Call NowHow Long Is Recovery After MUA?
Muscle spasms, a frozen shoulder, herniated discs, and other painful conditions can take a toll on your ability to live life to the fullest. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or a long-standing injury, or you’re recovering from surgery, deep, scar-like conditions called adhesions may not respond to conservative treatments like simple exercises or stretching.
In some cases, MUA, or Manipulation Under Anesthesia, can treat joint pain and decreased mobility, restoring range of motion and normal function. But how long is recovery after this non-invasive treatment? Read on to learn all the details about MUA, and what you can expect during rehabilitation.
What Is MUA?
MUA is a noninvasive procedure used to treat chronic pain when other forms of treatment have been unsuccessful. By breaking up excessive scar tissue that often builds up after orthopedic surgery or injury, MUA improves the movement of soft tissue and joints, reestablishing optimal range of motion.
Before undergoing MUA, a patient goes through a set of examinations that include imaging tests and lab work. Your MUA professional uses these tests to identify the targeted area, ensuring the patient will benefit from the procedure.
While MUA is sometimes used to relieve acute pain, it’s most often recommended for patients who suffer from musculoskeletal problems, especially in the back, knee, or shoulder. When more conservative treatments don’t resolve the pain or improve range of motion, MUA can help. MUA can be an effective treatment for the following conditions:
- Chronic muscle spasms
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Complications from spinal surgery
- Frozen joints
- Herniated or degenerated spinal discs
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Nerve entrapment
- Ongoing pain or limited mobility after orthopedic surgery
During MUA, the patient is sedated under anesthesia. A trained, certified surgeon stretches and tears the scar tissue in the affected area, releasing tightness that improves range of motion. Through simple manipulation performed by your surgeon, your joint restriction is reduced, and muscle fibers are stretched. The result is improved range of motion and less pain.
How Long Is Recovery After MUA?
After an MUA procedure, the patient often sees an immediate improvement in mobility, but this is usually accompanied by feelings of soreness and fatigue. During MUA, the body essentially undergoes an intense exercise session, breaking down the muscles in the process. Your MUA professional will recommend a rehabilitation program that typically starts as soon as one week to 10 days following the procedure.
Rehabilitation programs include physical therapy sessions appropriate to each individual patient. Physical therapy can include ultrasound, heating, manual, electrostimulation, physical therapy exercises, and other activities that improve range of motion and mobility. While each patient’s rehabilitation journey differs, most patients regain full functional range of motion within 6 weeks after MUA.
Reduce Pain and Improve Your Mobility With MUA
Whether you’re searching for relief from chronic pain or you’re looking to regain functional mobility, MUA is an effective, non-invasive treatment that reduces pain and makes your body more flexible. While recovery from MUA is different from person to person, within a matter of weeks, you can start living a healthier, more active life. Contact the MUA specialists at Impact Medical Group of Sarasota today at (941) 222-1157 to schedule your free consultation!
