Pain Management & Post-Op Care
Effective pain management is crucial for smooth recovery, whether you're dealing with chronic or post-op pain. Here's an overview of common strategies, focusing on ICE and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications.
Treatment Options
Ice, Compression, & Elevation (ICE)
Applying ice to the affected area helps reduce swelling, numb the area, and alleviate pain. Wrap an ice pack or frozen gel pack in a cloth (never apply directly to the skin) and apply it to the surgical site for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours during the first 48 hours after surgery. This can significantly reduce pain and swelling.
Over the Counter (OTC) Medication
OTC pain medication combined with ICE therapy can provide a balanced approach to pain relief, particularly in the first few days post-op. Ice targets inflammation and pain at the site, while medications help manage pain throughout your body.
Opioid Pain Medication
While opioid medications (like oxycodone or hydrocodone) may be prescribed for severe pain after certain surgeries, they come with significant risks. Opioids should only be used for short-term pain relief when necessary and under strict medical supervision. Always explore non-opioid pain management strategies first, such as ice and OTC medications.
Our Specialists
Dr. Matthew Ryan
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
15 years of experience
Dr. Ryan is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and graduated from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. Dr. Ryan completed a residency at Stanford University, and has over 15 years of experience in practice. In his own words: "Our goal is to help patients return to community living. We design individually tailored non-surgical treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcome and return patients to an active lifestyle."
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