Recognize Early, Recover Faster, and Prevent Persistent Pain After Surgery
Chronic postsurgical pain (Chronic Post-Surgical Pain – CPSP) is an often-overlooked problem that can significantly affect quality of life, especially among older adults, whose recovery process is generally slower than that of younger people. Starting an appropriate rehabilitation program early can play an important role in preventing this condition.
What Is Chronic Postsurgical Pain?
A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia (2021) found that 10–50% of patients experience pain that continues for more than three months after surgery. The main causes include nerve injury or an inflammatory process that does not resolve, making the nervous system excessively sensitive to pain.
Risk Factors to Know
- Older age, especially among older adults
- Underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Inappropriate surgical techniques or postoperative care
- Psychological factors such as depression or anxiety
How to Rehabilitate Chronic Postsurgical Pain Properly
Assessment by a rehabilitation physician and physical therapist is very important, especially at a center such as KIN Rehab , which focuses on individualized planning (Personalized Rehabilitation Program)
• Shockwave Therapy stimulates tissue repair.
• Laser Therapy reduceschronic inflammation.
• Hydrotherapy (Hydrotherapy) helps reduce impact on the joints, relax muscles, and stimulate circulation.
• Underwater treadmill training (Underwater Treadmill) is suitable for older adults or people with joint pain, allowing safer movement while strengthening muscles and improving balance.
Research from the American Academy of Pain Medicine (2022) reported that using Shockwave Therapy together with physical therapy can reduce long-term pain by up to 40%.
Exercise Therapy: focuses on improving the strength and flexibility of muscles around the surgical area.
• Specialized rehabilitation programs such as the Stroke Rehab Program at KIN Origin may support faster recovery among older adults.
• Combining hydrotherapy with underwater treadmill training can also improve physical capacity safely, reduce joint loading, and enhance balance.
Patients should also receive mental health support, such as mindfulness practice (Mindfulness) or participation in community support groups at KIN Nursing Home , which provides a supportive social environment that encourages older adults throughout recovery.
Why Should "Older Adults" Pay Special Attention to Postoperative Rehabilitation in Particular?
Information from the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) states that older adults may face up to twice the risk of postoperative complications. Holistic rehabilitation not only helps reduce pain but may also help prevent recurrent stroke or muscle deterioration.
For this reason, receiving rehabilitation from experienced providers such as KIN Rehab, KIN Nursing Home, or KIN Origin can be an appropriate and safe choice.

Additional Recommendations
- Begin rehabilitation early to help prevent chronic pain.
- Use appropriate technologies alongside conventional therapy.
- Give mental health the same attention as physical health.
- Choose a rehabilitation provider that meets professional standards, such as KIN Rehab, KIN Nursing Home, or KIN Origin.
Chronic postsurgical pain should not be overlooked, especially among older adults. Starting rehabilitation correctly from the beginning is highly important for reducing pain and restoring quality of life. Choose a safe approach, use technology appropriately, and receive care from a specialist team that truly understands older adults to support sustainable recovery.