If you’ve had a procedure or have a condition that involves pain, limited range of motion, or reduced flexibility, you may want to consider sedative stretching. Non-invasive and cost-effective, this treatment can enhance your recovery while staving off the emotional stress associated with high medical costs and physical pain. Sedative stretching may also help you avoid surgery and lower your need for prescription pain medications.
The expert team at Johnson Medical Center in Venice, Florida, is pleased to offer sedative stretching, also known as manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), for good candidates. Read on to learn how it works and the benefits you can anticipate.
Sedative stretching basics
Before sedative stretching begins, you’ll receive enough light sedation to make you completely relaxed. You’ll essentially remain in a “twilight” state for the duration of the procedure, which takes roughly 10-25 minutes.
During that time, your provider will use special massage, stretching, and traction techniques to move joints in your targeted treatment area, safely achieving therapeutic movements that would not have been possible on your own.
Sedative stretching can help treat a broad range of conditions, including:
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Chronic muscle pain and inflammation
- Chronic tension headaches
- Decreased range of motion
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Fibromyalgia
- Herniated discs
- Muscle spasms
- Nerve entrapment
- Pelvis and hip pain
- Sacroiliac joint problems
- Sciatica
What to expect after sedative stretching
After your sedative stretching is complete, you’ll recover in our office for 15-30 minutes, then receive fluids and a snack. At that point, you’ll be able to walk, and you can be driven home by a loved one to rest. Most likely, you’ll notice immediate benefits in your joints.
Once you’re home and have rested some, you can start your prescribed home stretching exercises—which typically mirror stretches performed during your procedure. Later that same day, you’ll return to our office for stretching and manipulation exercises aimed at reinforcing your increased flexibility.
From there, you’ll be instructed on ways to maintain your results while increasing strength from home.
While most people only need one sedative stretching session, you may need multiple sessions if you’re dealing with especially serious or chronic issues. We may also recommend complementary treatments, such as physical therapy.
To learn more about sedative stretching or to get the injury or chronic condition care you need, call our office or request an appointment online today. We would love to help reduce your pain so you can live your life more fully.