« Massage in Unusual Places | Fingertips Home | When You Hit The Wall »

June 11, 2007

Releasing Scar Tissue Following Gall Bladder Surgery

A client presented a history that includes a gall bladder surgery. There was much scarring internally around the surgery site that created a great deal of discomfort for the client. Following several complaints and doctors appointment, the surgeon agreed to go back in and re-operate at the site to clear away scar tissue.

The client was much more comfortable following this surgery, but continues to have side effects from the original surgery. A pulling or stitching sensation catches them by surprise, occasionally. The only way they can get the pain to stop is to lay on their left side and dig their hands under the ribcage on the right. I believe they are performing a sort of rudimentary visceral manipulation on themselves.

I decided to go in with my knowledge to see what I could feel. Some restriction on the right side exists around the liver interfering with motility. Rather than a smooth lateral superior/medial inferior roll of the liver, the organ rolls laterally to a point, then superiorly slightly, then lateral superior. This implies a connective tissue restriction consistent with scarring near the liver.

With very gentle pressure, I worked to improve the motility of the organ first. Then accessed any restriction I could find in the gall bladder region. Finally, I followed the restriction which led me to a structure that felt like the bile duct of the liver. The client experienced the occasional pain that is familiar to them. Then it eased as I worked. Then, I ran out of time.

Upon leaving the practice room, the client reported that the pain and pulling felt better, but they could feel a great deal of tension in the back. In visceral manipulation, we are taught the concept of "waking up a little something." Ideally, the body can then work its way toward homeostasis and resolve the problem on its own. If after a couple of weeks the client comes back reporting continued back tension around where we worked, I will readdress the issue looking at the kidney (notice renal impression on liver illustration) and diaphragm as potential sites for adhesions.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health gallbladder gall bladder

Posted by linda at June 11, 2007 9:54 AM