A neutral guide to roles after surgery: Osteopathic physicians (DOs) and Surgical-Recovery Medical-Cannabis Care Managers (SR-MCCMs).
Plain language. Veteran-first. Education only.
In case of a crisis, remember: help is only a call away. Dial 988 (Veterans: press 1) or 911 for immediate assistance.
Decisions about your diagnosis, treatment, medications, or cannabis use are always yours—made together with your licensed clinicians. Your active participation is central to recovery.
Why recovery feels bigger than stitches
The first weeks after surgery can bring sharp or aching pain, swelling, stiffness, and the constant worry of “moving wrong.” Sleep may be broken. Medications help, but they also raise tough questions: How much is enough? When should I taper? What’s safe with my other meds—or with my job’s rules?
You’re not alone in wondering these things. A practical recovery plan—with clear roles and open communication—makes daily life more manageable and safer.
- Your surgeon protects the repair and sets restrictions.
- Your prescriber (surgeon, PCP, or specialist) manages pain medicines and taper plans.
- An osteopathic physician (DO) provides gentle, hands-on support to ease guarding, improve breathing, and help you move more confidently within your surgeon’s rules.
- A Surgical-Recovery Medical-Cannabis Care Manager (SR-MCCM) provides neutral education and paperwork/logistics only, never diagnosis or prescribing.
The real post-op challenge (and how roles help)
Common struggles after surgery include:
- Acute pain and swelling
- Restless sleep or difficulty getting comfortable
- Fear of movement or overexertion
- Medication questions about risks, benefits, and tapering
Where a DO fits: hands-on, low-force techniques to ease muscle guarding, positioning strategies, breath/pacing coaching, and coordination with PT/OT—all helping reduce strain and build confidence.
Where an SR-MCCM fits: if your prescriber approves cannabis under state law, they handle education and logistics only (renewal reminders, paperwork, clinic communication with your consent). They never replace your medical team.
What osteopathic care can look like after surgery?
Think of your body as an instrument that was just repaired. The repair matters, but so does the tuning. A DO helps “tune” your movement so everyday activities feel more manageable:
- Breath & rib motion: gentle techniques to support easier breathing and calmer pain responses.
- Fluid dynamics: approaches that may ease stiffness or heaviness through better circulation.
- Guarding muscles: low-force work to calm tension without stressing fresh tissue.
- Nervous-system quieting: calm, steady contact so daily motion (getting up, showering, walking) feels safer.
OMT does not replace medications or therapies. It may be one helpful piece of the plan your prescriber and surgeon oversee.
A typical DO visit may include: reviewing your procedure and restrictions, a short movement/breathing check, gentle techniques, and a simple home routine (positioning, micro-breaks, breathing) that respects your surgeon’s rules.
Where SR-MCCMs fit (and don’t)
SR-MCCMs do:
- Provide neutral education on state-legal cannabis basics.
- Flag safety or interaction concerns for your prescriber to review.
- Track paperwork and renewal windows.
- Help organize clinic communication (with consent).
SR-MCCMs don’t:
- Diagnose, prescribe, or set dosing.
- Recommend products or brands.
- Replace your medical team or override surgical restrictions.
Cannabis discussions always follow state law and your prescriber’s judgment. VA does not cover certifications or products.
A simple, adjustable recovery rhythm (examples—not directives)
Days 0–3: Protect & Settle
- Short, gentle check-ins with your care team.
- Supported rest positions.
- Strategies for easier breathing and comfort.
Days 3–14: Move & Reset
- Gradual return to basics (walking, showering) within restrictions.
- DO support spreading out strain.
- PT/OT if ordered.
Weeks 2–6: Rebuild & Review
- Prescriber-guided medication review and taper.
- Posture and pacing to reinforce therapy.
- Addressing stiffness or fear of movement.
Week 6+: Return & Reinforce
- Gradual return to valued activities.
- Ongoing troubleshooting for new aches.
- Always follow your surgeon’s restrictions.
