Still Swelling Months After Surgery? Here’s What It Might Mean
on Thursday, November 13, 2025You’ve followed every post-op instruction, gone to physical therapy, and done your exercises — but the swelling around your surgical site just won’t go away. Sound familiar? Persistent swelling weeks or even months after surgery is more common than you might think. For patients in Gresham and Happy Valley, this can be a confusing and frustrating part of recovery. At Renew Physical Therapy, we help patients understand what lingering swelling means and how to safely manage it so recovery keeps moving forward.
Why Swelling Happens in the First Place
The Healing Process at Work
Swelling, or edema, is part of the body’s natural response to injury and surgery. It occurs when extra fluid accumulates in tissues to protect the area and promote healing. This inflammation phase is necessary — it brings nutrients and immune cells to the site and helps the tissue rebuild.
When Normal Healing Takes Longer
Most swelling peaks within a few days to weeks, but sometimes your body continues producing fluid longer than expected. This may be due to reduced mobility, scar tissue, or the way your circulatory system adjusts after surgery.
When Swelling Lasts Longer Than Expected
If you’re months into recovery and still noticing puffiness, stiffness, or heaviness, it might indicate one of the following:
1. Chronic Inflammation
Ongoing inflammation can happen if tissue irritation persists. Overuse, poor movement patterns, or even mild infection can prolong the body’s inflammatory response.
2. Lymphatic Flow Issues
Your lymphatic system helps drain excess fluid. After surgery, especially around the lower limbs or abdomen, this system may work less efficiently. Manual therapy and movement are often needed to get it functioning properly again.
3. Limited Mobility
If swelling prevents you from moving comfortably, that reduced movement can actually make swelling worse. Gentle, guided exercise helps pump fluid out of the area.
4. Scar Tissue Restriction
Tight scar tissue can trap fluid beneath the skin, creating persistent swelling or a firm, rubbery feel near the incision.
5. Medication or Circulatory Factors
Certain medications, including some pain relievers, can contribute to fluid retention. Your physical therapist can help you recognize when it’s time to consult your physician.
What Persistent Swelling Feels Like
Patients describe post-surgical swelling in different ways, but common symptoms include:
- Puffiness that doesn’t go away overnight
- Tightness or stiffness in the joint or skin
- A heavy or achy sensation, especially after activity
- Difficulty bending or extending the limb fully
- Skin that feels warm or mildly tender to the touch
If swelling increases rather than decreases, or if it’s accompanied by pain, redness, or heat, you should contact your healthcare provider right away to rule out complications such as infection or a blood clot.
How Physical Therapy Helps Reduce and Manage Swelling
At Renew Physical Therapy, we address both the cause and the effect of post-surgical swelling.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Gentle, specialized massage techniques help stimulate the lymphatic system to clear fluid buildup and reduce tissue pressure.
Guided Exercise and Movement
Movement acts as a natural pump for circulation. Your therapist will prescribe safe, progressive exercises that promote healing without overstraining your tissues.
Compression and Positioning Education
Learning how to use compression garments correctly and how to elevate your limb effectively can make a big difference in long-term results.
Scar Tissue Mobilization
Manual therapy helps prevent tight scar tissue from restricting fluid flow and keeps healing tissues supple.
Patient Education
We teach you how to identify signs of overactivity versus healthy activity, empowering you to manage swelling between visits.
When to Seek Professional Help
If swelling is interfering with your movement, daily function, or emotional confidence, don’t wait for it to “go away on its own.” Persistent edema can slow your progress and make the next stage of recovery harder. Schedule an appointment through our contact page to get a personalized evaluation.
What Our Patients Say
Many of our Gresham and Happy Valley patients have found relief from chronic swelling through skilled physical therapy. Read their stories on our testimonials page. You’ll see how consistent therapy — combined with education and home care — leads to noticeable, lasting improvement.
Take Control of Swelling and Continue Healing
Lingering swelling doesn’t mean you’ve failed at recovery — it means your body still needs support to fully restore circulation and mobility. With professional guidance, you can reduce stiffness, regain comfort, and move forward confidently. At Renew Physical Therapy, our team helps you identify the underlying causes and address them with personalized care.
Don’t let swelling hold you back. Reach out today through our contact page to schedule your session and finish the year strong.
