Recovery After Surgery: Why It’s So Hard and How to Overcome the Challenges
Welcome to another blog inspired by Six to Eight Weeks, where we explore the nuanced world of
sports medicine and recovery. In this week’s episode, Dr. Feeley sits down with Danny Keller, a
physical therapist and frequent guest, to discuss a topic that resonates with many patients: the
challenges of recovering after surgery. Their conversation offers valuable insights for anyone
navigating the often difficult journey of post-surgical rehabilitation.
The Collaborative Power of Surgeon and PT
One of the highlights of the discussion is the unique collaboration between Dr. Feeley and
Danny. Sharing a clinic allows them to seamlessly exchange insights about patient care, creating
what Dr. Feeley describes as a “musculoskeletal board” where they discuss cases directly with
patients. This partnership exemplifies how integrated care can improve outcomes.
Danny emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “When patients see that surgeons and
PTs are having conversations about them, now all of a sudden that concern and fear drops
significantly.”
Why Is Recovery So Hard?
Danny acknowledges the universal struggle patients face during recovery: pain, uncertainty, and
fear of complications. He shares a humorous yet relatable anecdote: “Patients often ask about a
weird pop or click and whether it means something’s wrong. The most common question I get is,
‘My knee pops now. Is that bad?’” These sensations, while unsettling, are usually normal.
Dr. Feeley recounts his personal experience with knee surgery: “For the first week, I convinced
myself the cartilage plug had fallen out. My surgeon assured me it was physically impossible,
but it’s human nature to worry about what we can’t see.”
Their advice? Trust the process and communicate concerns with your care team. Surgery is
trauma, and recovery is rarely linear.
Pain and Swelling: The Early Weeks
Pain and swelling are the primary challenges in the initial weeks after surgery. Danny explains
that while patients might view PTs as “torturers,” their primary goal is to help patients move
safely and progressively. “Pain is your body’s alarm system,” he notes. “We have to turn that fire
alarm down by gradually rebuilding trust in movement.”
Dr. Feeley adds that expectations vary widely: “Some patients worry they have too much pain,
while others are anxious they don’t have enough. Pain is variable, even within the same body.”
Managing Expectations
Patients often compare their progress to others, which can lead to unnecessary stress. Danny
highlights this common pitfall: “Patients say, ‘My friend recovered faster.’ But often, the
surgeries weren’t comparable.”
Dr. Feeley elaborates: “These timelines are often based on athletes who don’t have jobs or
families slowing them down. For most people, recovery is a balancing act, not a race.”
Their advice? Focus on individual progress. Small gains—like regaining 10 degrees of motion or
reducing pain—indicate forward momentum, even if it feels slow.
Breaking Through Plateaus
Plateaus are another common challenge, especially in the middle stages of recovery. Danny
suggests that confidence often plays a bigger role than physical limitations. “If you feel stuck,
we’re probably not pushing hard enough,” he says. “Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the
exercise or loading the joint differently.”
Dr. Feeley shares an example of a patient with knee pain from excessive cycling. “We switched
him to swimming and light running. It gave his body a break and helped him return stronger.”
The Emotional Side of Recovery
Recovery isn’t just physical; it’s a mental challenge, too. Danny emphasizes this from the first
visit: “I tell patients, ‘This is 70% mental.’ It’s okay to feel frustrated. Everyone struggles at some
point.”
For those feeling stuck, their advice is clear: talk to your care team. Whether it’s your surgeon,
physical therapist, or athletic trainer, open communication can ease worries and provide
actionable steps forward.
The Long Game
Dr. Feeley concludes with a realistic yet optimistic perspective: “Recovery is often a year-long
process. Six months gets you back to doing things, but the next six months make you feel good
doing them. Think of it as a year to improve, not a deadline to meet.”
The journey of recovery is tough, but with the right support and mindset, it’s absolutely
achievable. As Danny puts it, “You’ll get there. We just need to find the right roadmap for you.”
For more insights and conversations, subscribe to Six to Eight Weeks on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
or wherever you listen. And yes, we’re still waiting for Danny’s SNL-style jacket for being a
frequent guest!