Hello @mary6756 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I read with interest your post on managing symptoms of IBS and abdominal pain. You mentioned having adhesions. From that comment, I'm guessing that you have had abdominal surgery. I have had three surgeries for carcinoid cancer in the upper digestive tract and have similar problems of IBS, constipation and abdominal pain.

It was interesting that you mentioned the massage just under the ribs. I've had a consult with a pelvic floor therapist who promoted this same technique. She recommended massage starting on one side of the abdomen and working across (under the ribs) in a similar manner that you described and then down the other side of the abdomen. I've also found this very helpful in creating peristalsis. The doctor you saw, who looked at you strangely when you described this technique, must not be familiar with pelvic floor therapy techniques.

Smaller meals, chewing well and eating slowly are all very helpful. Your diet sounds like something that would help most people with these types of digestive tract problems.

Have you had pelvic floor therapy, or did you learn these techniques on your own?