How Physical Therapy Can Help with Adhesions

Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for managing and breaking down adhesions. By using a combination of manual therapy techniques, stretching, and targeted exercises, physical therapists can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent adhesions from becoming a chronic issue.

Here’s how physical therapy can help:

1. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization, are designed to target adhesions directly. During these hands-on treatments, the therapist applies pressure and stretches the affected tissues to break up scar tissue and release adhesions. This improves blood flow, reduces stiffness, and restores the normal gliding motion of tissues.

2. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Adhesions can cause muscles and joints to become stiff and less flexible. A physical therapist will guide patients through stretching exercises to help lengthen the tissues and increase their range of motion. This helps prevent the formation of new adhesions and keeps the affected area flexible.

3. Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan for adhesions. By improving muscle strength around the affected area, patients can reduce tension on the adhesion and improve overall function. Stronger muscles also help support joints and prevent further injury.

4. Posture and Movement Education

Poor posture or improper movement patterns can contribute to the development of adhesions, especially in individuals with repetitive strain injuries. Physical therapists can teach proper body mechanics and movement strategies to reduce strain on muscles and joints, preventing future adhesions from forming.

5. Scraping Therapy (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)

Scraping therapy, also known as Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), involves using specialized tools to “scrape” over the skin and affected tissues. This technique helps break down adhesions, loosen scar tissue, and increase blood flow to the area. The scraping motion encourages tissue healing, reduces stiffness, and can help restore normal movement. It’s particularly useful for areas with dense scar tissue or deep adhesions.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Adhesions

Physical therapy offers several key benefits for those dealing with adhesions:

• Non-Invasive Treatment: Physical therapy provides a non-invasive approach to breaking down adhesions, avoiding the need for additional surgery or medication.

• Pain Relief: By reducing the restrictions caused by adhesions, physical therapy can help relieve chronic pain and discomfort.

• Improved Mobility: Breaking down adhesions restores the normal function of muscles, joints, and connective tissues, allowing for improved flexibility and range of motion.

• Prevention of Future Adhesions: Through targeted exercises and education on proper movement, physical therapy can help prevent the recurrence of adhesions, promoting long-term healing. 

Conclusion

Adhesions are a common issue that can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility, but physical therapy offers effective treatments to address these concerns. By breaking down scar tissue, improving flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns, physical therapists can help individuals recover from the effects of adhesions and improve their overall quality of life.

If you’re experiencing pain or stiffness from adhesions, the team at Impact Physical Therapy can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain mobility and reduce discomfort. Contact us today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you overcome adhesions!