Adhesions form as the body’s first response to trauma, surgery, infection, or inflammation. These adhesions are made up of strong, fibrous cross-links that attach to the nearby tissues and organs of the damaged area. When the abdomen or bowel experiences trauma, adhesions can begin to form in the bowels, causing bowel obstructions. These adhesions can cause bowel obstruction in three different ways.
1. Adhesions can form inside the bowel.
When the bowel experiences trauma, such as surgery to remove part of the bowel, adhesions can form inside the bowel. These adhesions, made of thick collagen bonds, make it difficult for food to pass and can often cause cramping and pain during the digestion process.
2. Adhesions can surround and restrict the bowel from the outside.
After a pelvic or abdominal trauma, adhesions can form outside the bowels. These adhesions can surround the delicate tissues of the bowel, restricting and pinching them from the outside. This causes a decrease in digestive function and often pain and cramping after eating.
3. Adhesions can surround and kink the bowel like a garden hose.
When adhesions form on the outside of the bowel, they can surround the bowel, causing it to kink much like a garden hose. This often creates a partial bowel obstruction, which makes the digestion of solid foods difficult.
Treatment options offered to those who experience bowel obstruction are generally surgery. However, surgical treatment for clearing bowel obstructions is the main cause of repeat obstructions. This can often lead to an endless cycle of obstructions and repeated surgeries.
A new non-surgical technique, known as the Wurn Technique®, is now being examined as an alternative treatment for bowel obstruction. This therapy uses hands-on physical therapy techniques to address the underlying adhesions that cause bowel obstruction.
Don’t let adhesions control your life – take charge with Clear Passage® Physical Therapy’s innovative approach to treating bowel obstructions. Request Information and schedule your Free Consultation today to learn how our expert therapists can help you break free from recurring obstructions, then visit our Apply to Therapy page to start your journey towards lasting relief and improved digestive health.
“If the information in this article sounds like it may relate to what you’re experiencing, the team at Clear Passage® Physical Therapy is here to help. Many people living with this condition simply want to know if there is a natural treatment option without drugs or surgery that could work for them. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can request more information to speak with a knowledgeable team member who will review your situation and help you understand whether this specialized therapy may be a good fit. If you’re ready to move forward, you can also apply for therapy so the clinical staff can carefully review your health history and determine the best path toward relief. Taking a few minutes to reach out could be the first step toward getting answers—and possibly getting your life back.”