Abdominal/Pelvic Adhesions -

What are abdominal/pelvic adhesions?

Abdominal/Pelvic adhesions are bands of internal scar tissue that form between organs, tissues, or structures in the abdomen or pelvis, causing them to stick together abnormally.

Common Related Conditions

Adhesions and Scar Tissue

Adhesions After Pediatric Surgery

Asherman’s Syndrome

Chronic pelvic Pain

Chronic Abdominal Pain

Post-Surgical Adhesions

Infertility or Secondary Infertility

Dysmenorrhea

Dyspareunia

Small Bowel Obstruction

Endometriosis-Related Pain

Causes of abdominal/pelvic adhesions

Abdominal and pelvic adhesions form when the body creates internal scar tissue as the first step in healing from an injury, surgery, or inflammation. The most common cause of adhesions is abdominal or pelvic surgery. This includes procedures such as C-section, hysterectomy, appendectomy, endometriosis excision surgery, or laparoscopic surgery, where tissues are damaged. Fibrous bands of collagen come rushing in to cover the injured tissue, isolating it so the body’s immune system can more easily continue the process of healing. Once adhesions form, they tend to remain in the body for years or for a lifetime, creating an area that is bound by a powerful internal glue.

Adhesions can also develop as a result of infections or inflammatory conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, or peritonitis, as well as chronic conditions like endometriosis that cause repeated inflammation. Trauma to the abdomen or pelvis, internal bleeding, radiation therapy, or the presence of foreign materials used during surgery can further increase the risk. Over time, ongoing inflammation or additional surgeries can cause adhesions to thicken and spread, leading to increased restriction and symptoms.

Symptoms of abdominal/pelvic adhesions

Chronic or recurring abdominal or pelvic pain
Bloating, cramping, or discomfort after eating
Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or irregular bowel movements
Nausea or vomiting, particularly in severe cases
Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
Infertility or difficulty conceiving
Urinary symptoms, including urgency or discomfort
Bowel obstruction in severe cases, which may present as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas
Feeling of internal tightness or pulling, especially near surgical sites

Adhesion symptoms can vary widely depending on the location, size, and severity of the scar tissue. Some adhesions may remain asymptomatic for years, while others cause chronic pain and functional limitations.

Treatment for abdominal/pelvic adhesions

Clear Passage® Therapy utilizes a non-surgical, hands-on physical therapy approach designed to reduce adhesions—internal scar tissue—that can form after surgery, trauma, infection, or inflammation. Using specialized manual techniques developed and refined over more than 30 years, our trained therapists gently manipulate and stretch the affected tissues to dissolve, distort, and detach restrictive adhesions. Numerous peer-reviewed studies show we have restored normal mobility and greatly improved the function of organs and muscles in the abdomen and pelvis.

The therapy typically involves a 5-day course of treatment, broken into two-hour sessions. During treatment, therapists focus on the areas where your adhesions are interfering with organ movement, blood flow, and nerve function. The goal is to reduce pain, improve range of motion, enhance organ function, and, when relevant, improve fertility or digestive health—all without the need for drugs or surgery.

Patients generally notice improvement in symptoms, including decreased pain, increased mobility, and better organ function. Because adhesions can vary in severity, results are individualized, and some patients may require additional follow-up or complementary therapies. Clear Passage® Therapy is considered safe when performed by certified practitioners, and it can be used alongside conventional medical care.

Condition Specific Disclaimer:

Clear Passage® Therapy is a non-surgical, manual physical therapy designed to address adhesions (internal scar tissue) and improve tissue mobility. As physical therapists, we do not diagnose or cure diseases. We work in concert with your physician to achieve the optimal results. Information provided herein about conditions, symptoms, or treatment is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. We encourage every patient to consult us in concert with your physician in a team approach to determine the care that is most appropriate for them.

Testimonials:

To read Clear Passage® Therapy patient success stories, please visit our Testimonials page.

Abdominal/Pelvic Adhesions