Infertility & Physical Therapy
Infertility is complex—and often overwhelming. At Empower Movement, we recognize that for some women, there is no clear medical cause for infertility. That’s why we offer pelvic-focused physical therapy, including visceral manipulation, as one potential solution when answers elsewhere have fallen short.
In our clinic, 8 out of 9 women without a known infertility cause conceived after treatment last year. While every journey is different, these results are deeply encouraging.
Visceral Manipulation & Infertility:
What the Research Says
1. Addressing Mechanical Infertility
Manual therapies like visceral manipulation target adhesions and restrictions in pelvic tissues that can interfere with reproductive organ mobility. These restrictions often linked to trauma, surgery (hernia, endometriosis - even if it is endoscopic), or inflammation can negatively affect structures like the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. Releasing these restrictions may help restore optimal positioning and function. (Source)
2. Clinical Results: Improved Pregnancy Rates
In one controlled study, infertile women receiving manual soft-tissue therapy to enhance visceral and pelvic mobility saw 71% pregnancy success within one year, and 64% delivered at full term.
In a group preparing for IVF, treatment recipients achieved pregnancy in 22 of 33 embryo transfers—a notably higher success rate compared to expected norms. (Source)
Another case series involving 10 women with infertility (from various causes) found that 6 conceived within three months after receiving manual pelvic therapy—combining visceral manipulation, lymphatic drainage, and muscle work—with all six delivering full term. (Source)
3. Mechanism-Based Benefits
Improved circulation & organ mobility: Enables better blood and nutrient delivery to reproductive organs, optimizing function.
Breakdown of scar tissue & adhesions: Especially helpful post-surgery or in cases of conditions like endometriosis.
Balanced hormone signaling: By normalizing visceral–nervous system communication, hormonal regulation may improve.
Stress reduction: A calmer nervous system through therapy can support the hormonal and physiological balance needed for conception. (Source)
4. Better Quality of Life in Related Pelvic Conditions
While not focused on fertility per se, a 2025 study found that visceral manipulation significantly improved quality of life in women dealing with endometriosis and pelvic organ prolapse. Better well-being may indirectly support reproductive health. (Source)
Summary Table
Evidence & Impact
Releases adhesions & restores mobility
Wurn et al., Kramp studies showing improved organ function and conception
Boosts pregnancy success rates
71% natural conception, full-term delivery; higher IVF success
Enhances physical and hormonal function
Circulation, alignment, stress relief support fertility
Improves overall quality of life
Noted in endometriosis and prolapse, supporting overall pelvic health
Resources
For Women Navigating Infertility
If you’re walking through infertility, know you’re not alone—there are resources that can support both your body and mind on this journey.
One of my favorite books is It Starts with the Egg. I actually read it after I was done having kids, but it completely shifted me toward a more holistic lifestyle.
Another must-read, Stress Prescription (truly for everyone, not just women navigating fertility) highlights how stress and our environment impact the nervous system. It’s no coincidence that many women share stories of finally conceiving after leaving a high-stress job or wrapping up a stressful life event, like a home remodel.
For local support, I highly recommend Lakeside Medicine, a naturopathic clinic that takes a whole-person approach to fertility and wellness.
This isn’t typical PT.
It’s 1:1, whole-body assessment and precise treatment, dry needling, joint mobilization, soft tissue work and activation tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Treating males for infertility issues at Empower Movement Physical Therapy:
It’s Not Always Just Female.
It’s important to remember that infertility isn’t always about the woman.
Male partners may also face structural challenges—like “kinking” in the spermatic cord, sometimes caused by old injuries (think snowboarding falls, blows to the stomach, or contact sports). One quick clue? The quality of hip flexion. If that’s restricted, it may point to an underlying issue.
Bottom Line:
Visceral manipulation offers a promising, non-invasive adjunct for women facing fertility challenges—especially those with mechanical or adhesion-related infertility. While outcomes vary by individual, several studies have reported notable increases in conception and successful pregnancy rates following targeted pelvic therapy.