Knee surgery is often necessary for regaining function and mobility—but the real challenge is in the recovery. Without proper soft tissue care, complications like scar tissue, stiffness, and chronic pain can limit long-term results.
At Elite Recovery, we specialize in Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, and Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST)—proven techniques that reduce pain, restore mobility, and accelerate healing after knee surgery.
If you’re a patient preparing for knee surgery, a surgeon seeking better recovery outcomes, or a physical therapist looking for complementary care, we’re here to help.
Muscles & Myofascial Lines Involved in Knee Flexion & Extension
(Based on Janet Travell & John Barnes' Myofascial Work)
🔹 Knee Flexion Muscles & Referral Patterns
These muscles bend the knee, pulling the lower leg backward.
Hamstrings Group (Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus)
Referral Pattern: Deep ache or sharp pain in the posterior thigh, behind the knee, and sometimes radiating down the calf.
Myofascial Line: Superficial Back Line
Gastrocnemius (Calf Muscle)
Referral Pattern: Cramping pain in the posterior knee, sometimes mimicking Baker’s cyst pain.
Myofascial Line: Superficial Back Line
Popliteus (Key Unlocker of the Knee)
Referral Pattern: Deep pain behind the knee, feeling like "something is stuck" or instability in knee bending.
Myofascial Line: Deep Front Line
Sartorius
Referral Pattern: Burning or aching along the inner knee and thigh.
Myofascial Line: Superficial Front Line
Gracilis
Referral Pattern: Dull pain along the inner thigh to the knee, sometimes mistaken for medial ligament pain.
Myofascial Line: Deep Front Line
🔹 Knee Extension Muscles & Referral Patterns
These muscles straighten the knee, pulling the lower leg forward.
Quadriceps Group (Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius)
Referral Pattern:
Rectus Femoris: Deep aching pain in the front of the thigh, hip, and knee.
Vastus Lateralis: Sharp lateral knee pain, sometimes mistaken for IT band syndrome.
Vastus Medialis: Pain around the inner knee with a sensation of weakness or "giving out."
Vastus Intermedius: Deep thigh and knee aching, worsens with pressure.
Myofascial Line: Superficial Front Line
Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) & IT Band
Referral Pattern: Sharp outer knee pain that mimics IT Band Syndrome, often worsening with running or prolonged walking.
Myofascial Line: Lateral Line
Gluteus Maximus (Upper Fibers Assist in Extension via IT Band)
Referral Pattern: Deep ache in the posterior hip and lateral knee, sometimes causing knee instability.
Myofascial Line: Superficial Back Line & Lateral Line
Common Types of Knee Surgeries & Their Soft Tissue Complications
The knee is a complex joint with muscles, tendons, and ligaments working together to provide movement and stability. Post-surgical recovery can be challenging due to scar tissue, swelling, and restricted mobility.
1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) / Partial Knee Replacement
Soft Tissue Complications: Scar tissue buildup, stiffness, swelling, compensatory muscle tension
How We Help: Myofascial Release breaks down adhesions, while Lymphatic Drainage reduces swelling for faster healing.
2. ACL Reconstruction (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair)
Soft Tissue Complications: Quadriceps and hamstring tightness, instability, pain from compensatory movement
How We Help: Neuromuscular Therapy retrains proper muscle activation, and FST restores knee flexibility.
3. Meniscus Repair or Removal (Meniscectomy)
Soft Tissue Complications: Swelling, reduced range of motion, instability
How We Help: Lymphatic Drainage minimizes swelling, while FST prevents long-term movement restrictions.
4. Patellar Realignment or Tendon Repair (Kneecap Surgery)
Soft Tissue Complications: Scar tissue, quad and hip muscle imbalance, pain with movement
How We Help: Myofascial Release reduces adhesions around the knee and Neuromuscular Therapy corrects muscle imbalances.
5. Microfracture Surgery (Cartilage Repair)
Soft Tissue Complications: Persistent swelling, weakness, limited movement
How We Help: Lymphatic Drainage Therapy aids recovery, while FST ensures proper movement patterns for long-term function.
How Referring to Elite Recovery Benefits Your Clients
Referring pre- and post-knee surgery patients to Elite Recovery ensures a smoother, faster recovery with reduced pain, enhanced mobility, and fewer complications. Our specialized soft tissue therapies work seamlessly alongside rehabilitation plans, making them the perfect complement to medical and therapeutic treatments.
🏥 Physical Therapists
Soft tissue restrictions can slow down rehabilitation progress. My treatments eliminate adhesions, trigger points, and fascial restrictions, helping patients restore range of motion, reduce stiffness, and improve flexibility, so they advance through therapy more effectively.
⚕️ Sports Medicine Doctors
Chronic knee pain and sports injuries require a multifaceted recovery approach. My Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release relieve pain, improve joint mechanics, and aid in injury prevention, seamlessly integrating into sports medicine treatment plans.
🏗️ Orthopedic Surgeons
Post-surgical complications like scar tissue buildup, swelling, and stiffness can hinder recovery. I use Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, and Neuromuscular Therapy to reduce inflammation, minimize scar tissue, and optimize muscle function, accelerating healing and ensuring the best possible surgical outcome.
🦴 Chiropractors
Chiropractic adjustments work best when muscles are tension-free and balanced. My therapies release soft tissue restrictions, helping to restore joint mobility, improve posture, and prevent compensatory movement patterns for lasting relief.
🏋️ Personal Trainers & Strength Coaches
Athletes recovering from knee surgery need targeted muscle work to regain strength and flexibility safely. My soft tissue therapy, Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST), and trigger point release techniques keep clients pain-free, mobile, and performing at their peak while preventing re-injury.
