What are post-operative adhesions?

Adhesions are bands of internal scar tissue forming between organs or between organs and the abdominal wall following surgery, infection, or injury. They form as part of normal healing but can cause problems when they restrict organ mobility, generate chronic pain, or — in severe cases — cause bowel obstruction. Abdominal and pelvic surgery are the most common triggers.

Can complementary therapies help with adhesions?

Visceral manipulation — a gentle manual therapy addressing internal organ mobility — and specific soft tissue approaches are used clinically for adhesion management, though high-quality trial evidence is limited. Scar tissue massage of the external surgical scar is well evidenced for improving scar quality and may indirectly influence underlying adhesion patterns.

What symptoms suggest adhesions are causing problems?

Recurrent abdominal pain (particularly related to movement or eating), bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty with bowel function, and — in severe cases — signs of bowel obstruction (sudden severe pain, vomiting, inability to pass gas) warrant medical assessment.

Are there ways to reduce adhesion formation after surgery?

Early mobilisation is one of the most important preventive factors — movement prevents tissues from adhering as they heal. Nutritional support for wound healing (adequate protein, vitamin C, zinc) is also important. Certain laparoscopic surgical techniques and anti-adhesion barriers used during surgery can also reduce formation.

Musculoskeletalmoderate Risk

Post-operative adhesions

Post-operative adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form after surgery, causing pain, restricted movement, and sometimes digestive or fertility complications. Osteopathy, manual lymphatic drainage, and therapeutic mov

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Reviewed by Dr. Ian Henderson · Microbiobial Health & Medicine26 March 2026Emerging evidence

Quick answer

Do any of these feel familiar?

Post-operative adhesions develop as internal scar tissue forms after abdominal or pelvic surgery
Many people experience a pulling, dragging, or cramping discomfort in the abdomen — sometimes years after the original procedure — that can be difficult to attribute to adhesions without investigation
Pain during movement, physical activity, or bowel function is common
Some people describe chronic pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse
Bowel obstruction, though less common, can cause more acute symptoms including severe cramping, nausea, and vomiting
The invisible nature of adhesions means many people spend significant time without a clear explanation for their symptoms

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