15/01/2026
Joanne recently taught Visceral Manipulation 4 (VM4) at the Hyatt Regency in Washington DC.
The human thorax (commonly known as the chest) is essentially responsible to keep you alive, breathing, circulating and co-ordinated.
The thorax is often mistaken as a unified rigid cage, however this is not the case. It is a mobile, adaptable system with numerous articulations that must move harmoniously / in co-ordination.
A thorax injury often comes disguised as more instinctive diagnosis by the patient as pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, arms and headaches this is due to linkage to upper thoracic restriction. Not finding the root cause of their pain.
When the thorax is injured patients may have symptoms including:
- Shallow or restricted breathing
- Pain with inhalation or exhalation
- Rib or chest pains
- Postural issues including :
- Reduced trunk rotation, protective/ guarded posture, shoulder neck or upper back pain.
- Reduced endurance and fatigue (feeling “winded” during activity or easily tired)
- Heightened nervous systems shown through difficulty sleeping or a sense of tightness or pressure from increased heart rate / palpitations
- Digestive reflux-like symptoms
- Sensations of tightness beneath the ribs
Just to list a few of the indicators that arise from a thorax which has been moved into discomfort and disharmony through injury.
VM4 is a high level visceral course which delves into the full anatomical knowledge of the thorax. It builds on the abdominal work and expands into the functional biomechanics of the thoracic cavity, exploring the intricate relationship between structure, movement, respiration, circulation, and upper-quarter integration.
This course was recently taught by Joanne with outstanding engagement and feedback, including comments from students such as:
“We are so lucky and grateful that you were able to come here to teach this class.”
Joanne remarked on the experience -
“Teaching internationally continues to be both humbling and inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for the openness, curiosity and commitment of the students who attended.
At the same time, it’s worth acknowledging how fortunate South Africa is to have access to this level of teaching locally. While VM4 is in high demand internationally, it remains a privilege to bring this work home; sharing a depth of understanding, clear and thoughtful explanation, and a genuine respect for the complexity of the human body.” - Joanne Enslin
South Africa has a true international gem teaching right here locally.
What VM4 offers clinicians:
- A detailed exploration of thoracic visceral fascia
- Advanced understanding of the lungs, pleura, heart, pericardium, mediastinum, trachea, oesophagus, thyroid and thoracic plexuses
- Integration of cervical, thoracic, rib cage and shoulder girdle biomechanics
- Differentiation between somatic and visceral drivers of thoracic and spinal symptoms
- Refined listening and treatment techniques for the thoracic inlet and soft tissue systems
- Practical clinical application that elevates assessment, treatment precision and outcomes
Make sure to stay alert for upcoming course announcements, both locally and internationally. If you’re ready to deepen your visceral work and step into advanced integration, these courses offer a rare and powerful learning opportunity.
