Comments on: Bad Adhesion - Need ATR Veteran’s advice

By: doryt

doryt — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:12:32 +0000

Hi Nickokie,
How is the adhesion now at 56 weeks? Have you been doing any deep massages yourself or get back to the PT therapist for their opionion? I have not been able to have any Graston teechnique at the PT since I am still dealing with a small area of my iincision not completely closed. I am at about 37 weeks now. I do a deep massage myself daily and dig in there with a kitchen spoon as close as I can get without messing with my wound. I did ask my surgeon about doing this and he is OK with me doing my own deep massage. Since I can not push on the center of my wound area it feels like I have pushed all the scar tissue to a head and it wants to pop like a pimple. Once my wound is closed the skin will still be fragile for a time. My surgeon said he could do adhesion and scar tissue removal laparoscopy if I need it.
Continue with happy healing. I also injured mine on box jumps at Cross Fit. I still shy away from them.

By: Christine

Christine — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:07:46 +0000

My PT also uses the Graston Technique, and she started it the day I got out of the cast (6 weeks post op.) It hurts very badly, but I feel a noticeable difference as soon as she is finished. I still have some serious adhesions, but she’s working on them every time I go. Good luck with your search.

By: nickokie

nickokie — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:54:45 +0000

Sounds like I need to seek out a knowledgeable therapist and get opinion if it is fixable at this point in the recovery. Thanks for the thoughts guys….

By: ryanb

ryanb — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:09:58 +0000

I meant to say: PT sessions with her were 75% Graston massage-

By: ryanb

ryanb — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:09:01 +0000

I had 2 therapists - the second one was a big fan of the Graston massage. I would estimate that the PT sessions with her were about 75%. She used a plastic scraper tool.

I will say that it was quite painful. But, I also think it was helpful. We didn’t start this until ~5months post surgery. I was left with the impression that it could be helpful at any time (such as where you’re at - 11months).

By: normofthenorth

normofthenorth — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:14:03 +0000

I don’t know that about this (and I’ve still got a tiny adhesion myself from my first, surgical, ATR). But I do know that many good (or at least aggressive) PTs drool at the chance to break up post-surgical adhesions. Also, I’ve heard good things (here) about an aggressive (and somewhat painful) technique called Graston (sp?) massage. It’s something like deep massage with a spoon-like implement applying pressure, maybe along with manipulation. Probably sooner is better than later, so I’d shop around for a good PT ASAP.

Also, presumably at 11 months post-op, you can be as aggressive as you like with stretches and exercise. Sorry I don’t know the odds of breaking up an 11-month-old adhesion.