced clinician with a strong background in both osteopathy and physical therapy, to teach his Integrated Visceral and Fascial Manual Therapy Course.

This course focuses on understanding how internal organs, fascia, and the neuromusculoskeletal system interact. Students will learn to distinguish between injury and dysfunction and to apply a systemic approach to evaluation and treatment.

While hands-on visceral and fascial techniques can improve mobility and function, these changes may not last without proper support. By combining manual therapy with appropriate therapeutic exercise and movement training, clinicians can help patients maintain long-term improvements. This course highlights how osteopathy and physical therapy work together to achieve more stable and meaningful clinical outcomes.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of General Osteopathic Techniques (GOT) and Myofascial Release (MFR)
• Evaluate and apply short-lever GOT techniques to the visceral fascial system
• Identify and treat long myofascial–visceral dysfunction chains
• Clearly differentiate between injury and dysfunction
• Integrate internal organ function into a whole-body balance and coordination model
• Recognise the relationship between visceral fascia and neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction
• Develop hands-on assessment and evaluation skills
• Understand the role of the diaphragm’s central tendon in posture and the body’s central axis
• Learn specialised techniques to address central tendon dysfunction
• Apply therapeutic exercises to support and maintain the effects of visceral and fascial manual therapy

Who Should Attend

• Physical therapists
• Osteopaths
• Manual therapists
• Rehabilitation professionals
• Students seeking a holistic, systems-based approach to movement and manual therapy