Managing Pain After a Knee or Shoulder Surgery

According to recent research, general pain medications and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) have been found to work better for postoperative joint pain management than opioids.¹ The patients in the studies were recovering from knee or shoulder surgeries. After surgery, some were given opioids and others were given OTC (over-the-counter) pain medications. The researchers found that "the nonopioid regimen provided at least the same if not more pain control and patient satisfaction, compared with the standard opioid regimen."¹ This is amazing news!

Opioids are known to be effective, but addictive. The opioid crisis in America has cost many lives, nearly a million since 1999 to be more exact.² Doctors have been looking for ways to help people with pain management while also protecting them from addiction.

Now that we know that OTC pain medications can be more effective than opioids for joint surgeries, we can take that fact and run with it (possibly literally!) If a patient pairs their OTC pain medications, which are easier to buy and use without long-term complications, and pairs them with movement, their recovery process will be effective, safe, and long-lasting!

The OTC pain medications help with the short-term pain. Physical therapy exercises help with the long-term pain. Movement strengthens the muscles that support the affected joints. Movement also works alongside OTC pain medications to reduce inflammation and improve stiffness. The pain medications are just what help you stand back up after surgery. The movement is what keeps you walking. Movement is actually so effective at joint recovery that it can even eliminate the need for surgery altogether!

If you are considering joint surgery or are recovering from joint surgery, be pain free sooner by scheduling an appointment with one of our physical therapists. They can help you decrease your pain levels, prevent further injury, increase your range of motion and flexibility, and improve your strength.