Here’s How MUA Can Help Combat Post-Op Knee Stiffness

Imagine waking up weeks after having knee surgery, only to find that your knee is tight and stiff. So much for getting back to normal life, right? Post-operative knee stiffness is common and can frustrate many patients, hindering their recovery. Don’t worry. Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) may be beneficial to help you get back on your feet!

In this guide, our pain management team at Impact Medical Sun City Center explores how MUA can benefit patients suffering from post-operation stiffness and how the procedure works.

What is Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)?

So, you may be wondering, what exactly is manipulation under anesthesia? Well, it is a non-invasive procedure that aims to provide pain relief and restore mobility in patients suffering from different kinds of musculoskleletal conditions.

During an MUA procedure, the patient is put under general anesthesia, which allows the treatment team to manipulate their joints and soft tissues without causing any discomfort. We like to recommend MUA to patients who have yet to respond to other therapies or who have found manual therapies to be painful.

Advantages of MUA

One of the best advantages of manipulation under anesthesia is the ability to promote a greater range of motion compared to other techniques. When the muscles are relaxed, as they are when the patient is under general anesthesia, the practitioner can stretch and manipulate the area without encountering any resistance from muscle tightness.

Plus, MUA can help break up adhesions or scar tissue that may have firmed around the joints during knee surgery.

When is MUA Done?

Manipulation under anesthesia is often performed between 4 to 12 weeks following knee surgery. In some cases, we recommend that patients wait for at least 6 months to a year, but these instances are rare and can have greater risks associated with them.

What Are the Risks?

Overall, complications associated with MUA are rare. If there are any, they are often related to the force used to manipulate the knee that could result in fractures.

Applying enough force to break up adhesions and scar tissue without causing fractures is a skill. We always caution our patients about the risks before they undergo these procedures.

Is MUA Right For You?

While manipulation under anesthesia can offer promising results for many patients, it may not be a suitable therapy for everyone due to health factors or specific medical conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, advanced age, circulatory diseases, or acute arthritis.

All patients undergoing MUA must have reasonable expectations regarding the procedure’s result. A complete cure for pain or stiffness in the knee may not always be possible in every case, and it depends on many factors.

That said, when used appropriately and when administered in conjunction with other manual and rehabilitation therapies in place, MUA can be a valuable tool in relieving knee pain and improving mobility after knee surgery.

Remember, patients should consult with their healthcare provider before undergoing MUA to ensure its safety and suitability for their specific symptoms and medical condition.

Contact Impact Medical Sun City Center

If you are suffering from post-operative knee stiffness, don’t let it affect your daily life anymore! Our team of pain management specialists at Impact Medical Sun City Center is here to help.

We offer manipulation under anesthesia procedures that will help you get back on your feet. Plus, we offer flexible payment options so pain relief won’t set you back financially.

Ready to schedule an appointment for a consultation? Call us at (813) 938-5195 today!