Does hurt equal harm after surgery?

Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Does hurt equal harm after surgery?

The nervous system is comprised of approximately 400 nerves that are all connected like a series of highways and functions as our body’s living breathing alarm system.  When the alarm system is triggered, pain is produced to grab our attention so that we can take action or get help.  This alarm system’s sensitivity can turn up or down. When it is more sensitive, it can produce pain sooner with less of a stimulus. This means low impact activities like walking, standing, stairs or placing load through a joint can be painful.

 Here are some things that can cause your body’s alarm system to be more sensitive:

  • Prolonged pain
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Failed past treatments
  • Decreased movement and decreased exercise
  • Negative beliefs about pain
  • High stress
  • Fear

Most people that decide to have a joint replacement have had at a minimum one of the above.  As we age, there are changes that occur in our joints that can lead to pain, swelling and inflammation.  Over time, this inflammation causes the nerves around the joint to become more sensitive and the alarm system is triggered with less activity.

Pain is normal and you are going to be OK.

When you have surgery, the surgeon does a great job of removing the arthritis that started your pain experience and providing a new smooth joint.   However it is normal to continue to experience pain after surgery, especially with walking and completing your exercise program.   The pain is not signaling damage to your new joint, but is caused in part by your extra sensitive alarm system.

Understanding what is driving the pain can be essential in helping calm your alarm system and allow you to be an active participant in rehab.   This education, paired with techniques to manage pain, empower you to have better pain management and a quicker recovery.   Our therapists are up to date on the latest evidence regarding pain and  have a passion for assisting patients reach their maximum potential.

For more information about Orthopedic Therapy call Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services at 882-7700.

Written by Dot McAreavey and Eric Fjeldheim, Physical Therapists
Last modified on Tuesday, August 18, 2020