Manipulation under Anesthesia Treatment in India

Sneha Das, a 42-year-old software architect...

Sneha Das, a 42-year-old software architect and mother of two, had been struggling with debilitating shoulder pain for eight months following a minor car accident. Despite months of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections, her right shoulder remained 'frozen', stiff, painful, and with severely limited range of motion. She could no longer lift her arm to style her hair, hug her children comfortably, or work at her computer for long periods. Her internist, Dr. Sharma, recommended Manipulation under Anesthesia (MUA), explaining it as a controlled procedure to break up the adhesions in her joint capsule while she was sedated, offering a chance to 'reset' the joint and make post-procedure therapy effective. Terrified of the idea of someone forcing her shoulder to move, but more afraid of a permanent disability, Sneha consented. The experience was surreal; she drifted off anxious and woke up groggy with her shoulder heavily bandaged, but without the seizing pain that had accompanied every previous attempt at movement. The following 48 hours were sore, but aggressive physical therapy began immediately. Within six weeks, she regained over 85% of her range of motion. Emotionally, she transitioned from a state of frustrated helplessness and fear of the unknown to one of profound relief and regained agency. The procedure felt like a decisive break from a painful chapter, allowing her to fully engage in her recovery and family life again.