Finding Relief After Surgery
How Physical Therapy Helps Ease Post-Operative Swelling
May Newsletter
After her knee replacement surgery, Anna (not her real name) thought the hard part was over. But just days into her recovery, the swelling worsened to the point that she couldn’t bend her knee, put weight on her leg, or sleep comfortably. Ice packs and elevation weren’t enough, either.
Frustrated and anxious, Anna worried she’d never regain her mobility. But then she began working with the team at Rising Sun Physical Therapy. With a personalized treatment program that utilized proven physical therapy techniques with a holistic, mind-body approach, Anna finally found relief.
The swelling began to ease, and so did Anna’s fear. With guidance and support, she was able to get back on her feet — literally — and focus on her post-surgical rehabilitation.
Recovering after surgery can be a lengthy process, and those early days can be particularly intimidating. But our team is here to guide you, no matter your needs.
Why Does Swelling Happen After Surgery?
Post-surgical swelling — or post-surgical edema, to use its medical name — is a natural part of the healing process. It’s your body’s way of protecting the area and sending extra fluid to support tissue repair. But when that swelling becomes excessive or doesn’t resolve in the expected time frame, it can delay healing and limit mobility.
Common causes of post-surgical swelling include:
- Reduced movement after surgery, which slows circulation
- Inflammation, your body’s natural healing response
- Tissue trauma during surgery
- Fluid buildup from lymphatic system disruption
How Physical Therapy Supports Recovery and Reduces Swelling
At Rising Sun Physical Therapy, we understand that swelling isn’t just one symptom among many. Often, it’s a signal that indicates something is impaired or not healing correctly, which is why we’ll work closely with you to uncover those underlying concerns.
At your first session, we’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment to help us understand why you’re struggling with post-surgical swelling and to better understand your rehabilitation needs. From there, we’ll customize your treatment based on your body, your surgery, and your goals.
We offer several techniques that can help you manage post-surgical swelling, including the following:
Movement and Exercise
Monitored, medically-appropriate movement is a key factor in effective post-surgical recovery. We’ll select movements that can help improve blood circulation, encourage lymphatic flow, and prevent joint stiffness, all of which can help facilitate healing. Early movement can also help alleviate pain caused by fluid pressure.
When performed correctly, small movements can make a big difference, even early in your recovery.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Your lymphatic system is your body’s natural drainage network. If it becomes impaired during surgery, lymph fluid can build up in the tissues, which leads to swelling, tightness, and discomfort.
Manual lymphatic drainage is an extremely gentle hands-on technique that stimulates your lymphatic system and encourages fluid to move out of the affected area and back into circulation, helping reduce swelling and facilitate your recovery.
Compression and Elevation Strategies
While you may have tried compression and elevation at home, our team can help you identify more effective approaches, including the use of compression bandages, wraps, or sleeves to assist with fluid movement. We’ll also teach you proper elevation techniques to support healing between sessions.
Manual Therapy Support
Post-surgical swelling can arise from a variety of internal and external factors. Our hands-on manual therapy helps restore balance, encourages healthy drainage, and supports the body’s natural healing processes — tailored to each person’s unique recovery needs.
Why Choose Rising Sun Physical Therapy To Help Manage Post-Surgical Swelling?
We understand that recovery is more than just physical. We care about how you feel — and how empowered you are to take charge of your healing.
With over 15 specialized physical therapy and wellness techniques available under one roof, you’ll receive comprehensive care in a supportive, patient-first environment. We meet you where you are and help you take the next step forward — at your own pace.
Don’t let post-surgical swelling hold you back. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Visit our website or email us at support@old.risingsunphysicaltherapy.com to schedule your initial appointment today.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“I came to Bettina when I had very sharp pain in my neck / upper back. We had 12 sessions and within the first 2 I was feeling so much less pain. And I started getting better and stronger with Bettina’s manual therapy, exercises, and lessons on what to be aware of and what behaviors to correct. Thank you Bettina for your expertise, kindness, and teaching. I greatly appreciate it.”
