An Infant Treated with Integrative Manual Therapy to Restore Normal Gastrointestinal Function

Authors: Susan Morrison DC and Adrienne Kramer PT

Abstract: This case study focuses on a 6 week old infant with moderate to severe regurgitation, frequent hiccups, gas, and explosive bowel movements. The baby was also experiencing restlessness and agitation at night. The patient received several sessions of treatment with Integrative Manual Therapy. After therapy was completed, the infant presented with an elimination of the initial regurgitation and hiccups and gas and bowel movements had returned to normal. This article illustrates the benefits of Integrative Manual Therapy when used with infants on gastrointestinal problems.

Key Words: Pediatric, Bowel Movements, Gas

Introduction: Kirsten S was a 6 week old infant at the time of evaluation. The patient presented with moderate to severe regurgitation, frequent hiccups, gas, and explosive bowel movements. The parents reported "fussy nights" where Kirsten was restless and agitated.

Evaluation: Limited upper cervical rotation and sidebending to the left, limited thoracic extension, limited left hip extension, descended sacrum

Treatment: The patient was seen for four visits utilizing the following Integrative Manual Therapy treatment techniques:

• Myofascial Release for the diaphragms
• Mediastinum Compression Syndromes
• Immune Deficiency Motility
• Disruption of Membrane Technique
• Visceral Mobilization for the Gastrointestinal Tract: Sphincters
• Muscle Energy and ‘Beyond’ Technique: descended sacrum, O/A joint
• Articular Myofascial Release to pelvis
• Advanced Strain and Counterstrain to the stomach and large intestine
• Myofascial Release to balance the cranial dura: lateral vault hold
• Cranial Therapy Level One: Type I of the occiput
• Cranial Therapy Level Two: Dura mater shear at the right lateral occipitotemporal suture
  
• Cranial Therapy Level Three: Jugular foramen release
• Compression Syndrome of the vagus nerve (1& 2)
• Advanced Neural Tissue Tension Technique for the vagus nerve;
• Immune Deficiency Motility at the right occipitotemporal area and cardiac sphincter area.

Homework was assigned to the mother: Neurofascial Process (NFP) from the gastrointestinal tract to the ureters for 2 hours; Gastrointestinal Disorders Synchronizer #28 for 2 hours.

Outcome: Mother reported "everything is great". No regurgitation any longer and bowel movements are regular, not explosive. She is a calm and happy baby. All tested range of motion now within normal limits.

Conclusion: The patient’s digestive problems appeared to be a result of a vagus nerve compression at the cranial base.