A Sub-specialty Of Physical Therapy Has Been Shown To Complement A Holistic Fertility Treatment Plan
- Dr. Laura Cutler, PT, DPT
- Oct 28
- 8 min read
Quick take on this article
Mercier Therapy is a gentle, external technique that supports how pelvic organs move and how blood flows—no internal work.
It can be used on its own or alongside fertility care (IUI/IVF) as a conservative, body-based support.
Mercier therapy complements the goals of fertility treatment to achieve pregnancy
If your results haven’t matched your effort, this may be the missing piece to consider as you plan your next steps.
Introduction To A Holistic Fertility Treatment Approach
Some seasons of trying to conceive stretch longer than you ever imagined. You’ve tracked, timed, tested, and “done everything right”—yet something still feels off. If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath, you’re not broken, and you’re not behind. Sometimes the body needs a little more hands-on help.
That’s where Mercier Therapy comes in. It’s a gentle, external approach that focuses on easing tension and improving the natural glide of the pelvic organs. Think of it like freeing a stuck zipper so everything can move the way it’s designed to. The technique is meant to support circulation and your natural cycle, and it can stand on its own or fit alongside guidance from your OB/GYN or fertility specialist.
If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but your heart says something is still missing, this article will help you explore a thoughtful, low-risk option you may not have heard about. We’ll cover what Mercier Therapy is (and isn’t), why pelvic organ mobility matters for hormone signaling and implantation, who it may help, and how to find a well-trained provider—so you can feel confident you’re taking a meaningful next step.
Quick Definition of Mercier Therapy: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Who It’s For
What it is: Mercier Therapy is a gentle, external hands-on approach developed by Dr. Jennifer Mercier, that focuses on the organs in your pelvis (uterus and ovaries), plus the nearby structures of the hips, low back and pelvis. The therapist uses slow, specific pressure on the abdomen and low belly to encourage better organ mobility (how tissues glide) and support healthy blood flow. Think of it as helping tight, sticky layers move more freely so the body can do its job with less restriction.
What it isn’t: It is not internal pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT). PFPT often involves internal muscle assessment and exercises. Mercier Therapy stays on the outside of the body and targets the organs, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the pelvis. It is also not a spa massage. The work is precise and therapeutic, guided by anatomy and your comfort. It’s a supportive, non-surgical option that may fit alongside your broader plan.
Who it may benefit:
People with unexplained infertility who want to address possible soft-tissue restrictions.
Couples looking to complement medical fertility care (IVF/IUI) with conservative, hands-on support.
Holistic-minded couples pursuing a more natural and holistic fertility treatment approach.
Individuals with endometriosis or pelvic adhesions who are seeking gentle, external techniques to support circulation, tissue glide, and decreased pain.
Women with painful or irregular periods, pelvic discomfort, or a sense of “tightness” in the lower abdomen.
Those with a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery (e.g., C-section, laparoscopy) where scar tissue may affect mobility.
Bottom line: Mercier Therapy is a non-invasive, external method aimed at improving how pelvic organs move and how blood flows to them. It can be a thoughtful addition to your care plan, especially if you prefer holistic, hands-on options. Always review your health history with your Mercier Therapy clinician to decide whether this approach fits your needs.
How Mercier Therapy Works and Why Pelvic Organ Mobility Matters for Fertility
Mercier Therapy works by improving pelvic organ mobility. Pelvic organ mobility means how well your uterus, ovaries, and nearby tissues can move and “glide” against each other. These organs are held in place by flexible ligaments that allow small, natural shifts as you breathe, walk, or go through your monthly cycle. They are not glued in one spot; a little motion is normal and healthy.
Why mobility matters
Your organs need room to move so blood can circulate well. When tissues glide, blood vessels open and close naturally with your breathing and posture changes. This gentle motion helps deliver oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the uterus and ovaries and helps carry away waste and extra fluid. Good mobility can also support healthy nerve signaling, which guides muscle tone, blood vessel changes, and organ function.
If mobility is limited by adhesions or long-term tension, the tissues may feel stiff. Stiff areas can have reduced micro-circulation and less efficient fluid movement. Over time, that may affect how well an ovary responds to hormonal signals or how welcoming the uterine lining feels to a potential embryo.
A simple model to remember
Mobility → Blood flow & signaling → Tissue health → Supportive environment for hormones and implantation
Mobility: organs can glide without pulling or sharp restrictions.
Blood flow & signaling: vessels and nerves work smoothly.
Tissue health: the uterus and ovaries get what they need and clear what they don’t.
Supportive environment: the uterine lining, cervical mucus, and cycle rhythms can be more favorable for conception and implantation.
A balanced view
Mobility is one piece of the fertility picture. It doesn’t replace medical care, lab work, or other treatments. But for some people, especially those with a history of pelvic surgery, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility, supporting pelvic organ mobility is a conservative way to help the body function closer to its best.
What the Research Shows
Will improving pelvic organ mobility really improve outcomes? Here’s a look at what has been reported so far:
In a clinic based case-scenario of 48 women, 83% became pregnant within one year after starting Mercier Therapy. Most of those pregnancies (about 80%) occurred when Mercier Therapy was used by itself. For the rest, adding Mercier Therapy to medical treatment seemed to shorten the number of cycles needed to conceive. These results came from everyday clinic settings, not a hospital trial.
Reference: Mercier, J., & Miller, K. (2013, Spring). Mercier Therapy helps infertile women achieve pregnancy. Midwifery Today, Spring 2013, 40, 68.
In a separate five-year cohort study preparing women for IVF, 87.7% (150 of 171) achieved pregnancy after receiving a short series of Mercier Therapy sessions. About 51% conceived on their first IVF cycle in that study group and some conceived naturally.
