Adhesions and Scar Tissue

Your body’s healing process doesn’t have to hold you back—there is a path to restoring movement, comfort, and function.

What is Adhesions and Scar Tissue?

Scar tissue is the body’s natural way of repairing after injury, surgery, or inflammation. While it’s a normal part of healing, sometimes scar tissue forms dense, sticky bands called adhesions that bind tissues or organs together in ways they shouldn’t. In the pelvic region, adhesions can limit mobility, restrict blood flow, alter muscle and organ function, and even cause pain or dysfunction in the bladder, bowel, or reproductive organs. These changes can affect everyday activities—such as sitting comfortably, exercising, or having pain-free intimacy—and may worsen over time without treatment.

Common Symptoms

How Does It Feel?

  • Persistent pelvic, abdominal, or low back pain
  • Tightness, pulling, or tugging sensations in the lower abdomen or pelvis
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Difficulty standing up straight or moving freely
  • Bowel or bladder changes (constipation, urinary urgency, incomplete emptying)
  • Reduced flexibility or range of motion after surgery or injury
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions

HOPE

What Causes It?

Adhesions and scar tissue most often develop after the body experiences injury, surgery, or inflammation. Common causes include abdominal or pelvic surgeries (such as C-sections, hysterectomies, or laparoscopic procedures), infections, endometriosis, or traumatic injury to the area. Even routine healing from surgery can create excess scar tissue if the tissue layers don’t move and glide normally during recovery. Factors like repeated surgeries, poor blood flow, inflammation, or lack of early mobility can increase the likelihood that adhesions will become restrictive and symptomatic.

How We Identify the Root Cause

Our evaluation begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and any past surgeries or injuries. We perform a thorough pelvic floor and abdominal assessment to identify areas of restricted movement, tension, or tenderness that may be related to adhesions. Gentle hands-on techniques help us feel how the tissues are moving—or not moving—and determine how these restrictions may be affecting your pelvic floor function. If needed, we collaborate with your physician or surgeon to review imaging, surgical notes, or related health concerns. This holistic approach ensures we address not just the scar tissue itself, but also any contributing factors that could be affecting your recovery and daily life.

How We Help 
You Heal

Overview of Sarton PT’s specialized, evidence-based treatment plan—multi-modal care customized to each patient.

  • Manual pelvic floor therapy
  • Visceral and myofascial release
  • Scar tissue mobilization
  • Pain science education
  • Home exercise training
  • Guided imagery and relaxation techniques

Begin Your Healing Journey

You deserve answers and relief from your pelvic pain. Our experienced team is here to guide you in reclaiming your confidence and quality of life.