What Are Soft Tissue Adhesions and Why They Matter?

bblackford5
Jul 8
3 min read

Soft tissue adhesions can be frustrating. They often show up after an injury, surgery, or even just repetitive strain, creating stiff, sticky areas that make movement painful and limited. While adhesions are part of the body’s natural healing process, they can sometimes bind muscles, fascia, and other tissues together in ways that aren’t helpful.

In physical therapy, breaking up adhesions isn’t about forcing them apart—it’s about gently remodeling the tissue, restoring mobility, and helping your body move the way it’s meant to. Here’s how we do it.

Understanding Adhesions and Why They Matter

Think of adhesions like internal “cobwebs” that form between layers of tissue. Instead of your muscles and fascia gliding smoothly over each other, these areas get stuck. Over time, adhesions can lead to stiffness, pain, and even compensatory movement patterns that create new problems elsewhere.

Physical therapy focuses on addressing these restrictions through targeted, safe techniques so you can move freely again.

1. Hands-On Techniques to Release Tight Tissue

One of the most effective ways to treat adhesions is with skilled manual therapy. Your physical therapist uses specific techniques to soften and stretch tight areas while promoting healthy blood flow and tissue remodeling.

Myofascial Release involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to loosen restrictions in the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds muscles.
Deep Tissue Mobilization targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, helping to break down scar tissue and restore normal movement.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) uses specialized tools to reach adhesions and encourage the proper alignment of healing tissue.

These techniques are tailored to your body and pain tolerance, ensuring a balance between effectiveness and comfort.

2. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy: Going Beyond the Surface

At our clinic, we also use deep tissue laser therapy to enhance the healing process. Unlike standard low-level lasers, our advanced Class IV laser penetrates deeply into the muscles and fascia to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and soften stubborn scar tissue.

This isn’t just a surface-level treatment—you may feel a gentle warmth as the laser works to improve circulation and tissue elasticity. Many patients notice reduced pain and improved mobility even after their first few sessions. When combined with manual therapy, laser treatment helps prepare the tissue for stretching and movement exercises, making progress feel smoother and faster.

3. Restoring Mobility with Targeted Movement

Once the tissue is more pliable, we guide you through specific exercises that reinforce healthy movement and prevent adhesions from returning.

Range of Motion Exercises help restore normal movement patterns and prevent stiffness from setting back in.
Stretching and Mobility Drills keep tissues flexible and encourage proper glide between muscle layers.
Strength Training—especially eccentric exercises (lengthening under tension)—helps realign fibers in a way that supports functional movement.

Movement is a key part of the healing process, and we’ll customize a plan to fit your needs and activity level.

4. Supporting Your Progress at Home

Your physical therapist will also teach you simple strategies to maintain your gains between sessions. This might include self-massage, foam rolling, or a personalized stretching routine. Staying consistent with these practices is essential for keeping your tissues healthy and preventing future problems.

When to See a Physical Therapist for Adhesions

If you’ve noticed stiffness, pain, or limited range of motion that doesn’t improve on its own, physical therapy can help. Breaking up adhesions takes time and the right combination of techniques, but with a personalized plan, you can get back to moving and feeling your best.

Don’t let scar tissue or adhesions hold you back—schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward restoring your mobility.