Surgical adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form after operations, infections, or inflammation in the abdomen or pelvis.
For some people they cause little to no trouble, but for others they can lead to chronic pain, pulling sensations, digestive discomfort, or pelvic pain.
Conventional treatment focuses mainly on managing symptoms and, in severe cases, additional surgery. Many Earth Clinic readers ask what they can do at home to gently support healing and comfort without immediately returning to the operating room.
⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer
Natural remedies may help support comfort and tissue health, but they cannot replace medical care for surgical adhesions. Sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, inability to pass gas or stool, fever, or rapidly worsening symptoms can signal a bowel obstruction or other emergency—seek urgent medical help immediately.
What Are Surgical Adhesions?
Adhesions are strands or sheets of fibrous scar tissue that form as the body repairs itself after surgery, infection, or trauma. They can connect tissues and organs that are normally separate—such as loops of intestine, the abdominal wall, ovaries, bladder, or uterus—sometimes limiting normal movement and glide.
Common situations where adhesions may develop include:
- Abdominal or pelvic surgeries (C-section, hysterectomy, appendectomy, bowel surgery, gallbladder removal).
- Inflammatory conditions (pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, diverticulitis).
- Infections, radiation, or significant abdominal trauma.
Many adhesions cause no symptoms. When they do, people may notice:
- Chronic or intermittent abdominal or pelvic pain.
- “Pulling,” tightness, or stabbing sensations with certain movements.
- Bloating, gas, changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
- Pain with intercourse or certain exercises (especially pelvic surgeries).
Conventional Treatment Options
Standard medical care for adhesions focuses on:
- Monitoring: If symptoms are mild, many doctors watch and wait.
- Pain management: Medications, nerve blocks, or pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Adhesiolysis: Surgery (open or laparoscopic) to cut adhesions when they cause bowel obstruction, severe pain, or organ dysfunction.
While surgery can relieve serious problems, it also creates new surfaces that may form more adhesions. This is one reason many people seek gentle, non-surgical ways to support comfort, mobility, and tissue health.
Castor Oil Packs & Topicals
This is arguably the most popular home remedy for adhesion pain among Earth Clinic readers. It is traditionally used to promote circulation, lymph flow, and gentle tissue softening.
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack
- Prepare: Saturate a piece of wool or cotton flannel with high-quality, cold-pressed castor oil.
- Apply: Place the flannel directly over the abdomen or pelvic area (never on open wounds or fresh incisions).
- Heat: Cover with plastic wrap (to protect clothes) and place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top for 30–60 minutes.
- Relax: Use this time for deep breathing or meditation.
- Clean: Store the flannel in a jar in the fridge for reuse. Clean skin with baking soda and water to remove the sticky oil.
Frequency: 3–4 times per week is a common protocol.
Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy, menstruation (heavy flow), or immediately after surgery until incisions are fully healed.
Systemic Enzymes (Serrapeptase)
Systemic enzyme therapy is a cornerstone of natural adhesion support. Unlike digestive enzymes taken with food, systemic enzymes are taken on an empty stomach to enter the bloodstream and target inflammation and fibrin (the protein that makes up scar tissue).
- Serrapeptase: Derived from the silkworm, this enzyme is widely studied for its ability to dissolve non-living tissue (fibrin) and reduce inflammation.
- Nattokinase: Derived from fermented soy, often used for cardiovascular health and fibrin breakdown.
- Bromelain & Papain: Enzymes from pineapple and papaya that support general inflammation reduction.
⚠️ Safety Note: Systemic enzymes have mild blood-thinning effects. Always consult your doctor before using them if you take blood thinners (like Warfarin or aspirin), have a bleeding disorder, or have surgery scheduled soon.
Gentle Movement & Bodywork
Staying gently active is often more helpful than complete rest once you are cleared by your surgeon or doctor. Movement can encourage better circulation, reduce stiffness, and help the nervous system “down-regulate” pain.
1. Therapeutic Yoga & Stretching
- Focus on gentle, slow movements rather than deep twists or intense core work.
- Simple poses: supported child’s pose, gentle side bends, cat-cow, and hip flexor stretches—only in a pain-free or “comfortable stretch” range.
- Stop if you feel sharp, tearing, or worsening pain.
2. Pelvic & Visceral Therapy
- Visceral Manipulation: A manual therapy technique where a trained practitioner uses specific, gentle forces to encourage normal mobility of the internal organs and connective tissue.
- Self-Massage: Once fully healed (6+ weeks post-op), gentle circular massage around the scar tissue can help desensitize the area and improve glide.
Diet, Lifestyle & Supplements
While no diet can “melt” adhesions, certain lifestyle approaches may help reduce inflammation, support collagen quality, and improve overall comfort.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Reducing processed sugars, gluten, and dairy may lower systemic inflammation, which can make scar tissue less painful. Focus on omega-3 rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds.
- Hydration: Scar tissue is dehydrated tissue. Drinking adequate water keeps fascial layers lubricated and sliding more easily.
- Vitamin E: Often used topically on closed scars to keep skin pliable, or taken internally (under medical advice) for antioxidant support.
What Earth Clinic Readers & Other Users Report
Most Helpful Experiences
- Castor Oil Packs: The most consistently praised remedy. Users report softer tissue, less "pulling" pain, and better digestion after consistent use (3-6 months).
- Serrapeptase: Many readers report significant reduction in scar tissue bulk and pain after taking high-potency serrapeptase for several months.
- Visceral Manipulation: Users who found a skilled therapist often call it "life-changing" for chronic pelvic pain.
- Movement: "Yin Yoga" (holding gentle stretches for long periods) is frequently recommended for releasing deep fascial tightness.
Mixed or Cautionary Reports
- Too much pressure: Deep massage or aggressive stretching too soon after surgery caused increased pain for some.
- Enzyme Sensitivity: Some users reported joint pain or digestive upset when starting serrapeptase too quickly; starting with a low dose is key.
- Heat Sensitivity: A minority of users felt that heat made their inflammation worse; listen to your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can natural remedies fully dissolve adhesions?
There is no strong clinical evidence that home remedies can completely “dissolve” established adhesions like surgery can. However, many people find that supporting tissue mobility (via massage/stretching) and reducing inflammation (via enzymes/diet) can significantly improve comfort, function, and quality of life.
How long after surgery can I start these remedies?
Always follow your surgeon’s instructions. Generally: Systemic Enzymes: Usually after 2+ weeks (to ensure primary clotting/healing isn't affected). Castor Oil Packs: Only after incisions are 100% closed and scabs are gone (usually 4-6 weeks). Gentle Walking: Often encouraged immediately.
When should I NOT try to treat adhesions at home?
Seek emergency care if you have signs of bowel obstruction: severe or cramping abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, inability to pass gas or stool, or fever. Also avoid self-treating without guidance if your pain is rapidly worsening.
Natural remedies for surgical adhesions are best viewed as supportive allies—not magic erasers. Gentle movement, castor oil packs, systemic enzymes, and skilled hands-on therapy may help many people feel and function better. Work in partnership with your medical team, listen closely to your body, and make changes slowly. If you’ve tried any of these approaches, consider sharing your experience to help others on a similar path.