—Gabriella C.
Integrative Wellness Partnership
Aurras Transformation offers a holistic approach to stress relief, using dance and natural rhythms to support your healing journey. Join our monthly New Moon Ritual and 5Rhythms Offerings and start your path to wellness.
Explore Our Offerings:
When Posture Speaks
How Stress Settles in the Body and What to Do About It
Most people think posture is about strength or standing tall — but it also reflects how your body is holding stress.
If you’ve been feeling stiff, tense, or fatigued, you’re not alone.
I recently wrote about how stress shows up in our joints, breath, and muscles — and how small, intentional movement can help.
With care,
Bettina Neumann, PT
Healing Starts with a Single Breath.
Discover how conscious breathing can ease swelling, calm your nervous system, and support faster recovery.
Aurras Waves: Ongoing 5Rhythms Movement Meditation
Aurras Waves is your weekly space to move, breathe, and reset — clearing what’s heavy and reconnecting to what’s true. Our membership helps you stay consistent and deepen your practice over time.
Founding member pricing is still available — and stays locked in as long as you remain a member.
A Quick, Convenient Way to Boost Your Healing
Are you looking for an effective, non-invasive way to relieve pain and facilitate your body’s natural healing process? Then you might benefit from laser therapy, a cutting-edge treatment technique we offer at Rising Sun Physical Therapy.
Laser therapy is an advanced medical treatment that uses focused light to stimulate a natural process known as photobiomodulation (PBM). During PBM, light photons interact with the mitochondria — the energy centers of your cells — activating a series of biological responses that help reduce pain and promote faster healing.
What Are Some Benefits of Laser Therapy?
- Promotes blood flow to the affected area, helping to reduce inflammation and fluid buildup
- Relieves pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity and easing muscle tightness
- Supports tissue repair by helping damaged cells regenerate faster
- Facilitates recovery from the inside out
What Conditions Can It Help?
- Post-surgical swelling and pain
- Joint injuries
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Neck and back pain
- Arthritis flare-ups
- Nerve pain, including sciatica
What Can I Expect During My Appointment?
Laser therapy sessions usually take 5 – 10 minutes, and many people feel relief after just a few visits. The process involves running a wand over the skin of the affected area, and it’s typically not painful. Most people feel nothing, although some report a gentle warming or tingling sensation.
We incorporate laser therapy alongside other treatments like manual therapy or exercise to ensure a comprehensive approach.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in incorporating laser therapy into your care plan, visit us online to schedule an appointment for an initial assessment.
Meet Our Team
-
Kelsey Anderson
Operations Manager -
Bettina Neumann
PT, CST, LLCC -
Simone Vienneau
PT
Exercise of the Month
Single Leg Bridges
Start by lying on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms at your sides with palms down. Extend one leg straight, engage the abdominals, and slowly lift your hips towards the ceiling. Aim to keep your hips level and hold them at the top before lowering them back to the floor. Repeat as instructed by your provider. 3 sets; 10 reps; hold.
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
Looking for a flavorful, no-fuss dinner packed with zesty spice and wholesome ingredients? This Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake is the perfect weeknight meal! Roasted baby red potatoes create a hearty base, while asparagus, Broccolini, and succulent shrimp are infused with a smoky chipotle-lime butter for a deliciously bold kick.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds baby red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 3 medium limes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
- 1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 pound Broccolini or broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (16-20 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 400°. Place potatoes in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; stir to combine. Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, squeeze 1/3 cup juice from limes, reserving fruit. Combine the lime juice, melted butter, chipotle and remaining 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
Remove pan from the oven; stir potatoes. Arrange asparagus, Broccolini, shrimp and reserved limes on top of potatoes. Pour lime juice mixture over vegetables and shrimp.
Bake until shrimp turn pink and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes longer. Sprinkle with minced fresh cilantro.
www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sheet-pan-chipotle-lime-shrimp-bake/
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