Reference: Mercier, J. (2018, Winter). Mercier Therapy improves IVF outcome. Midwifery Today, (128), 59.
For context, national IVF reports show that 34.6% (<35 years of age) to 8.5% of women (41-42 years of age) achieved pregnancy after their first IVF attempt using their own fresh eggs in 2023 (see SART figures for additional detail). Study designs and populations differ, so this is not an apples-to-apples comparison, but it helps you see the ballpark.
Bottom line: The published reports are encouraging, especially for women with unexplained infertility or those preparing for IVF. If you want the deeper dive, see our follow-up posts: “Mercier Therapy + IVF/IUI: A Synergistic Approach” for ART-specific data, and “Exploring a Natural Restorative Approach to Fertility” for Mercier-only results.
Training & How to Vet a Provider
What training looks like: Mercier Therapy is a specialized approach. Providers should have formal Mercier training/certification in addition to their professional license (for example, physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapist, midwife, or nurse license, depending on your state’s rules). Training usually includes classroom teaching, detailed anatomy review, and hands-on practice under supervision of Dr. Jennifer Mercier.
What to look for (at a glance):
A current license in a healthcare field that allows external manual therapy in your state.
Documented Mercier Therapy training/certification (ask where and when they trained).
Experience with cases similar to yours (e.g., post-surgery adhesions, endometriosis, unexplained infertility).
Clear informed-consent process and safety screening (contraindications, when to pause care).
A plan for coordination with your OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist (REI), or primary care.
Questions to ask a clinician:
Training & scope: “Where did you complete Mercier training?”
Safety: “What are the main contraindications? How will you adapt to my history?”
Program structure: “What does a typical series look like? How do we decide when to space or stop sessions?”
Measurement: “How will we track progress (comfort, cycle changes, function)?”
Collaboration: “Will you share a brief summary note with my MD/REI if I consent? How do you coordinate timing with medical treatments?”
Professional boundaries: “What should I expect during sessions? Can I bring a support person or request a chaperone?”
Ask for collaborative care: If applicable, give your provider permission to coordinate with your MD/REI. Teamwork helps with timing (e.g., around procedures), safety checks, and a unified plan. If you have complex medical history, ask your doctor first to confirm that external visceral work is appropriate right now.
Conclusion
If you’ve done “all the things” and still feel stuck, it doesn’t mean your body has failed you. It may mean one important piece has not been addressed yet: how your pelvic organs move and receive blood flow. That’s the simple idea behind Mercier Therapy – gentle, external work to improve mobility, circulation, and signaling so your body can do what it’s designed to do. It can stand alone or fit beside your current plan with your OB/GYN or REI.
How to Get Started: The Shared Fertility Journey Program
If you’re wondering how to start, here is a quick overview on the Shared Fertility Journey Program that Dr. Laura Cutler, PT, DPT offers:
1) 60-minute Consultation - Dr. Laura will review your health and fertility history, answer questions, and complete a gentle pelvic organ mobility evaluation. This helps decide if Mercier Therapy is a good fit and sets a personalized plan.
2) Six one-hour Mercier Therapy sessions - Most clients complete these weekly. If you’re preparing for IUI/IVF or traveling, there’s a short-term intensive option to align with your timeline.
3) One year of support - Ongoing cycle monitoring, email check-ins, and guidance on an evidence-informed fertility supplement protocol—so progress is tracked and adjustments are timely.
Why this structure works
Your biology works in cycles. Hormone patterns, ovulation, and the uterine lining change month to month. A year of tracking helps spot trends, support timing, and coordinate with your OB-GYN or REI when needed.
Tissues need time to adapt. Gentle external work aims to improve organ mobility and blood flow. Spacing six sessions (or using a brief intensive) gives your body time to respond while keeping momentum.
Life happens. Weekly or intensive scheduling gives flexibility for work, childcare, or upcoming IUI/IVF cycles—so you don’t lose progress during important windows.
Continuous support builds confidence. Ongoing email and cycle-tracking support provide accountability, quick answers to common questions, and a way to share updates with your medical team (with your consent).
Next step: Not sure if it’s a fit? Book a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your history and timing.
Still have more questions, see below for our most common FAQs:
What is pricing for the Shared Fertility Journey?
Pricing can be seen on Beyond Exercise’s website.
Will insurance cover it?
Some patients use HSA/FSA funds or pay out of pocket.
Is this only for natural conception?
No, many people use Mercier Therapy as part of a combined plan with their OB-GYN or fertility specialist. It can be explored alongside IUI/IVF. For details on how they work together, see our post: “Mercier Therapy + IVF/IUI: A Synergistic Approach.”
How fast might I notice changes?
It varies. Some people feel less tightness or more ease in the lower belly within days. Changes in cycles or comfort may take weeks or months. Fertility outcomes often need months because they depend on timing, age, diagnosis, and partner factors. We focus on safe, steady progress.
Is it internal? Does it hurt?
Mercier Therapy is external only. Most describe the touch as firm but comfortable. You might feel deep pressure or a stretch-like sensation. Mild soreness afterward is possible and usually fades within a day.
Is this the same as abdominal massage or pelvic floor PT?
No, massage targets muscles and relaxation with broad strokes. Pelvic floor PT may include internal assessment and exercises. Mercier Therapy uses precise, external contacts to support organ mobility and blood flow.
Can I do this while working with my OB/REI?
Yes, collaboration is encouraged. With your consent, your therapist can coordinate with your MD/REI to align timing and check safety. If you’re in the middle of testing or procedures, ask your doctor about the best window to schedule care.
Who should talk to a doctor first?
If you’re pregnant, recently had abdominal/pelvic surgery, have an active infection, unusual bleeding, or significant medical conditions, speak with your clinician before starting.