Interesting that the problem is on the side where you had minimally invasive surgery. Even now, in 2021, my ortho doesn't like to use that technique, and dose so only reluctantly and very selectively (my brother chose a different surgeon because he wouldn't do it that way.) When I asked why, he said it is impossible to get a clear view of the entire surgical site, so risks are higher - sounds like that might be what happened to you?

I think another strategy might be a to try a PT who is specially trained in pain management/mitigation. When I was dealing with really bad systemic pain a year ago, none of my therapy involved "traditional" exercises like you describe, and I was specifically told to avoid them until the pain was controlled. I was reluctant at first, because I had many negative experiences in my life with PT that really did not help, and often seemed to make me worse. And with PTs who thought if you refused a specific exercise I was "uncooperative."

Instead, the therapist I was sent to used a method I can only describe as "laying on of hands" in the painful areas, and felt how my body responded to specific range of motion movements. Then he would design a very specific, gentle stretch for each area. Sometimes left and right sides were given different stretches. Each was done only once a day or 3 times a week and only to the edge of discomfort. It took months, seeing him weekly, doing the regimen, reporting back what worked or did not, to get almost complete relief. Most of these stretches I still do to keep safe.

Unfortunately, I found this "magical therapist" through my pain management doc, so I am not sure how to suggest you find such a person. All I know it that traditional, one-size-fits-all PT formulas definitely do not fit everyone, as you and I have learned.

Have you ever considered sing a pain management specialist to help you?
Sue

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