Muscle pain after surgery

It’s difficult to imagine having muscle pain after surgery that is not related to the actual surgery itself, but it happens often! You’re going in to have something repaired so you can get Out of pain, so you wouldn’t think that the procedure could cause a new set of pain complaints, right? Many patients wake up to back, hip, neck or shoulder pain post-surgery due to positioning on the surgical table. Surgeons have to put your body in whatever position is best to ensure you have the best possible outcome from the surgery, and sometimes that means having arms moved over your head, or hips and legs rotated, or your neck and head extended back.

What can you do to prevent this? Talk to your surgeon in your pre-op appointment. Make sure he or she is aware of other areas that you have pain and that it’s noted in your chart. Ask how you will be positioned on the table. Is there a way to modify the position so that your body is in better alignment? Chances are favorable, but you need to address this with them prior to the day of the procedure. Once you reach the operating room their focus is on the subject of your surgery and making sure the repair is done properly.

If you still have lingering pain after your surgery, Neuromuscular Therapy and massage may help to alleviate those areas in the weeks after. You will need written clearance from your surgeon before you can schedule your session, so this is important to address at your post-op appointment.