Understanding Pelvic Adhesions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Overview

Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that develop between organs, muscles, and other tissues in the pelvic region, acting like internal glue that can restrict movement and cause discomfort. These adhesions commonly develop following surgery, infection, or inflammation, affecting people across all gender identities and age groups. Research indicates that up to 90% of individuals who undergo pelvic or abdominal surgery may develop some degree of adhesions, though not all will experience symptoms.

Living with pelvic adhesions can feel isolating and frustrating, but you're not alone. At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we understand the complex nature of adhesion-related pain and its impact on daily life. Our specialized pelvic floor physical therapy team offers evidence-based, non-invasive treatments that can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

Symptoms

When pelvic adhesions develop, they can create a range of symptoms that may significantly impact your daily activities and comfort. Understanding these symptoms is the first step toward finding relief.

The most common symptoms include:

• Deep Pelvic Discomfort: Many people experience a persistent aching or pulling sensation in their pelvic region that may worsen with certain movements or activities. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and often changes with different body positions.
• Movement and Flexibility Issues: You might notice restricted mobility in your pelvis, abdomen, or hips. Simple activities like bending, stretching, or exercising may feel limited or cause increased discomfort. This restriction often develops gradually and may not be immediately noticeable after surgery or injury.
• Intimate Health Impacts: Pelvic adhesions can affect sexual wellness by causing pain or discomfort during intimate activities. These symptoms may vary in intensity and can affect people of all genders differently.
• Digestive and Urinary Changes: Some individuals experience changes in their bowel or bladder habits, including constipation, frequent urination, or discomfort during these activities. The adhesions may create pressure or restrict normal organ movement.

Causes

Pelvic adhesions develop as part of your body's natural healing response, but several factors can increase their likelihood:

• ‍Surgical Procedures: The most common trigger for pelvic adhesions is surgery, including cesarean sections, hysterectomies, appendectomies, and other pelvic or abdominal procedures. Your body's healing process creates these adhesions as it repairs tissue, regardless of surgical skill or technique.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Chronic inflammatory conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or recurring infections can trigger adhesion formation. The ongoing inflammation prompts your body's healing response, potentially leading to adhesion development over time.
• Trauma and Injury: Physical trauma to the pelvic region, whether from accidents, sports injuries, or childbirth complications, can initiate adhesion formation as tissues heal.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we approach pelvic adhesion treatment with a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy that focuses on improving mobility and reducing pain while respecting your body's healing process.

Our treatment approach includes:‍

• ‍Specialized Manual Therapy: Our skilled physical therapists use gentle, targeted techniques to improve tissue mobility and reduce restrictions caused by adhesions. These hands-on treatments can help decrease pain and improve function without causing additional trauma to sensitive tissues.
• ‍Movement Retraining: We work with you to develop optimal movement patterns that reduce stress on affected areas while maintaining mobility. This includes personalized exercise programs that you can continue at home to support long-term improvement.
• ‍Visceral Mobilization: When appropriate, we incorporate specialized techniques to improve organ mobility and reduce restrictions between tissues. This gentle approach can help decrease pull from adhesions and improve overall pelvic function.

FAQs

How soon after surgery should I seek treatment for potential pelvic adhesions?
‍Most surgeons recommend waiting 6-8 weeks post-operation before beginning physical therapy. However, early consultation can help you understand what to expect and learn appropriate movements for your recovery phase.

Can physical therapy completely eliminate pelvic adhesions without surgery?
‍While physical therapy cannot eliminate existing adhesions, it can significantly improve tissue mobility, reduce pain, and enhance function. Our goal is to help you manage symptoms effectively and prevent additional restrictions from forming.

What makes Mendwell's approach to treating pelvic adhesions different?
‍Our therapists specialize in pelvic health and understand the complex interplay between adhesions and pelvic function. We create individualized treatment plans that consider your specific symptoms, lifestyle needs, and goals for recovery.

How many sessions will I need to see improvement?
‍Treatment duration varies based on individual factors, but most patients begin noticing improvements within 6-8 sessions. We'll work with you to establish clear treatment goals and regularly assess your progress.