If you’re dealing with adhesions, you’ve probably heard surgery mentioned. But here’s the truth: you have options before that conversation even happens. Understanding what adhesions are, then exploring the hands-on and advanced therapies available, can help you make an informed decision.
Adhesions are basically scar tissue that forms when tissues stick together. They can happen after surgery, from injury, or from other causes. The result can include reduced range of motion and dysfunction in the affected area. Conservative, non-surgical approaches exist and may be worth exploring when started early.
What Exactly Are Adhesions and Why Do They Happen?
Adhesions form when your body’s natural healing response results in scar tissue. After surgery or injury, your body lays down collagen and scar tissue. Sometimes that tissue sticks to surrounding structures instead of staying put. It’s part of how the healing process works.
They’re common after abdominal surgery. But adhesions also develop from sports injuries, repetitive strain, falls, and other causes. The key is identifying them early and exploring options before they cause significant restriction.
Step 1: Start With Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization
This is one option to explore. Manual soft tissue mobilization uses hands-on techniques to address adhesions and support normal tissue movement. A skilled practitioner works directly on the affected area, using specific pressure and movement patterns to help tissues move more freely.
This approach may be effective because adhesions are often accessible to touch. By applying targeted pressure and movement, practitioners work to help tissues separate and move independently. Consistent sessions over time may support changes in adhesion-related function.
Think of it like gently working with stuck parts to help them move more freely. It takes patience and multiple sessions.
Step 2: Use Advanced Acoustic Wave Therapy
If manual work alone isn’t giving you the results you need, acoustic wave therapy is another option to explore. Alternative Health & Healing Center uses PiezoWave 2, a non-invasive acoustic wave device designed for use on scar tissue and adhesions.
Here’s how it works: sound waves penetrate the tissue and create micro-trauma that may support your body’s natural response. This may help address adhesions and support better range of motion in the affected area. It’s one option for adhesions that haven’t responded well to manual therapy alone.
PiezoWave 2 is designed for musculoskeletal and myofascial areas, scar tissue, and adhesions. Some patients explore combining this with manual therapy as part of their overall approach.
Step 3: Try Magnetic Resonance Therapy
Chronic adhesions may be accompanied by chronic stress responses. Magnesphere is a magnetic resonance therapy device designed for relaxation. Refer to the device instructions for specific information about its intended use and any considerations for your situation.
When your body experiences stress, muscles may tighten and overall function may be affected. By supporting relaxation, devices like Magnesphere may help your nervous system respond differently. Sessions are non-invasive—you simply relax in the system while it operates. Some patients explore this alongside other therapies as part of their overall approach.
Step 4: Consider Spinal Decompression if Adhesions Affect Your Spine
If your adhesions are in or around the spine, spinal decompression therapy is one option to explore. This non-surgical approach uses precise traction to create space between vertebrae and reduce pressure on nerves and soft tissues.
When you have spinal adhesions, nerves may be compressed and tissues may be irritated. Decompression creates an environment where tissues have room to move. It’s one option if adhesions are limiting your mobility.
Step 5: Explore Regenerative Medicine Options
If conservative therapy isn’t enough, regenerative medicine offers additional options to explore. Alternative Health & Healing Center offers several regenerative approaches worth discussing.
Wharton’s Jelly Exosomes are a regenerative option. These are signaling molecules designed to support your body’s natural processes. When applied to adhesion sites, exosomes may support tissue response without the invasiveness of surgery.
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RPA (Regenerative Platelet-Rich Autologous) uses your own growth factors. Your body’s natural repair mechanisms are concentrated and directed at the adhesion site to support your tissue’s response.
Muse protocols combine multiple regenerative approaches. Dr. Finucan can discuss options based on your adhesion location and how your body responds to initial approaches.
These regenerative options work differently than manual or acoustic wave therapy. They support your body’s cellular response at a deeper level, making them one option for adhesions that have been present for a long time or that haven’t responded to other approaches.
Step 6: Support Your Approach With Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy delivered through Push Patch is a drug-free option to explore. These are administered through a needle-free iontophoresis delivery patch, making them convenient and non-invasive.
Peptides work at the cellular level. When combined with other adhesion approaches, peptide therapy may be one part of your overall plan. During a consultation with Dr. Finucan, you can discuss which peptide options might be worth exploring for your situation.
Step 7: Combine Physical Therapy With Professional Guidance
At-home exercises and stretching may be part of your overall approach, but they work best alongside professional care. Once a practitioner has addressed adhesions, targeted movement may help support your progress. Your overall plan should include a home care component that reinforces what happens in the clinic.
Every situation is different. What applies to one area may not apply to another. That’s why working with someone who understands your specific situation is important.
When to Consider Surgery (and When to Wait)
Surgery for adhesions is one option, but many patients explore conservative care, acoustic wave therapy, regenerative medicine, and manual work first. Surgery becomes a consideration when non-surgical approaches have been explored and adhesions are causing severe dysfunction or emergency symptoms like bowel obstruction.
Your healthcare team should discuss all available options before scheduling surgery.
Your Next Step: Get a Professional Evaluation
Every adhesion is different. Location, severity, how long you’ve had it, and your overall health all matter. That’s why the best place to start is with a comprehensive evaluation from someone who specializes in non-surgical musculoskeletal care.
Dr. Finucan at Alternative Health & Healing Center has over 40 years of experience with adhesions and scar tissue. He combines manual therapy, advanced technologies like PiezoWave 2, regenerative medicine, and other drug-free approaches to discuss options for your situation.
During a consultation, Dr. Finucan can assess your adhesions, explain which approaches are available, and discuss a step-by-step plan. This is how you can explore options and make informed decisions about your care.
Can adhesions go away on their own?
Adhesions may change over time, especially if you actively work on range of motion and avoid re-injury. Left untreated, most adhesions remain stable or may progress. Professional evaluation can help you understand your options.
How long does non-surgical adhesion care take?
This depends on how severe the adhesions are and how long you’ve had them. Newer adhesions may respond differently than older ones. Your practitioner can discuss a timeline after evaluating your specific situation.
Will my adhesions come back after treatment?
Adhesions may form again depending on various factors. That’s why your overall approach should include both addressing existing adhesions and exploring ways to support your long-term function. Staying active and following your practitioner’s recommendations may be part of your plan.
What should I know about acoustic wave therapy?
PiezoWave 2 therapy creates vibration and pressure during use. Refer to the device instructions for specific information about what to expect during sessions and any considerations for your situation. If you have concerns, discuss them with Dr. Finucan before your session.
Alternative Health & Healing Center Quick Facts
- Naples Fl: North Naples Fl on 41 behind Abby Carpet, near Wiggins Pass
The most advanced integrative wellness center in SW Florida
We are know for Sports injury, Regenerative Medicine, Chiropractic, AK Applied Kinesiology, Family Medical Center
6 amazing and caring Physicians with the latest treatments, Technologies, Stem Cell, RPA+Muse, Exosomes, Anti aging, Peptides, Vitamin IV’s and Chelation, Spinal Decompression. Avoid surgery and heal fast!