Tag: Pelvic Adhesions

Understanding Pelvic Adhesions

Pelvic adhesions are bands of fibrous scar tissue that form between organs in the pelvic cavity, such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the bowel. They develop as a natural part of the healing process after surgery, injury, infection, or inflammation. Adhesions can cause the organs in the pelvic region to become stuck to one another or to the abdominal wall, leading to a range of complications, including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and fertility issues.

The formation of adhesions is often linked to abdominal or pelvic surgery, such as cesarean sections, hysterectomies, appendectomies, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). However, even without surgery, infections, endometriosis, or trauma to the pelvic area can trigger adhesion formation. The pain associated with pelvic adhesions can vary from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, often made worse by movement, sexual activity, or even daily functions like walking or sitting. In some cases, adhesions can cause intestinal obstructions or problems with the urinary system, creating further complications.

Symptoms of Pelvic Adhesions

The symptoms of pelvic adhesions can be diverse and include:

Chronic pelvic pain: Pain that persists for weeks or months and can worsen with certain movements, sexual intercourse, or menstruation.
Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant: Adhesions can distort or block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting.
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Adhesions may cause extra pressure and pain during menstruation.
Bowel and urinary symptoms: Adhesions may lead to constipation, pain with bowel movements, or urinary urgency and frequency if they involve the intestines or bladder.

While pelvic adhesions often go unnoticed, they can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. The internal tissues become restricted, which can lead to both physical pain and functional limitations that make day-to-day activities more challenging.

Traditional Treatments for Pelvic Adhesions

In some cases, pelvic adhesions may resolve on their own, or they might be mild enough not to cause significant symptoms. However, when they result in severe pain or dysfunction, traditional treatments usually focus on pain management, which may include medications, hormonal therapies, or surgical interventions. In some cases, doctors may recommend laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure used to cut or remove adhesions.

While surgery can be effective in reducing or removing adhesions, it is not always a permanent solution, as adhesions can sometimes form again after surgery. Additionally, the use of pain relievers or hormone-based therapies may only address the symptoms of adhesions, not the underlying tissue restrictions that are causing the problem.

The Wurn Technique®: A Non-Surgery, Non-Drug Treatment for Pelvic Adhesions

For those seeking a more holistic, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to treating pelvic adhesions, Clear Passage Physical Therapy offers the Wurn Technique®, a highly specialized manual therapy that directly addresses the physical causes of pelvic pain and dysfunction caused by adhesions.

The Wurn Technique® uses gentle, hands-on manipulation to release adhesions and scar tissue that have formed in the pelvic region. By using specific techniques to soften and break down the fibrous tissue, the Wurn Technique® helps restore normal movement to the pelvic organs and improves the flexibility of the affected tissues. This allows for better function and mobility, which can help alleviate chronic pain and discomfort caused by the adhesions.

One of the key benefits of the Wurn Technique® is its ability to work without the need for surgery or medication, providing a natural healing approach that encourages the body’s own capacity for recovery. For individuals with pelvic pain or fertility issues caused by adhesions, the Wurn Technique® offers an alternative to invasive procedures or drugs, helping improve pelvic health, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.

The Wurn Technique® is especially useful for patients who have experienced pelvic surgery or have been diagnosed with conditions like endometriosis or PID, which often lead to adhesion formation. By improving blood flow, reducing tissue restrictions, and restoring organ function, this therapy can offer long-term relief and significantly improve the overall quality of life for individuals suffering from pelvic adhesions.

In summary, the Wurn Technique® provides a non-surgical, drug-free alternative to treating pelvic adhesions, focusing on healing and improving the functionality of the pelvic region. It has helped many people achieve lasting relief from pelvic pain, infertility, and other complications caused by adhesions, without the need for more invasive treatments or medications.

Meet the Therapists: Belinda Wurn, PT

What is your name? Belinda Wurn How long have you been a physical therapist (or PTA/LMT)? 36 years How long have you been practicing the Wurn Technique? 22 years How did you first become interested in this work? I was trying to figure out how to get myself out of the chronic pain I was […]

Opening Blocked Fallopian Tubes – Surgical vs. Natural

As the place where natural conception occurs, the fallopian tubes are truly the place where life begins. Due to their location and size, fallopian tubes can become blocked from pelvic scars or adhesions. Together, these “mechanical causes” account for about 40% of all female infertility. Tubes can block near the uterus (proximal), by the ovary (distal) or in the middle of the tube (mid-tubal). In some cases, the tube swell with a fluid in a condition called hydrosalpinx. While a single blocked tube impairs fertility, blockage of both tubes causes total infertility.

3 Ways Adhesions Cause Bowel Obstructions

An image of a women experiencing abdominal pain from SIBO which is caused by adhesions.

Adhesions form as the bodies first response to a trauma, surgery, infection, or inflammation. These adhesions are made up of strong, fibrous cross links that attach to the nearby tissues and organs of the damaged area. When the abdomen or bowel experiences a trauma, adhesions can begin to form in the bowels, causing bowel obstructions. These adhesions can cause bowel obstruction in three different ways.

Prior C-Section Can Cause Adhesions

Cesarean section delivery (C-section) is the most common surgery among women in the US. Unfortunately, this invasive surgical procedure requires a great deal of healing to occur. Adhesions are one of the bodies automatic responses to traumas such as a fall, a surgery, an infection, or an inflammation.

Treating Hydrosalpinx Infertility

The Wurn Technique is a non-surgical infertility treatment that uses pelvic physical therapy to decrease the adhesions causing tubal damage and hydrosalpinx. Once mobility is restored, the previously blocked tube(s) often regains normal function, creating a free path for conception to occur. Many women with a diagnosis of hydrosalpinx became pregnant naturally after receiving this hands- on therapy.

Fertility Treatment – The Natural Way

So-called alternative fertility treatments may help some women. Claims have been made for fertility herbs, oils, massages and diets. More research needs to be done on these types of fertility treatments. But two alternative fertility treatments that have been researched and proven effective are acupuncture and a particular physical therapy.

The Role of the Cervix in Menstrual Pain

apply for therapy patient stories Discover relief from menstrual pain with Clear Passage Physical Therapy’s Free Consult and Request Info – learn how their unique, non-surgical approach can address cervical issues, adhesions, and alignment problems that may be causing your discomfort, potentially transforming your menstrual experience without invasive procedures. To learn more visit our Apply […]

Causes of Decreased Sensation During Intercourse

Sexual intimacy and intercourse should provide some of life’s greatest pleasures. But because the female urogenital and reproductive organs are very susceptible to adhesions, intercourse can become painful, dissatisfying, and embarrassing. Many women still believe the old misconception that “there isn’t anything that can be done,” or “it’s just the way it is,” or “my […]

The Appearance of a C-Section Scar Can Provide Clues About Abdominal Adhesions

When a woman comes to CPT with secondary infertility, one of the first questions our therapists ask is, “Did you have a C-section?” Through years of experience, our therapists have found that c-sections frequently cause adhesion formation within the abdominal and pelvic cavity. Adhesions can impede fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes, restricting the uterus, […]

Overcoming the Fear of Another Ectopic Pregnancy

“In early 2004, I became pregnant for the first time,” Savannah told us. “But my husband and I were soon devastated when we learned it was an ectopic pregnancy.” Once a woman experiences an ectopic pregnancy, her perspective of pregnancy is forever changed. The excitement of a positive pregnancy test can be quickly transformed to […]