The Road to Recovery: Pain Management After Surgery

Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat medical conditions, and the right pain management and support after surgery can make a big difference for your recovery and well-being.

At AHN Canonsburg Hospital, we focus on well-rounded surgical recovery that addresses your physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether you need treatment for a spine or back injury or are recovering from a cancer surgery, our experts work together to create a care plan that fits your needs.

Finding the right care for you

The best recovery starts with developing a pain management plan that fits your specific needs. Before surgery, your AHN care team will:

• Review your medical history.
• Assess any existing health conditions.
• Look at past treatments you’ve received.

Whether your goal is to be able to walk around the office at work again or comfortably sit on a bench and watch your child’s tee ball game, your physicians will help you with the resources and pain relief you need to get back to doing what matters most.

Types of pain

Pain management is key for a smooth recovery. You may experience:

• Acute pain – Short-term pain that fades as you heal (like the pain you’d feel from a bruise).
• Chronic pain – Pain lasting three months or longer, even after an injury has healed.
• Nerve pain – Pain that occurs when an injury or illness affects the nerves in your body that send sensations to your brain. Some common causes for nerve pain are diabetes, alcohol, and chemotherapy. Nerve pain often appears when you’re trying to relax.
  

To reduce the chance of developing chronic or nerve pain after surgery, AHN physicians may adjust your medications or recommend additional treatment options.

Becoming stronger and moving again

Physical and occupational therapy can play a big role in helping you regain strength and mobility in certain parts of your body. After surgery, you may struggle to bear weight or move your body comfortably or fully, but your therapist will help you improve in these areas.

Your physical or occupational therapist may recommend:

• Massage techniques.
• Passive range of motion exercises.
• Low-impact aerobic exercises.
• Stretching to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Ice or heat treatments.

The types of therapy exercises you work on and how long you receive treatment will depend on your needs and overall health before and after surgery. Don’t hesitate to ask your AHN team questions about therapy and its role in your recovery.

Supporting your mental health

Recovering from surgery doesn’t just come with physical challenges, but also mental and emotional ones. Many people experience feelings of depression or anxiety after surgery. The difficulties of recovery can also make it harder to participate in social activities, leading some people to feel isolated from their communities or loved ones.

AHN wants you to know we are as committed to your emotional recovery as we are to your physical health. In addition to resources through AHN’s Mental Health Institute, AHN offers:

• Behavioral health support – In-person or virtual sessions with consultants at Canonsburg Hospital to help you manage emotions and stress.
• Empowered Relief program – Online counseling and coping mechanisms to help with recovery after surgery.

Your partner in recovery

At AHN, we’re here for you at every stage of your recovery journey, from pain management to emotional support after a surgery. We can help you to recover fully and get back to living your life. Learn more about pain management services available to you at Canonsburg Hospital.