Recovering from knee replacement surgery requires effective pain management, and more patients and surgeons now choose non-opioid strategies to reduce reliance on narcotics. These approaches manage discomfort and support a safer, faster recovery. Here are some non-opioid options you can use individually or in combination after surgery.
Iovera®: Targeted Cold Therapy
Iovera® delivers precise cold therapy that temporarily blocks nerve signals responsible for pain. Your orthopedic surgeon can perform this procedure before or shortly after surgery. It provides weeks of relief without medication side effects. By easing pain early, Iovera® helps you start rehabilitation sooner and restore mobility more quickly.
Regional Nerve Blocks
Regional nerve blocks deliver numbing medication directly to the nerves that supply sensation to the knee. This offers strong pain control for the first 24 to 72 hours after surgery. By reducing discomfort during the early recovery phase, nerve blocks lower the need for opioids and help you engage more fully in physical therapy.
NSAIDs and Other Non-opioid Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or celecoxib reduce swelling and control pain around the surgical site. You may also be recommended acetaminophen or other non-opioid medications as part of a multimodal pain plan. Using these medications in combination can improve comfort while avoiding the risks of opioid use.
Physical Therapy for Functional Recovery
Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing pain after knee replacement. Guided exercises and stretching reduce stiffness, restore range of motion, and improve strength. Starting therapy within 24 hours after surgery promotes healing and helps you return to daily activities more quickly.
Cryotherapy for Swelling and Discomfort
Cryotherapy uses cold packs or specialized cooling devices to reduce inflammation and ease soreness. Applying cold therapy several times a day helps control swelling, supports healing, and provides natural pain relief during recovery.
Combine Strategies for Best Results
Orthopedic surgeons often recommend combining several non-opioid options for maximum benefit. For example, you might receive Iovera® before surgery, a regional block during the procedure, and continue with NSAIDs, physical therapy, and cryotherapy afterward. This multimodal approach greatly reduces opioid use while still controlling pain effectively.
If you plan to undergo knee replacement surgery, book an appointment with Oklahoma Joint Reconstruction Institute to discuss non-opioid pain relief options. Whether you choose Iovera®, regional blocks, or a customized combination, you can manage post-surgical pain while supporting a smoother and safer recovery.
AUTHOR: Dr. Paul Jacob is a certified master surgeon in joint replacement and robotic joint replacement of the hip and knee in Oklahoma City. Dr. Jacob is recognized as one of the Top 3 Orthopedic Surgeons in Oklahoma, who has performed over 7000 robotic joint replacement procedures. Dr. Jacob is active in numerous research studies on joint replacement technology and robotic outcomes.
