- Adhesions are abnormal connective tissues in the body, causing muscles, joints, or organs to stick together. This leads to limited movement and pain.
- Symptoms include stiffness, tightness, pulling sensation, possible lumps under the skin, and restricted joint or muscle motion.
- Treatment involves physical therapy, massage, medications, or injections. Severe cases may require surgery, followed by rehabilitation to prevent recurrence.
Did you know?
Pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving may not just be ordinary soreness—it could be a sign of adhesions, caused by abnormal tissue accumulation. This can restrict joint movement, especially in the shoulders, knees, or hands. Untreated adhesions may worsen mobility.
Consult a bone and joint specialist at Vibhavadi Hospital, supported by a rehabilitation team, to relieve symptoms and restore movement and quality of life.
What Are Adhesions and Are They Dangerous?
Adhesions are connective tissues the body forms to repair or protect injured areas, such as from inflammation, surgery, or chronic injury. Normally, connective tissue helps muscles and organs function together.
With adhesions, tissue becomes thick, stiff, and abnormally attached, reducing movement—unlike normal, flexible connective tissue.
Untreated adhesions can cause tightness, pain, and limited motion. Some cases require professional treatment such as physical therapy or surgery to restore function and reduce discomfort.
Symptoms of Adhesions
Symptoms vary depending on location but generally affect movement or sensation:
- Pain or discomfort at the affected area
- Stiffness, hardness, or pulling sensation
- Limited joint or muscle movement
- Palpable lumps under the skin (sometimes)
- Numbness, tingling, or burning if nerves are compressed
- Internal organ adhesions may cause abdominal tightness, pain, or discomfort
Causes of Adhesions
Adhesions result from abnormal tissue repair, causing excessive connective tissue that restricts muscles, joints, or organs. Common causes include:
- Surgery or wounds: Overactive healing or inflammation can cause tissue to stick, limiting movement and causing pain.
- Chronic inflammation: Repeated inflammation in tendons, joints, or muscles thickens adhesions, causing stiffness and chronic pain.
- Muscle or tendon injuries: Tears from heavy use or accidents may result in adhesions if proper rehabilitation is not done.
- Internal organ adhesions: Often due to surgery or infection, leading to abdominal pain, bloating, or fertility issues.
- Tissue repair abnormalities: Genetic conditions like Dupuytren’s contracture can form thick adhesions without injury.
- Radiation or chemicals: Radiation or long-term chemical exposure can trigger abnormal tissue repair.
Effects on the Body
Adhesions impact both external and internal body functions:
- Muscles and joints: Restricted movement, stiffness, and pain; prolonged cases may weaken muscles or affect mobility.
- Internal organs: Can cause chronic abdominal pain, digestive issues, or infertility.
Seek specialist care for unexplained stiffness, pain, or movement limitation to prevent progression.
Diagnosis of Adhesions
Diagnosis helps identify location and severity, guiding treatment:
- History & physical exam: Symptoms, prior surgeries, injuries, or inflammation.
- Ultrasound: Detects thickened tissue or adhesions non-invasively.
- MRI: Evaluates deep muscles, joints, or internal organs.
- CT Scan: Assesses internal organ adhesions in certain cases.
- Endoscopy (Laparoscopy/Arthroscopy): Direct visualization and possible simultaneous treatment.
Treatment of Adhesions
Non-surgical
First-line for mild or early-stage adhesions:
- Physical therapy: Stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises
- Massage / Myofascial release: Relieves tissue restrictions
- Heat/cold therapy: Reduces stiffness, inflammation, and pain
- Medications: NSAIDs to manage acute pain
Injection therapy
For dense or inflamed adhesions:
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation
- Hydrodissection / Hyaluronic acid: Separate adhesions from surrounding tissue
- PRP therapy: Uses patient’s platelets to stimulate healing
Surgical treatment
For severe adhesions unresponsive to conservative care:
- Open surgery: Direct removal of deep or widespread adhesions
- Minimally invasive (Arthroscopic/Laparoscopic): Small incisions for internal joints or organs
- Post-surgery rehab: Essential to prevent recurrence and restore movement
Rehabilitation After Treatment
- Rest & activity modification: Avoid overuse or repetitive motions
- Physical therapy: Stretching, mobility exercises, and correct posture
- Strengthening exercises: Stabilize muscles around affected areas
- Heat/cold therapy: Relieve stiffness and inflammation
- Assistive devices: Supports or braces to protect movement
- Follow-up: Monitor progress and adjust rehab plan
Adhesion Massage Techniques
- Deep tissue pressure: Apply consistent pressure to loosen tissue
- Myofascial release: Stretch tissue along muscle fibers
- Stretching massage: Post-release stretches to improve flexibility
- Recommended 2–3 times per week or per therapist advice, with heat/cold as needed
Prevention of Adhesions
- Regular exercise to maintain flexibility
- Stretching muscles and joints before/after activity
- Avoid repetitive stress or overuse
- Adequate rest and recovery
- Immediate care for injuries
- Physical therapy or massage
- Maintain proper posture and body mechanics
- Healthy weight and nutrition
- Annual health check-ups
Adhesion Treatment at Vibhavadi Hospital
Untreated adhesions can affect movement and quality of life. Vibhavadi Hospital provides comprehensive care with bone and joint specialists and rehabilitation teams. Treatments include physical therapy, injections, or surgery to restore movement and improve quality of life.
Summary
Adhesions are abnormal connective tissue causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Untreated, they affect daily life and muscle, joint, or organ function. Accurate diagnosis allows tailored treatment: physical therapy, massage, injections, or surgery.
Post-treatment rehabilitation and preventive measures—exercise, stretching, and proper body mechanics—help restore movement and prevent recurrence. At Vibhavadi Hospital, specialists provide full care focusing on recovery and quality of life.
FAQ
Can adhesions heal on their own?
Most adhesions do not fully resolve naturally. Without treatment, pain, stiffness, and mobility issues may worsen.
Which adhesion symptoms require immediate medical attention?
Severe pain, inability to move joints/muscles, palpable hard lumps, or persistent tingling/burning requires urgent evaluation.
How long is recovery after adhesion surgery?
Depends on location/severity. Skin or small joint adhesions: ~2–6 weeks. Deep or extensive cases: 2–3 months with guided rehab.
Can self-massage eliminate adhesions?
Self-massage can relieve tightness and improve flexibility but usually cannot fully remove adhesions, especially if deep. Professional therapy, injections, or surgery may be needed.