By partnering with Elite Recovery, you can ensure your clients heal faster, move better, and avoid long-term mobility issues.
Let’s work together to unlock the body’s full potential.
Tiffany Sandoval with Elite Recovery
📍 Locations: San Juan Capistrano, CA & Lake Elsinore, CA
📞 Phone: 949.444.2154
📧 Email: info@tiffanysandoval.com
🌐 Website: www.tiffanysandoval.com
📸 Follow on Instagram: @elite_bodywork
The Healing Timeline: What to Expect & When to Start Soft Tissue Therapy
Understanding the stages of healing helps determine the best approach for recovery.
1. Pre-Surgery (2-6 Weeks Before)
Why it Matters:
Prepares the knee and surrounding muscles for better surgical outcomes
Improves blood flow and mobility, reducing post-surgery stiffness
Best Therapies:
✔ Neuromuscular Therapy – Releases overactive muscles to prevent compensatory strain
✔ FST (Frederick Stretch Therapy) – Prepares muscles and joints for optimal post-surgery function
2. Early Post-Surgery (0-6 Weeks After)
Why it Matters:
Focus is on pain relief, swelling reduction, and preventing excessive scar tissue
Best Therapies:
✔ Lymphatic Drainage Therapy – Reduces swelling and enhances circulation
✔ Gentle Myofascial Release – Prevents excessive scar tissue formation
3. Mid-Recovery (6-12 Weeks Post-Surgery)
Why it Matters:
Scar tissue begins to mature, but if left untreated, it can severely limit mobility
Strength and mobility re-education are critical
Best Therapies:
✔ Myofascial Release & FST – Breaks down adhesions and restores flexibility
✔ Neuromuscular Therapy – Reinforces proper muscle activation patterns
4. Full Recovery & Performance Restoration (12 Weeks – 6 Months)
Why it Matters:
Ensures long-term knee stability and mobility
Prevents future injuries by restoring natural movement patterns
Best Therapies:
✔ FST & Myofascial Release – Maintain optimal movement and flexibility
✔ Neuromuscular Therapy – Strengthens knee stabilizers to prevent re-injury
Why Surgeons & Physical Therapists Should Refer to Elite Recovery
We work alongside surgeons and physical therapists to enhance the recovery process, ensuring:
✅ Faster healing – Reduce swelling and scar tissue for quicker mobility gains
✅ Better movement quality – Prevent long-term restrictions and compensatory injuries
✅ Pain reduction – Soft tissue work minimizes post-op discomfort
✅ Stronger recovery outcomes – Optimize long-term knee function and stability
How We Work With Medical Professionals
Pre-Surgical Preparation – We ensure patients go into surgery with the best possible tissue condition
Post-Surgical Recovery – We integrate seamlessly with PT protocols to maximize healing and mobility
Patient Education – We teach self-care techniques to help patients prevent excessive scar tissue and regain confidence in movement
If you're a surgeon, physical therapist, or patient seeking a complete recovery solution, Elite Recovery is here to support every step of your journey.
Final Takeaway: What Every Knee Surgery Patient Should Know About Soft Tissue Therapy
📌 Soft tissue therapy prevents complications like scar tissue and chronic stiffness
📌 Pre-surgery therapy improves surgical outcomes
📌 Post-surgery therapy accelerates healing & restores mobility
📌 A structured recovery plan ensures long-term knee function
Why You Need an Expert in Soft Tissue Therapy for Knee Recovery
Many post-surgical complications arise not from the surgery itself—but from scar tissue, swelling, and nerve entrapment in the surrounding soft tissue. Without expert soft tissue therapy, patients can experience:
🚫 Delayed healing due to poor circulation and inflammation buildup
🚫 Restricted movement from excessive scar tissue formation
🚫 Ongoing nerve pain, numbness, or weakness from muscle tightness compressing key nerves
🚫 Compensatory injuries as the body tries to protect the knee by altering gait and posture
At Elite Recovery, I specialize in Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, and FST, ensuring your knee heals faster, with less pain, and with full mobility restored.
Resources Post- Surgery Recovery
Please note that the following information is based on individual patient experiences and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying any new treatments or therapies. If you have suggestions or additional experiences to share, please contact us at info@tiffanysandoval.com.
Wound & Scar Care
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Makes Resting & Sleep Easier
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Makes being Mobile Easier
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Post Surgery & Injury Recovery Supplement
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Let’s Work Together to Optimize Recovery!
If you’re preparing for knee surgery—or struggling with post-op pain and stiffness—Elite Recovery can help.
📅 Book Your Recovery Session Today:🔗 Schedule Your Appointment Here
Let’s work together to restore your movement, reduce your pain, and get you back to full strength—faster! 🚀
Tiffany Sandoval
Hi I'm Tiffany Sandoval, Elite Pain Relief & Mobility Expert with over 13 years. I specialize in soft tissue therapy for professional and youth athletes, post-surgery recovery (shoulder, hip, and knee), and mobility restoration, using neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and FST to optimize performance, accelerate healing, and prevent injuries. Let's work together to unlock your body's potential, regain mobility, and pave the way for a pain-free, active lifestyle. Connect with her here or on LinkedIn.
Why Choose Elite Recovery Sports Therapy?
✅ Over 13 years of experience in neuromuscular therapy
✅ Specialized techniques for prolong sports careers and chronic pain relief
✅ Convenient locations in Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano
✅ Personalized care tailored to your specific needs
If you're ready to prioritize your health and recovery, schedule your appointment today and experience the Elite Recovery difference!
📅 Book Now: Click here to schedule your session
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