Shooting Pain After Exercise

Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Abdominal Surgery and the Case for Pelvic Floor Therapy

I just got off the ice from my usual Sunday morning skate—feeling strong, grounded, and in my body. But a conversation in the locker room reminded me how easily we overlook critical pieces of our health, especially when it comes to abdominal pain.
A guy mentioned his girlfriend had to go to the ER the day before. She was experiencing intense pain in the area of her right ovary. Despite tests, imaging, and assessments, the hospital couldn’t find anything “wrong.” The kicker? She’d had an appendectomy in the past.

Immediately, I thought: Of course she’s in pain. It’s likely ovulation-related, and that old abdominal surgery could be playing a major role.
Unfortunately, hospitals often miss the connection between abdominal scar tissue and visceral (organ) function. They may hand out pain meds, note a “complicated medical history,” and send you home. But here’s what’s usually missing from that conversation: scar tissue from abdominal surgeries like an appendectomy can significantly impair how your organs move, function, and interact with each other.

The Hidden Cost of Abdominal Surgeries

Whether it’s an appendectomy, C-section, laparoscopic procedure, or another abdominal surgery, your body forms scar tissue as part of the healing process. But this scar tissue doesn’t always stay in place—it can bind to organs, muscles, and even nerves.
This restriction in visceral motility—how organs like the ovaries, uterus, and colon move—can lead to a range of problems, especially for women. Imagine your ovary trying to shift slightly during ovulation, only to be yanked back by scar tissue tethered to the abdominal wall. That can trigger shooting pain, bloating, and even difficulty conceiving.

How Scar Tissue Affects Your Entire Body

Abdominal scars don’t just sit quietly on the surface. They can:
• Tug on the spine, leading to poor posture or even scoliosis
• Disrupt pelvic alignment and stability
• Impair bowel function, causing constipation and bloating
• Create chronic menstrual pain or painful ovulation
• Contribute to hip pain, low back pain, and sciatica
• Lead to urinary urgency, pain during intercourse, and even difficulty reaching orgasm
• Affect biomechanics down the chain, resulting in knee pain or plantar fasciitis

Why Every Woman Who’s Had Abdominal Surgery Needs Pelvic Floor Therapy

Here’s the truth: if you’re a woman and you’ve had abdominal surgery—even years ago—you need pelvic floor therapy. This isn’t just about kegels or core exercises. It’s about restoring your internal mobility, breaking down scar adhesions, and reharmonizing your pelvic floor, fascia, and nervous system.
Specialized therapy can help:
• Dissolve abdominal scar tissue
• Restore core strength and coordination
• Improve bowel and bladder function
• Reduce pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction
• Re-align the hips and spine to prevent further complications

Takeaway: Don’t Ignore the Pain

Pain in your lower abdomen, hip, or back isn’t always a gynecological issue or something to “wait out.” It could be your body trying to function against an internal restriction it can’t overcome on its own.
If you or someone you love has had abdominal surgery and is experiencing mysterious symptoms—trust your gut (literally). Seek out a pelvic floor therapist trained in visceral manipulation and scar tissue release.
You don’t have to live with chronic pain, bloating, or dysfunction. There is a reason behind it—and more importantly, there’s a way forward.