Adhesions. Invisible, but real.
Adhesions are internal scar tissue that forms between organs, fascial layers, and muscles after surgery or inflammation. You cannot see them from the surface, but they can cause significant pain, restriction, and dysfunction.
What adhesions are.
Whenever the body heals an internal wound, it forms scar tissue. This is the same process that creates surface scars, but it happens inside. After abdominal surgery, for example, scar tissue can form between the intestines, between the uterus and bladder, or between the abdominal wall and underlying organs. These connections are adhesions.
Adhesions are extremely common. Studies suggest that up to 93% of people who have had abdominal surgery develop adhesions. Most do not cause symptoms, but when they do, the symptoms can be debilitating. Adhesions can restrict organ movement, compress nerves, create chronic pain, and even cause bowel obstruction in severe cases.
How they cause problems.
Internal organs need to move. Your intestines need to contract and slide past each other. Your uterus shifts position. Your liver moves with each breath. When adhesions bind these structures together or to the abdominal wall, normal movement is restricted. The body compensates, but the compensation creates its own problems.
Abdominal adhesions can cause chronic pain, bloating, digestive irregularity, and discomfort with certain movements or positions. Pelvic adhesions can contribute to pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and fertility issues. The frustrating part is that adhesions do not show up on most imaging, so people are often told nothing is wrong even though they are in significant discomfort.
Common symptoms.
- Deep pulling or dragging sensation
- Chronic abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain that worsens with certain movements
- Bloating or digestive irregularity
- Pain with deep breathing or twisting
- Feeling of internal "tethering"
- Discomfort that began after surgery
- Imaging shows nothing but pain persists
How ScarWork helps adhesions.
While I cannot directly touch internal adhesions, ScarWork can address the fascial restrictions that adhesions create from the surface. The abdominal wall, the fascia surrounding the organs, and the connective tissue that supports internal structures are all accessible through the surface. Working with these layers can release the tension and restriction that adhesions create.
We also work directly with the surface scar from the original surgery. Every abdominal or pelvic surgery leaves a surface scar that is connected to the internal adhesions by continuous fascial tissue. Releasing the surface scar and restoring layer separation through the abdominal wall creates conditions for the internal adhesions to soften and release as well.
Clients with adhesions often report the most relief from the deep pulling and dragging sensations. The tissue softens, the organs have more room to move, and the chronic discomfort that has been present since surgery begins to resolve. Digestive function often improves as well, as the intestines regain their ability to move freely.
What to expect from treatment.
Adhesion work typically requires three to five sessions. The first session focuses on the surface scar and superficial fascial layers. Subsequent sessions work deeper, addressing the fascial connections between the surface and the internal structures. Many clients notice improvement in discomfort and digestive function within the first two sessions.