Why sleep matters
Sleep is when much of the body’s repair work happens. The goal is restorative sleep—not sedation.
- Positions: find safe, surgeon-approved resting positions.
- Signals: simple routines (dim lights, light breathing practice) can help the body settle.
- Screens & stimulants: reduce late-night stimulation that worsens pain.
- Snoring/anxiety: mention these to your prescriber, since they affect sleep quality.
Guardrails for safety
- A DO never overrides surgical restrictions.
- Call your surgical team for fever, chest pain, wound changes, severe pain, or calf swelling.
- Avoid driving or performing hazardous work while on sedating meds or substances.
- If cannabis is considered, follow the prescriber and workplace rules.
- Store all meds and substances securely, out of reach of children/pets.
- Always ask about potential drug interactions.
Opioids in recovery—risk/benefit basics
Opioids may be appropriate after surgery. They work well for acute pain but carry risks (drowsiness, constipation, tolerance, dependence). Your prescriber balances risks and benefits and will outline if/when to taper.
What helps in practice:
- Functional goals: tie use to tasks (e.g., showering, walking), not just the clock—if your prescriber agrees.
- Mixing risks: never combine with alcohol/sedatives unless approved.
- Taper mindset: as function improves, your prescriber may lower your dose. Ask early how tapering will work.
- Disposal: safely discard unused meds (FDA/local take-back programs).
If medical cannabis is considered, safety, function, and legal/workplace rules come first. Some forms may be more sedating; smoking/vaping may be unsafe after certain procedures. Always check with your clinician.
Family & caregiver support
- Prep the space: safe pathways, seating, lighting, and bathroom setup.
- Cheer progress: notice small wins (“stood with less bracing”).
- Protect pacing: encourage “a little, often” instead of overdoing it.
- Guard meds: safe storage, taper support, never share prescriptions.
- Speak up early: flag mood changes, fear of movement, nausea, or constipation.
Work & policy basics for Veterans
- Work rules: some employers test for THC, especially in safety-sensitive roles. Confirm policies before changes.
- VA policy (2025): VA clinicians can discuss cannabis use, but do not prescribe or pay for certifications/products. Policies evolve—confirm with your VA team.
- Community Care: may apply if VA services aren’t timely/available. Cannabis remains private/out-of-pocket.
Tracking progress
Once a week, jot down:
- Worst pain (0–10)
- Average sleep hours
- Daily walking time/distance
- Number of “setback” days
Optional add-ons: note what helped (position, pacing, breath work), mood, and whether it felt safe to drive.
These notes help your team adjust care.
Veteran questions, plain answers
Will OMT replace my meds?
No—it helps your plan work better, but medication decisions stay with your prescriber.
Can cannabis replace opioids?
That’s up to your prescriber. Sometimes, with improved function, meds are adjusted.
How soon should I taper opioids?
Only your prescriber can decide. Ask early.
Is my job at risk if I use cannabis legally?
It depends on your employer. Confirm policies first.
Who do I call if my incision looks odd or pain spikes?
Your surgical team—always.
What progress can look like
- Standing with less bracing
- Shorter, calmer showers
- Walking-rest-walking cycles, on purpose
- Reaching for the pill bottle less often (as prescribed)
- Doing more, worrying less
Progress is rarely straight. The aim is a steadier function with fewer setbacks.
Bottom line
Recovery shouldn’t trade pain for fear. With your surgeon protecting the repair, your prescriber guiding medications, a DO supporting comfort and mobility, and—when appropriate—an SR-MCCM handling neutral education under state law, you can take an active role in a recovery plan that fits your life. Small steps—comfort, movement, and rest—repeated with guidance, are what move you forward.
2025 Cannabis Notice (read carefully)
Education only—no medical advice, endorsements, or sales. Cannabis is for adults 21+ or qualifying medical patients where state law allows. VA does not cover cannabis certifications or products. Always discuss risks, driving, and workplace rules with your clinician. Never perform hazardous tasks under sedating medications/substances. Store securely, away from children/pets.