Medical Research & Educational Resources

At Healwell Lymphatics & Massage, we believe informed clients make empowered healthcare decisions. This resource page features medical research, clinical studies, and educational articles related to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), post-surgical recovery, fibrosis prevention, scar tissue management, chronic pain, myofascial therapy, and therapeutic massage. While research continues to evolve, these studies help support our evidence-informed approach to care and provide valuable insight into the benefits of manual therapy. We encourage you to explore these resources and discuss any questions with your healthcare provider or our team.

Soft Tissue Mobilization May Help Reduce Adhesion-Related Pain

Abdominal adhesions can develop after surgery or injury and may contribute to pain, restricted movement, digestive symptoms, and other functional limitations. This systematic review examined nine studies evaluating soft tissue mobilization (STM), including myofascial and manual therapy techniques, for adhesion-related symptoms.

Researchers found evidence that soft tissue mobilization may help reduce pain, improve function and quality of life, increase scar mobility, and support recovery from both surgical and non-surgical adhesions. Several studies also reported improvements in posture, pressure tolerance, and reduced need for pain medication.

While additional research is needed, this review suggests that skilled manual therapy may be a valuable, non-invasive option for managing adhesion-related discomfort and improving function after abdominal surgery.

Read the full study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31103106/