The Kidneys
The kidneys are of particular importance in visceral manipulation.
The kidneys, along with the liver, play a significant role in detoxifying our bodies.
Renal disorders have wide repercussions and symptoms can include;
- Mid back and associated rib pain and stiffness.
- Dysfunctions of the lower limb particularly the little and big toe, ankle joint, and inside of the knee.
- Posterior pelvic joint pain and stiffness.
- Shoulder joint pain and stiffness.
- Coccyx pain and stiffness.
- Left sided neck pain and stiffness.
- Higher levels of fatigue – difficulty waking up in the morning then less tired by noon.
- Discomfort on taking a deep breath, coughing, or sneezing.
- Sensitivity of the abdominal muscles.
- Reduced blood flow and lymph circulation leading to kidney stones (+/-) infection.
- Radiating pain into the groin and lateral thigh.
- Sciatica, thigh or knee discomfort.
- Restriction in hamstring length.
- Darkened or cloudy urine.
- Itching, especially of the legs due to increased uric acid.
- Blood pressure issues.
The Kidneys can actually move between 3-9cm along the hip flexor muscle, which they sit on. Depending on the visceral restriction, the psoas muscle (hip flexor) may hold a contraction/spasm to support the kidney and improve its function. And therefore, restrict hip movement. So, as you can see from the above its understandable how 50% of the time when patients have lower back pain or hip pain its often the kidney that’s the cause!
At Shepherds Health we can help improve the mobility of your kidneys through visceral manipulation. Either by palpating and following the line of tension around the kidney and possible adjoining organs. Or combining breath work and leg movement to encourage its release.
