Tendon Surgery: Essential Info for a Smooth Recovery

If you've been told you need tendon surgery, you probably have tons of questions. Tendons connect muscles to bones, and sometimes an injury can tear or damage them badly enough to need a fix. Whether it’s from a sports injury or wear and tear, surgery can get you back in motion. Let’s break down what tendon surgery really means and how you can handle the road to feeling better.

What Really Happens in Tendon Surgery?

The goal of tendon surgery is to repair torn or ruptured tendons. This often means stitching the torn ends back together or reattaching them to the bone if they’ve pulled away. It’s usually done under local or general anesthesia depending on the injury. Surgeons aim to restore strength and flexibility so you can move without pain or weakness. Recovery isn’t instant, so knowing what to expect helps a lot.

Recovering After Tendon Surgery

One of the biggest parts of tendon surgery is recovery, which can take weeks or months. Right after surgery, you’ll probably need to keep the area still with a sling, cast, or brace to protect your tendon. Physical therapy usually starts once your doctor says it’s safe—this is key for regaining strength and flexibility.

Patience is crucial here. It might be tempting to rush back to activities, but pushing too hard can cause re-injury or slow healing. Follow your therapist’s advice on how much movement and exercise to do. Ice and elevation help keep swelling down early on. Also, watch for any signs of infection like increased redness, warmth, or fever and report these to your doctor right away.

Tendon surgery sounds intense, but with the right care and support, most people get back to their regular routine—often stronger and more confident in their movement. If you want to know more about muscle care or how massage therapies can complement your recovery, check out other guides here on Coastal Sensations Massage.