Releasing adhesions: how does it work?

What are adhesions?

Adhesions are areas where layers of tissue that should normally glide smoothly over one another can become stuck together. They are generally understood to involve the fascia — the continuous web of connective tissue that wraps around muscles, organs, nerves and blood vessels in the body. In healthy tissue, fascia is supple and hydrated, allowing the structures it surrounds to slide and move relatively independently. When an adhesion develops, fibres in this network can cross-link and tighten, creating a localised ‘sticky’ zone that no longer moves as freely.

You can picture fascia as layered fabric soaked in fluid: when everything is well hydrated and mobile, the layers slip past each other easily. An adhesion is like a spot where the fabric has dried out and bonded together. Because fascia is one connected system, a restriction in one place may subtly influence how tissue feels and moves elsewhere. This is general educational information and is not a medical diagnosis.

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A bonding of tissue layers

Fascia fibres can cross-link where they would normally glide
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Often local, sometimes wider-reaching

Fascia is one continuous network throughout the body

If you would like to understand the connective-tissue network in more depth first, read our background article on what fascia is. Adhesions also matter around scars — read how we approach treating scar tissue.

How do they form?

Adhesions are generally considered part of the body’s natural response to injury, surgery or prolonged immobility. Wherever tissue heals or is held still for a long time, the fascia may lose some of its glide and begin to bond. Understanding the common causes can help explain why a particular area might feel tight or restricted. This is general information and not a substitute for advice from your doctor.

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Surgery and scar tissue

As an incision heals, new collagen is laid down. This scar tissue is typically less organised than the original fascia and can bind neighbouring layers together — a pattern often described after abdominal surgery and a Caesarean section.
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Scars from injury

Cuts, burns and other wounds heal through a similar collagen-building process, which can leave the surrounding tissue feeling tethered.
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Inactivity and immobility

When a joint or region is kept still for long periods — through illness, a plaster cast or a very sedentary routine — the fascia may be denied the movement that helps keep it hydrated and supple.
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Repetitive strain over time

Repeated loading of the same tissues, or holding one posture for long stretches, may gradually reduce the natural glide between layers.

Which complaints do they cause?

Because fascia is closely involved in how we move, adhesions are often associated with a feeling of tightness or restriction, and they can sometimes coincide with tender local spots — see also our explainer on trigger points and muscle knots. Many people describe the experience in similar ways, though everyone is different, and any persistent or worsening symptom should always be assessed by a doctor or other medical professional first. The descriptions below are educational and are not a diagnosis.

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A sense of restricted movement

Tissue that no longer glides freely can make a region feel tight, pulling or less mobile than expected.
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A pulling or tethered sensation

Around scars in particular, the skin and deeper layers can feel stuck to one another.
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Reduced comfort during certain movements

Some people notice that particular stretches or postures feel less easy than they used to.

Please note: this information is educational and is not a medical diagnosis. We do not promise to cure or resolve any specific complaint, and soft-tissue work does not replace advice or treatment from your doctor. If you have pain, a recent operation or an ongoing condition, consult your GP or treating specialist before booking soft-tissue work, and let us know during your consultation.

How do you release them?

Discuss the training and experience of your individual practitioner beforehand. Bodyreading means discussing your wishes and tailoring the massage; it is not a medical diagnosis. Read more: BodyFix Method.

The practitioner uses hand movements and adjusts pressure to your comfort. A change in sensation does not establish that skin, muscle or other tissue layers have been structurally released.

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Bodyreading first

Every journey starts with a consultation first assessment. The therapist looks at and feels the tissue to map where it moves freely and where it feels restricted.

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Targeted manual work

Pressure is adjusted to your comfort. Report pain immediately; releasing internal adhesions is not a promised treatment outcome.

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Lymphatic support

Device-assisted lymphatic drainage is a separately bookable service. It is not included in manual massage as standard, and a better combined effect is not guaranteed.

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Build over sessions

There is no established number of Bodyfix sessions for releasing adhesions. Any follow-up is a personal choice based on suitability and your experience.

To learn more about the hands-on technique itself, read our explainer on what connective tissue massage is, or browse our full range of treatments.

Scars and C-section

Scars are one of the more common places where adhesions are described, because the collagen laid down during healing can bind the skin to the deeper layers beneath. This is often reported after a Caesarean section, where the abdominal scar may feel tight, numb or tethered as it matures.

After a scar is fully healed, discuss gentle massage with your clinician if you find it comfortable. We do not promise recovery of internal adhesions, skin structure or abdominal function.

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Only on a fully healed scar

Scar work should never begin until a wound has closed and healed, and only with the agreement of your doctor or midwife.
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Postpartum and C-section care

We aim to support recovery after pregnancy with techniques chosen for your individual situation, in your own time and with your doctor’s clearance.

Have a question about whether your scar is ready for treatment? You will find practical answers in our frequently asked questions, and we are always happy to discuss it during a free consultation.

Start with a free consultation

If you suspect a medical cause for symptoms, discuss it with your doctor first. The free Bodyfix consultation has a 10-minute booking slot and is intended to discuss your wishes and the limits of our massage.

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Free consultation (10-minute booking slot)

Included, with no obligation to book a treatment
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Legmeerplein 7 & Haarlemmermeerstraat 115

Two locations in Amsterdam-Zuid, By phone: 09:00–18:00; treatment availability is shown in the booking calendar
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+31 6 5580 4938

Or email info@bodyfix.nl

Book a free consultation View treatments

Sources and medical background

NHS: Scars · NCCIH: Massage Therapy — What You Need To Know

These sources provide general information; they do not establish the effectiveness of the Bodyfix Method. Checked on 10 September 2026.