THE MESENTERY – (Cranio-Sacral Physiotherapist Josh Neeft)

So, what exactly is the Mesentery? The Mesentery is an expansive fold of peritoneum, (soft tissue) that lines the abdominal cavity, and acts as the anchor point for the intestines to the back of the abdominal wall. Quite where it was and what it was doing before its ‘unfurling’ is a moot point, but lucky for us (thanks to the fine people at the University of Limerick) this has been clarified, and designated the organ we never knew we had (https://www.ul.ie/news-centre/news/irish-surgeon-identifies-emerging-area-of-medical-science/) (http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(16)30026-7/fulltext).

But is it much more than that?

Part of what has prompted the Mesentery being re-classified as an organ rather than the intestinal version of a tent-peg is its vital role in coordinating the body’s immune responses. The Mesentery also contains a vast network of blood vessels that both supply and drain the intestines the function of which is integral to the internal health and function of the intestines.

The Mesentery may also play a mechanical role with the abdominal wall with a recent case series suggesting an anatomical relationship of the root of the Mesentery and the vertebrae of the low-back as well as the abdominal wall. They suggest that soft tissue tensions in the mesenteric root could influence mobility and loading patterns through the lumbar spine and even on diastasis in pregnancy. We will watch this space for further evidence on the role of the mesentery.

Josh is a Physiotherapist who also practices Cranio sacral therapy, he incorporates a distinct focus on manual and exercise therapy and holistic care, placing great emphasis on having his clients be an active participant in their therapy to optimise their treatment
outcomes. Josh has undertaken further training in the fields of CranioSacral
Therapy and Visceral Manipulation which looks to address correction of
connective tissue restrictions throughout the body and the
implications they have on dysfunction of the musculo-skeletal,
nervous, vascular, cardio-respiratory, digestive and endocrine
systems.Josh’s special interest areas include pelvic and spinal disorders,
lower-limb problems due to his background in Podiatry, headaches and
migraines, jaw problems and chronic pain syndromes.

For further enquiries email Josh:

josh@innernorthphysiotherapy.com.au