Clear Passage Approach

Original Editor - Vidhi Jain Top Contributors - Vidhi Jain, Kim Jackson and Kirenga Bamurange Liliane

Introduction

Clear Passage Therapy, also known as the Clear Passage Approach, is a specialized form of manual physical therapy designed to address adhesions and restrictions in the body’s connective tissues, known as Fascia. Fascia is a web-like structure that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, and other structures in the body. When it becomes tight or restricted due to injury, surgery, or inflammation, it can cause a range of health issues, from pain to infertility.

Founded by Dr. Larry Wurn and his wife, Belinda Wurn, the therapy is based on the idea that gently and specifically releasing these adhesions of fascia can restore natural movement and function, leading to improved health and reduced pain.

Working mechanism of Clear Passage Therapy

Clear Passage Therapy employs a combination of manual therapy techniques, including the Wurn technique which was developed by co-founders Larry and Belinda Wurn.  The Wurn technique is a site-specific deep therapy. It is designed to deform and detach the bond of adhesions and return the body to normal, pain-free function of reproductive organs. These techniques are performed by skilled therapists who use their hands to manipulate the fascial tissues, gradually breaking down adhesions and restoring normal tissue mobility.

The therapy is typically conducted over a series of sessions, with each session lasting around 3-5 hours/day (breaks are included!) which makes treatment 20 hours over a week. During these sessions, therapists focus on the specific areas of concern, tailoring their approach to the patient’s unique needs.

Conditions Treated by Clear Passage Therapy

Clear Passage Therapy has shown promise in addressing a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

1. Chronic Pain: Many patients seek Clear Passage Therapy to alleviate chronic pain, such as back pain, pelvic pain, or abdominal pain, often resulting from adhesions or scar tissue.
2. Infertility: For individuals struggling with infertility due to pelvic adhesions or other structural issues, such as blocked tubes or endometriosis, Clear Passage Therapy offers a non-surgical option to improve fertility and decrease pain.
3. Post-Surgical Complications: After surgeries, adhesions can form and lead to complications like bowel obstructions. Clear Passage Therapy can help prevent or alleviate these issues.
4. Digestive Disorders: Although treatment does not cure the underlying cause, some digestive disorders, such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease, may benefit from the release of abdominal adhesions.
5. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Clear Passage Therapy can help with conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, which can cause urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

Evidence Supporting Clear Passage Therapy

Despite its recent introduction, continual research has yielded valuable insights into the efficacy of Clear Passage Therapy:

1. Infertility: A study published in the journal “Fertility and Sterility” in 2004 found that women with a history of infertility who underwent Clear Passage Therapy experienced a significant increase in pregnancy rates, suggesting its potential as a fertility treatment.
2. Pain Relief: Research published in the “Journal of Endometriosis” in 2014 demonstrated that Clear Passage Therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis.
3. Post-Surgical Adhesions: A study in the “World Journal of Gastroenterology” in 2018 showed that Clear Passage Therapy could decrease recurrent bowel obstruction, improving quality of life.

While these studies are promising, more extensive research is needed to fully understand the therapy’s mechanisms and its applications in various medical conditions. However, the existing evidence underscores it as a valuable treatment option.