Why Do I Still Have Nerve Pain or Numbness After Surgery?

Why Do I Still Have Nerve Pain or Numbness After Surgery?

Surgery can sometimes leave nerves irritated, stretched, or temporarily disrupted, leading to tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain. Stimpod therapy, a non-invasive treatment using pulsed radiofrequency stimulation, can help promote nerve healing, reduce nerve pain, and restore muscle activation. At Relive Physiotherapy, we combine Stimpod with targeted rehabilitation to support faster, more complete post-surgical recovery.

Why Do Nerve Symptoms Occur After Surgery?

During surgery, nerves can sometimes be irritated, stretched, compressed, or temporarily disrupted. This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Tingling or "pins and needles"
• Numbness
• Burning or sharp nerve pain
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced coordination or control

These symptoms can persist if nerve function does not fully recover.

Why Is Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Important?

Recovery after surgery isn't just about healing tissue. It's about restoring how your body functions. Physiotherapy focuses on:

• Rebuilding strength and movement
• Restoring nerve-muscle communication
• Improving mobility and flexibility
• Preventing compensatory movement patterns

Without proper rehab, nerve-related symptoms may linger longer than necessary.

What Is Stimpod Therapy?

Stimpod is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulsed radiofrequency stimulation to support nerve function and improve communication between nerves and muscles.

This makes it particularly useful in cases where nerve irritation or disruption is affecting recovery.

Each treatment plan is tailored based on your surgery and recovery stage.

A typical session lasts 10-20 minutes. Small electrodes are placed on or near the nerves affected by surgery. Most clients feel gentle pulsing or tapping, which is completely comfortable.

How Does Stimpod Therapy Support Post-Surgical Nerve Recovery?

1. Promotes Nerve Healing

Stimpod may help stimulate nerve activity, supporting the body's natural healing process. This can encourage nerve regeneration, improve signalling pathways, and support recovery of normal sensation.

2. Reduces Nerve Pain

Nerve-related pain after surgery can be persistent and difficult to manage. Stimpod can help calm irritated nerves, reduce pain signals, and improve overall comfort during recovery.

3. Restores Muscle Activation

If nerves are not functioning properly, muscles may become weak or inactive. Treatment can:

• Improve muscle recruitment
• Restore strength more effectively
• Support better movement patterns

4. Improves Sensation and Function

Altered sensation is a common post-surgical issue. Stimpod may help improve sensory feedback, restore awareness and control, and support more normal movement.

5. Enhances Rehabilitation Outcomes

When combined with physiotherapy, Stimpod can:

• Make exercises more effective
• Improve progression speed
• Support long-term recovery

This leads to better overall outcomes following surgery.

Who Can Benefit from This Approach?

Stimpod therapy may be helpful for individuals recovering from:

• Orthopaedic surgery (e.g. shoulder, knee, hip)
• Spinal procedures
• Nerve decompression surgery
• Soft tissue repairs
• Any surgery followed by nerve-related symptoms

Results can be immediate for some, while others experience gradual improvements over multiple sessions as the nerves regain normal function.

Why Does Early Treatment Matter?

Addressing nerve symptoms early can significantly improve recovery. Early physiotherapy can:

• Prevent long-term nerve sensitivity
• Reduce chronic pain risk
• Restore movement more efficiently

The sooner nerve function is supported, the better the outcome.

Start Your Post-Surgical Recovery Today

Recovering from surgery can feel frustrating when progress is slower than expected, but the right treatment can make a significant difference.

At Relive Physiotherapy, we combine expert rehabilitation with advanced treatments like Stimpod therapy to support nerve recovery and help you return to normal activity.

Get in touch today to book your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after surgery can I start Stimpod therapy?

This depends on your surgery type and recovery stage, as each treatment plan is tailored individually. It's best discussed with your physiotherapist at assessment.

What types of surgery can Stimpod therapy help with?

Stimpod may support recovery following orthopaedic surgery (such as shoulder, knee, or hip), spinal procedures, nerve decompression surgery, and soft tissue repairs, particularly where nerve-related symptoms are present.

Is Stimpod therapy painful?

No. Most clients feel gentle pulsing or tapping during treatment, which is completely comfortable.

How long does a Stimpod session take?

A typical session lasts 10-20 minutes, with small electrodes placed on or near the nerves affected by surgery.

How quickly will I notice results?

This varies by individual. Some clients notice results immediately, while others experience gradual improvements over multiple sessions as nerve function returns.

About the Author:

Raj Gandhi

Lead Physiotherapist & Independent Non-Medical Prescriber

Raj Gandhi is a Chartered Physiotherapist and co-founder of Relive Physiotherapy, with over 20 years' specialist experience in Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, and Musculoskeletal Medicine.

He holds a Master's degree in Sports Physiotherapy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing. Raj has a particular interest in treating back and neck pain, along with a wide range of sports injuries, and has worked as a Physiotherapist for the Commonwealth Games team. He spent over 10 years in the NHS before leaving to establish Relive Physiotherapy and is widely respected among colleagues for his expertise in Injection Therapy and his hands-on, manual approach to treatment.

Raj is a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy (ACPOMIT), the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSEM). He also mentors the physiotherapy team at Relive, regularly leading training and supporting their ongoing development.

Outside the clinic, Raj is a father to two girls and enjoys playing tennis, listening to audiobooks, and photography.