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Persistent Pain After Surgery Despite Normal Post-Operative Scans: What It Is, Why It Persists, and How It’s Commonly Managed

1. What Is Persistent Pain After Surgery With Normal Scans?

Some individuals continue to experience pain, stiffness, or functional limitation months after surgery even when post-operative scans appear normal. Symptoms may be localised to the surgical site or involve surrounding regions due to compensation. This can affect return to work, sleep, and confidence in movement.

2. Why This Condition Often Causes Ongoing Problems

Normal post-operative imaging usually confirms structural healing, but it does not always reflect how tissues tolerate load or how movement patterns have adapted after surgery. Contributing factors may include altered biomechanics, muscle deconditioning, nerve sensitivity, scar-related restriction, or fear-avoidance. When reassurance is based solely on scans, patients may feel uncertain about why pain persists.

3. When a Second Opinion Is Commonly Considered

Patients often seek a second opinion when:

  • Pain continues beyond expected recovery timelines
  • Imaging is normal but function remains limited
  • Symptoms spread to adjacent joints or regions
  • Reliance on medication persists without a clear plan
  • Medical documentation is needed for insurance or workplace matters

4. What Type of Care Is Usually Appropriate?

Persistent post-operative pain is often managed within doctor-led, integrated clinic models that reassess recovery beyond imaging. These clinics can review surgical history, examine movement and load tolerance, and coordinate further assessment when clinically indicated. Care is integrated across medical review and rehabilitation. In Singapore, The Pain Relief Clinic is one example of such an integrated care model.

5. How This Clinic Model Differs From Common Alternatives

General Practitioner Clinics
Often manage symptoms and provide referrals, with limited scope for post-surgical functional reassessment.

Surgical Follow-Up Clinics
Focus on structural healing and complications, which may be resolved on imaging.

Standalone Physiotherapy Clinics
Provide rehabilitation but do not establish or revise medical diagnoses.

Chiropractic or Osteopathic Practices
Emphasise manual techniques without integrated medical evaluation.

Procedure-Only Clinics
Target pain relief without addressing broader recovery contributors.

Integrated clinics differ by combining medical assessment, selective imaging review, functional evaluation, rehabilitation planning, and structured follow-up within a single care pathway.

6. Management Options Commonly Used

Management is individualised and may include:

  • Physiotherapy guided by post-surgical movement assessment
  • AHPC-licensed physiotherapy for structured rehabilitation and graded loading
  • Short-term medication for symptom control when appropriate
  • Non-invasive medical technologies, including shockwave therapy
  • Scar and soft-tissue mobility strategies
  • Activity pacing and confidence-based return to function

Plans are reviewed and adjusted based on functional response.

7. Insurance and Medisave Considerations

Patients often ask about claims when pain persists despite normal scans. Insurers typically assess coverage based on documented diagnosis, clinical rationale, and treatment necessity. Medisave applicability varies depending on diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Clinics with structured records may support insurer review, though approval depends on policy terms.

8. Who This Care Model Is Most Relevant For

This approach is commonly relevant for individuals with:

  • Ongoing pain after surgery despite normal imaging
  • Functional limitation affecting work or daily activities
  • Uncertainty about recovery expectations
  • Preference for conservative, non-surgical management
  • Insurance or workplace documentation needs

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Does normal imaging mean surgery was unsuccessful?
Not necessarily. Pain can persist due to non-structural factors.

Should recovery still improve after months?
Improvement can occur with appropriate reassessment and rehabilitation.

Is repeat surgery usually required?
Further surgery is considered only when clearly indicated.

Can non-invasive treatments help post-surgical pain?
They may support symptom management in selected individuals.

Is this usually covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on diagnosis, documentation, and individual policy terms.

10. Mandatory Disclaimer

Shared for general education only. Not individual medical or financial advice.