01/29/2026
This is something we regularly see and manage in our practice here!
🧠New Evidence on Manual Therapy for Post-Surgical Adhesion Symptoms
📌 What’s it about?
A recent systematic review in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies examined the impact of manual therapy on symptoms related to adhesions after abdominal surgery, a clinical issue we frequently encounter in postoperative rehabilitation.
🧪 Key Takeaways for PTs:
âś… Abdominal adhesions are common, with up to 90% of patients developing adhesions within 12 to 24 months after surgery. Traditional management often involves surgical adhesiolysis, which carries risks and potential for recurrence.
âś… Manual therapy shows promise as a non-invasive adjunct for managing adhesion-related symptoms, including pain reduction, improved function, and relief of gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal complaints.
âś… This review screened 773 studies and focused on outcomes from nine relevant articles comparing manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and visceral mobilization for adhesion-related issues.
âś… Evidence supports potential benefits across acute and chronic adhesion presentations, though study quality and sample sizes are limited.
👩‍⚕️ Clinical Implications:
➡️ Manual techniques, including soft tissue and visceral mobilization, may complement conventional care for patients struggling with adhesion-related symptoms after abdominal surgery.
➡️ These approaches could help improve patient comfort and mobility when integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan, especially in the context of post-operative scar and visceral mobility work.
➡️ Further high-quality research is still needed, but this review supports evidence-informed use of manual therapy in specific clinical scenarios.
đź’ Takeaway for PT Practice:
Manual therapy is emerging as a viable adjunct in addressing symptoms linked to abdominal adhesions, offering a non-surgical option that aligns with holistic, movement-focused rehabilitation goals.
