Joint replacement surgery, such as hip or knee replacements, is a significant medical procedure that often leads to substantial improvements in mobility and quality of life. However, effective pain management during the recovery phase is essential to ensure a smooth rehabilitation process. Traditionally, opioids have been a cornerstone of post-surgical pain relief, but growing concerns about opioid dependency and side effects have led to an increased interest in non-opioid alternatives.
Today, patients and healthcare providers are exploring a range of non-opioid pain management strategies, from cold laser therapy to cannabidiol (CBD), which can help manage discomfort while avoiding the risks associated with opioids. Let’s dive into these innovative approaches and other non-opioid methods for post-joint replacement pain management.
1. Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is emerging as a promising non-invasive treatment for managing post-surgical pain. The therapy involves the use of low-intensity laser light applied to the affected area, which penetrates the skin and stimulates cellular function. By promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing blood circulation, cold laser therapy can help decrease pain and accelerate the healing process.
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
Cold lasers emit light at a specific wavelength, which is absorbed by the body’s tissues. This light energy triggers several biological responses, including increased production of ATP (the energy currency of cells) and the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals. As a result, patients are able to dramatically reduce the amount of opioids needed after surgery by reducing swelling and experiencing less pain and stiffness, all leading to a faster recovery after joint replacement surgery!
Key Benefits:
- Non-invasive and painless: Patients feel no heat or discomfort during the treatment.
- Reduces inflammation: A primary driver of pain and stiffness after surgery.
- Promotes healing: By enhancing tissue repair and blood flow, cold laser therapy can speed up the recovery process, helping patients get back to their normal activities sooner. It even helps the incision to heal faster with less scarring!
- No known side effects: Unlike opioids, cold laser therapy is free from risks of addiction or other adverse reactions.
Over the past few years, laser therapy has emerged as a highly effective, opioid-free alternative for pain management. This innovative approach significantly alleviates the pain and inflammation associated with joint replacement.
So much so, in fact, that renowned institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) now endorse laser therapy as part of their recommendations to decrease the use of addictive opioids. Additionally, thousands of studies worldwide support the safety and efficacy of laser therapy, making it a science based on robust evidence.
I send my patients to Ortholazer. They have the most advanced cold laser on the market. We typically do six 10-15 treatments starting 5-7 days after surgery. It’s amazing to see how quickly the pain and swelling come down. My patients are off their narcotics so much faster. I am even seeing the incision heal much nicer! I also send my patients for laser treatment for a large variety of conditions including arthritis, tendonitis, etc. It is extremely effective in treating anything that causes pain and inflammation.
2. CBD (Cannabidiol) for Pain Relief
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, has garnered widespread attention for its potential to manage pain without the mind-altering effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). As opioid alternatives gain popularity, CBD is increasingly being used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and overall recovery support in post-surgical patients.
How CBD Works
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating pain, inflammation, and mood. By influencing cannabinoid receptors, CBD can help reduce the perception of pain and control inflammation, making it a natural alternative to traditional pain medications. Recent studies about the use of CBD after joint replacement show it is a valuable tool in managing pain without the risks associated with opioids
Key Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation: Post-surgical pain is often tied to swelling and inflammation, and CBD's anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate these issues.
- Improves sleep and decreases anxiety: Many patients experience disturbed sleep and even anxiety during recovery due to pain. CBD can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, aiding the healing process by allowing our patients to get well-needed rest.
- No addiction risk: Unlike opioids, CBD does not carry the risk of dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
- Versatile administration: CBD is available in many forms, including topical creams, tinctures, capsules, and edibles, allowing patients to choose a method that suits their needs and preferences.
- Doesn’t require a prescription: Because CBD is safe, it can be obtained over the counter and doesn’t require a trip to the doctor to get. Many patients stay on it long after surgery because of the benefits of improved sleep, mood, body aches, and overall better sense of well-being.
Over the past few years, laser therapy has emerged as a highly effective, opioid-free alternative for pain management. This innovative approach significantly alleviates the pain and inflammation associated with joint replacement.
I recommend buying CBD from reputable sources, as supplements are not regulated and can unfortunately not have the ingredients in them that are advertised. Corganics is the best one I have found, with peer-reviewed scientific articles to back up its effectiveness. It is only available through healthcare providers but doesn’t need a prescription.
Scan the QR code below or click Corganics for the ordering site and check out their educational resources for a more in-depth look at how CBD works. Type in the code EHMKE to access and get my pricing.
I believe that the growing trend toward non-opioid pain management reflects an important shift in how we approach recovery for minimally invasive joint replacement surgery. The sooner patients can stop taking opioids, the sooner they feel like themselves again. For patients who want to avoid the risks of opioids, integrating alternatives like cold laser therapy and CBD can be an empowering way to take control of their pain management.
Author: Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in minimally invasive robotic hip and knee replacement in Munster, Indiana.
