What Is Muscle Adhesion and How Does It Occur?

Muscle pain or soreness could be a warning sign of fibrous adhesion. Commonly called muscle adhesion, this condition occurs in the soft tissue where collagen fibers “stick” to adjacent tissue.

A variety of factors, from injury and trauma to immobilization due to a bone break, may lead to muscle adhesion. Beyond the feeling of discomfort, you may have decreased strength and range of motion from constricted elasticity of tendons and ligaments.

How Do Muscle Adhesions Occur?

Within the body, muscles and connective tissue help the movement of our bones. When an injury occurs, the fibers, collagen and fluid that make up these tissues experience what’s known as “microtrauma” or small tears. Inflammation resulting from the injury can also play a factor.

No specific tests exist to determine the presence of muscle adhesion. Instead, an assessment involving palpation and biomechanical dysfunction can identify the condition.

Common sources leading to a fibrous adhesion include:

In all scenarios, interior tissue scarring may result. While the body initiates repair, the tissue bands composing your muscles may develop mounds of collagen, as the tissue structurally weakens. These bands may eventually adhere to adjacent bands or tissue, forming scar tissue and resulting in more tension.

When you detect this sensation, your body may also experience alignment issues that place pressure on other joints and muscles, resulting in contoured muscle forms. This occurrence also has potential to lessen hydration and blood flow to the muscle.

However, adhesion should not be confused with a muscle knot, another response to trauma, stress or repetitive motion. Muscle knots occur when tissues contract or bunch together.

What Are Fascia?

The fascia is a network of tissue that supports all organs, blood vessels, bones and nerve fibers throughout your body. In terms of composition, the fascia includes a sensitive network of nerves, multiple layers of tissue and a liquid known as hyaluronan.

Similar to other muscles and tissue within your body, the fascia stretches as you move and can also thicken and develop adhesions. In its ideal form, fascia is flexible and smooth but if it dries out or experiences trauma, it can develop thicker areas that become trigger points. Along with trauma, factors like reduced mobility and repetitive motion also cause adhesion within the fascia.

Treatment for Muscle Adhesion

Treatments vary based on the muscle adhesion’s location. The goal is to deliver fluid and blood flow, lubricate the area and lessen pain. Solutions include:

• Active release therapy involves applying pressure to trigger points. At home, you can recreate similar motions with a foam roller.
• Heat therapy involves applying a heat pad to the tightened area until it starts to loosen.
• Yoga therapy involves specific poses to address pain stemming from the adhesion.
• Massage therapy and acupuncture further target trigger points. 

Along with physical therapy, you may be asked to make certain lifestyle changes, such as:

• Developing a regular exercise routine
• Taking regular breaks to stand up and be active throughout the day
• Regular stretching to lessen inflammation and loosen tight muscles
• Focusing on your posture as you sit and stand

If you’re experiencing pain from muscle adhesion, work our physical therapists to address the issue and develop stronger habits going forward. To learn more, contact Integrated Rehab today.