Rehabilitating after an orthopedic surgery is a long, difficult process that can take months–and, in most cases, the improvement in function and mobility are well worth the wait. But what happens if your pain lingers far longer than it should? Post-surgery chronic pain does happen, but fortunately, Synergy Therapeutic Group is here to help.
Post-surgery chronic pain refers to pain that lasts for months or years after a surgical procedure. If left unaddressed, it can limit your mobility and independence and profoundly affect your quality of life.
However, you don’t have to live with this pain. Physical therapy offers an effective approach to managing and even overcoming your discomfort so you can experience the full benefits of your surgical procedure.
Today, we want to share some of the ways our Carbondale, IL, and Du Quoin, IL physical therapists can help you address chronic pain after surgery. Keep reading to learn more–or give us a call for more personalized guidance!
Three Reasons You Might Develop Post-Surgery Chronic Pain (And What We Can Do About Them)
Surgery-Related Nerve Damage
Even with the most careful surgical techniques, nerves can sometimes be irritated or injured during the process, leading to long-term discomfort. This type of pain can feel sharp, tingling, or burning and can persist long after the incision has healed.
How We Can Help
We’ll help manage nerve pain using targeted exercises and techniques to stimulate nerve function and reduce discomfort. Hands-on manual therapy techniques can also promote healing and relieve symptoms.
Scar Tissue
This is one of the biggest culprits for post-surgery chronic pain. As your body heals, it naturally forms scar tissue at the surgical site. In some cases, this scar tissue can press on surrounding tissues or nerves, causing discomfort or restricting movement. Scar tissue that forms in areas like the joints can severely impact your range of motion.
How We Can Help
Physical therapy can break down scar tissue through targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques, helping to prevent scar tissue from limiting your range of motion or causing discomfort.
Scar tissue is also why post-surgical rehabilitation is so essential–early movement and regular physical therapy after surgery can help prevent scar tissue formation, preventing chronic pain and immobility.
Long-Term Inflammation
While inflammation is a normal part of the healing process after surgery, in some cases, it can become prolonged and lead to chronic pain. For example, persistent swelling around muscles, tendons, or joints can limit your range of motion and create lasting discomfort.
How We Can Help
Targeted exercises and modalities like laser therapy or ultrasound can reduce inflammation and swelling. By improving circulation and promoting healing, we’ll help ease pain and restore mobility.
Start Managing Your Post-Surgery Chronic Pain Today!
Surgery can be a lifesaver for people dealing with chronic pain conditions or major orthopedic injuries, but chronic pain can often make you feel worse off than before you underwent the procedure.
At Synergy Therapeutic Group, we understand how frustrating that can be. Our team will work with you to understand the reasons for your pain and create a personalized treatment program so you can find relief.
Schedule an appointment with us today to get started!
