• Overview

Or call us on

01926 427971

Under general anaesthetic your surgeon will move your stiff joint to a full range of motion, stretching the surrounding muscles and freeing the joint capsule.

What is manipulation under anaesthesia?

Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which aims to relieve chronic pain and reduce the stiffness in your joints. Joints such as knees, hips, shoulders or toes sometimes become stiff and painful.

The pain can be due to muscle spasms, adhesions (internal scarring) from previous injury or surgery, joint misalignment or joint capsule inflammation such as frozen shoulder.

Manipulation under general anaesthetic (MUA) is often recommended when conservative physiotherapy treatment has failed to treat the joint affected.

What happens during MUA?

  • MUA is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Sometimes local or spinal anaesthetic is used
  • Your anaesthetist will discuss what method will be used with you
  • The procedure takes about 20 minutes
  • Your surgeon will move your stiff joint to a full range of motion – stretching the surrounding muscles and freeing the joint capsule. They may inject local anaesthetic for post-operative pain
  • MUA is usually done as a day case meaning you will be able to go home once you have recovered from the anaesthetic.

Going home after MUA

  • You will not be able to drive so please arrange for someone to take you home when you are discharged
  • You may experience swelling in the joint in the first weeks of recovery
  • Rest, ice and elevate the limb if possible
  • Take over the counter pain medication if needed
  • Once the swelling has decreased you should experience greater ease in movement
  • Your consultant may refer you for physiotherapy so that you can maintain your range of motion.
Warwickshire Hospital

The Chase, Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RW

01926 427971
Switchboard 01926 427971
Self Pay Enquiries 01926 436351
Radiology 01926 436323
Physiotherapy 01926 562553
Pathology 01926 436344
Private GP Service 01926 436303
Ward 01926 436335 or 01926 562617
Outpatient bookings 01926 562472

Ways to pay

Nuffield Health promise

Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

Find out more

Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

Find out more

Medical insurance

We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly

Find out more