17/05/2026
Recently, I had the privilege of presenting at the Gastroenterology CPD meeting at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre on the role of physiotherapy in persistent functional gastrointestinal symptoms.
The presentation focused on two interesting case studies highlighting the distinction between abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia and functional abdominal bloating. We explored treatment approaches incorporating visceral manipulation techniques together with retraining thoraco-abdominal coordination in abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia.
Treatment targeted central sensitisation and visceral hypersensitivity, with both patients demonstrating significant improvement pre- and post-treatment.
It is encouraging to see the growing recognition of the role physiotherapy can play in the management of complex disorders of gut-brain interaction through an integrated approach combining Visceral Manipulation manual therapy, nervous system regulation, and neuromuscular retraining.
