Joint stiffness can be incredibly frustrating. Imagine going through surgery, injury recovery, or weeks of physiotherapy, only to find that your joint still doesn’t move the way it should. For many patients in Perth, this is a reality after knee replacements, shoulder injuries, or hip operations.

When conservative treatment fails, doctors may recommend a procedure known as Manipulation Under Anaesthesia (MUA). This technique is widely used to help patients regain motion, reduce pain, and restore function without further invasive surgery.

But when exactly is MUA necessary, and what should patients in Perth expect from the process? Let’s explore this step by step.

What is Manipulation Under Anaesthesia?

Manipulation Under Anaesthesia, often shortened to MUA, is a short procedure where a stiff joint is carefully moved while the patient is under general anaesthetic.

The patient feels no pain because they are asleep. During this time, the surgeon bends, stretches, and rotates the joint to break up scar tissue and adhesions that restrict movement.

MUA does not involve cutting or stitches. Instead, it is designed to “unlock” stiffness and allow physiotherapy to become more effective.

Why Does Joint Stiffness Happen?

Joint stiffness after an injury or surgery is common. Reasons include:

Scar tissue formation around the joint.
Limited mobility after a fracture or long immobilisation.
Post-surgical stiffness following knee, hip, or shoulder procedures.
Inflammatory conditions such as frozen shoulder.

While many patients improve with physiotherapy and medication, some find that progress stalls. In such cases, doctors may recommend MUA.

When Do Patients Typically Need MUA?

Not every patient requires manipulation. It’s considered only when other options are not enough.

After Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement is one of the most common procedures in Australia. While success rates are high, about 5–7% of patients experience stiffness severe enough to need MUA.

If a patient struggles to bend their knee beyond 90 degrees several weeks after surgery, manipulation may be advised.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder causes pain and extreme stiffness. In Perth, many patients face months of limited movement that interferes with daily life.

When physiotherapy and injections don’t restore motion, MUA can help release adhesions and speed up recovery.

Hip Surgery or Injury

Some patients develop hip stiffness after fractures or operations. While less common than knee or shoulder issues, MUA can restore hip mobility when progress is slow.

Post-Fracture Stiffness

After being in a cast or brace, joints can feel “locked.” MUA is sometimes the best way to restore function quickly.

Signs You May Need MUA

Doctors in Perth usually recommend MUA if:

Range of motion remains severely limited.
Daily activities like walking, dressing, or climbing stairs are difficult.
Physiotherapy progress has plateaued.
Stiffness causes pain and reduced quality of life.

If you meet these conditions, your surgeon may suggest MUA as the next step.

The Procedure: What Patients Can Expect

Before the Procedure

Pre-surgery assessment ensures you are fit for anaesthesia.
Fasting is required before the procedure.
Your surgeon explains the risks and benefits.

During the Procedure

You are placed under general anaesthesia.
The surgeon gently bends and stretches the joint.
Scar tissue and adhesions break, improving the range of motion.
No incisions are made.

After the Procedure

Most patients wake up within minutes.
You may feel soreness, but movement is noticeably improved.
Same-day discharge is common.

Recovery Timeline

First Few Days

Mild swelling and discomfort are normal.
Ice packs and pain medication help manage soreness.
Walking and gentle movement are encouraged.

Weeks 1–3

Physiotherapy is critical to maintaining gains.
Stretching and strengthening exercises are introduced.
Many patients return to light daily activities.

Weeks 4–8

Continued physiotherapy helps build strength.
Most patients regain functional movement.
Improvement in daily comfort and mobility is clear.

Benefits of MUA

Immediate improvement in joint range of motion.
Minimally invasive – no surgical cuts or stitches.
Quick procedure – often under 30 minutes.
Day surgery – most patients go home the same day.
High success rates – over 80% of patients report meaningful improvement.

Risks and Considerations

Like all procedures, MUA carries some risks, though they are rare. These include:

Minor muscle or tissue injury.
Temporary pain and swelling.
Small chance of fracture in weak bones.
General anaesthetic-related risks.

Studies show the overall complication rate is less than 2% when performed by experienced specialists.

The Importance of Physiotherapy After MUA

One of the most critical success factors is physiotherapy. Without regular exercise, scar tissue can reform, reducing mobility again.

Perth physiotherapists often design programs including:

Daily stretching routines.
Strengthening exercises.
Low-impact activities like cycling.
Hydrotherapy for joint relief.

Commitment to rehabilitation ensures long-lasting results.

Statistics That Highlight Its Usefulness

5–7% of knee replacement patients require MUA.
Over 80% experience improved motion after the procedure.
Less than 2% report significant complications.
30 minutes is the average time for MUA.
Same-day discharge is possible in most Perth hospitals.

Why Perth Patients Benefit from MUA

Perth is home to modern medical facilities and highly skilled orthopaedic specialists. Patients benefit from:

Access to advanced hospitals and clinics.
Personalised rehabilitation programs.
Strong focus on patient safety and outcomes.

Working with experienced orthopaedic surgeons in Perth WA ensures the procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to each individual.

Practical Tips for Patients Considering MUA

Ask questions. Understand the risks, benefits, and recovery process.
Commit to physiotherapy. This is essential for success.
Follow medical advice. Take prescribed medications and attend follow-up visits.
Stay active safely. Gentle exercises help maintain mobility.
Be patient. Improvement takes time, but results are long-lasting.

Conclusion

Manipulation Under Anaesthesia is a safe and effective option for patients in Perth struggling with joint stiffness that won’t resolve through conservative care. Whether after a knee replacement, frozen shoulder, or post-injury immobility, MUA helps restore freedom of movement and improve quality of life.

With the guidance of skilled specialists, patients can expect reduced pain, greater mobility, and a faster return to everyday activities. For those facing ongoing stiffness, MUA may be the next step toward recovery and active living.