Manipulation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is carried out under anesthesia. You may be wondering about the risks associated with this sort of procedure and whether or not it is safe. We can assure you that you do not have anything to worry about, and that we will always explain everything to you in full at OC Wellness Physicians, as well as making sure the procedure is suitable for you. Of course, with manipulation under anesthesia like every procedure, no matter how big or small, comes with a degree of risk. This should always be explained to you in full beforehand. However, if you choose a surgeon with care, you can be sure that you are in safe hands.

What Is Manipulation Under Anesthesia?

You may be wondering what manipulation under anesthesia is. This is commonly referred to as MUA, and it is a type of surgical procedure that is minimally invasive and aims to reduce the stiffness you are experiencing in your joints while relieving chronic pain. Joints such as the toes, shoulders, hips, and knees can sometimes become painful and stiff. There are a number of reasons why this may happen, including joint capsule inflammation, for example, a frozen shoulder, as well as joint misalignment, adhesions from previous surgery or injury, or muscle spasms. Manipulation under general anesthesia will typically be advised when conservative physiotherapy has not been successful in treating the impacted joint.

manipulation under anesthesia

What Happens During Manipulation Under Anesthesia?

This is a type of surgery that tends to be performed under a general anesthetic. However, it does depend on the extent of the damage and the surgery being carried out. This is something that will be discussed with you in full beforehand when you speak to the experienced anesthetist. In most cases, the treatment will take around 20 minutes. However, as mentioned, this does all depend on the extent of the procedure and the part of the body being manipulated. During this procedure, the doctor is going to move your stiff joint to a full-motion range, which will free the joint capsule and stretch the muscles around the joint. This procedure is usually done as a day case, so once you have recovered from the anesthesia, you will be able to go home.

Why May You Need To Have MUA?

There are a number of different reasons why you may be advised to undergo manipulation under anesthesia. In some cases, this treatment is used for the purpose of alleviating acute pain. However, in most cases, MUA is advised for individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal issues of their knee, shoulder, and back. When problems cannot be resolved with conservative procedures, MUA is typically considered.

Some of the different conditions that manipulation under anesthesia is considered suitable for include the following:

  • Failed spinal surgery
  • Nerve entrapment
  • Whiplash syndrome
  • Chronic post-traumatic syndrome
  • Nerve compression because of adhesion formation
  • Limited range of motion or ongoing pain due to orthopedic surgery
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Frozen joints
  • Chronic spasms in the muscles
  • Infant torticollis
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Herniation
  • Spinal disc degeneration
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain

As you can see, there are many different incidents whereby manipulation under anesthesia may be beneficial. Of course, the best thing to do is make an appointment with an expert who will be able to get to the bottom of the problems you are experiencing and determine whether or not this is the right treatment for your situation.

Is Manipulation Under Anesthesia Safe?

Yes, it has been proven that manipulation under anesthesia is an effective and safe treatment for any individual that is experiencing debilitating and painful joint, neck, and back conditions, especially those who have experienced no relief or very limited benefits from standard manipulations or traditional treatments, such as epidural injections and surgery.

Do You Feel Pain During Manipulation Under Anesthesia?

Now that you know that MUA is a safe procedure, your next question is probably whether or not you will feel any pain during the treatment. As the procedure is carried out while you are under anesthesia, you should not feel any pain at all.

Are There Any Risks Associated With MUA?

As mentioned in the introduction, there are always going to be risks associated with any sort of medical procedure, no matter how simple or complex. However, using the services of an experienced and reputable doctor can reduce the risks as much as possible. Nevertheless, it is certainly important to be aware of the potential risks beforehand.

Some of the complications associated with MUA include pulmonary embolism, heterotopic bone formation, haemarthrosis, patellar ligament avulsions, wound dehiscence, and fractures. While these incidents are very rare, it is still important to be aware of them.

patients under anesthesia

How Long Does It Take Someone To Recover Once They Have Had MUA?

If you have undergone manipulation under anesthesia, you should begin the rehabilitation process straight afterward, which should usually happen within a week to 10 days. This is a program of physical therapy that will be tailored to suit your specific needs. After all, everyone has different requirements when it comes to dealing with chronic pain and joint conditions, and so it would not be right to have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to aftercare. An individual patient plan is a must. While the specifics do obviously differ, rehabilitation programs tend to include physical therapy exercises, massage, heating, ultrasound, and electrostimulation.

Contact Us Today For More Information

If you are looking for a CA pain management clinic that can provide you with spinal or shoulder manipulation, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at OC Wellness Physicians today for more information. We have many years of experience in the industry and we can help you to get the assistance you need for the shoulder problems you are experiencing. All you need to do is pick up the phone and give us a call today to get started. We will be happy to answer any queries you have and to get you booked in for a consultation.