Medical devices have been an important part of modern healthcare for a while now. However, they have certainly come a long way. While simple tools are still used, medicine has evolved to include sophisticated technologies designed to monitor, support, repair, or replace functions in the body. 

Let's put things into perspective: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared in 2024 that the market had 275,000 types of medical devices produced across 22,000 manufacturing units. If that wasn't shocking enough, Statista reported that global revenue in this market is expected to reach $571.72 billion in 2026. 

A lot of these devices are implants, and the kind that require surgery. Anything invading the body can ring alarm bells, and the first question that comes to mind is whether there will be complications later. 

This article will explore what may happen to medical implants over time. We will also discuss the factors contributing to delayed complications, symptoms worth knowing, and important steps to take. 

The Root of the Problem 

The most important thing to remember is that not all medical implants are built the same. Some are temporary, although many are permanent in the sense that they must remain in the body for years or decades. 

That doesn't mean an implant will prove to be unsuccessful. However, success depends on regular follow-ups over time. PubMed shared a meta-analysis in 2024 on the survival rate of titanium dental implants over two decades. 

Three prospective studies revealed a mean survival rate of 92%, which decreased to 78% after imputation. This involved 237 implants, and it was found that implant failure was a result of multiple contributing factors. Again, follow-up made all the difference. 

The above study highlights a crucial thing about medical implants: the device and the tissues surrounding it may not necessarily stay the same over time. Those changes, along with the patient's health, can lead to complications later. In that case, several factors can be responsible for complications, including: 

• Wear or deterioration: Some implants or their components can wear down, break, or lose their intended function. 
• Movement or displacement: An implant may shift from its original position, thereby affecting nearby tissues or the device’s function. 
• Changes in surrounding tissues: Healing, inflammation, or other changes in the body can alter how the implant interacts with nearby structures.
• Health changes: A new illness, injury, aging-related change, or a new procedure may affect an existing implant or the area surrounding it. 

In 2025, the FDA warned about a certain heart device manufactured by Boston Scientific after adverse events were reported. Essentially, the manufacturer had reported 386 serious injuries and 16 deaths associated with the device by July 2025. 

The defibrillator in this example was a specific kind of heart device and should not be taken to mean that other implants carry the same risk. Still, it makes it clear that certain medical implant-related issues come to light only after years of device placement. Only a proper medical evaluation can show whether the implant is the cause of a complication. 

Signs of a Possible Implant Complication 

A medical implant does not always present an obvious device failure. In most cases, one of the first signs includes changes in the way the implant feels or functions around the area where the implant was located. 

As for the symptoms, they can vary widely depending on the type of implant, its location, and the tissues surrounding it. The following are some signs of a possible implant complication: 

• New pain, pain that returns after a period of no symptoms, or discomfort that gradually gets severe over time 
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the area of the implant that points toward inflammation or infection 
• An unmistakable change in what an implant was intended to support, regulate, or replace
• Unusual bleeding, discharge, or irritation in the case of implants located near reproductive or urinary organs 
• Problems that repeatedly return or do not respond as expected to treatment 

Such symptoms can be particularly specific when an implant is located in a sensitive or confined area of the body. For instance, urogynecologic surgical mesh is placed to strengthen tissues in procedures involving pelvic organ prolapse or urinary stress incontinence. 

The use of this implant for the former issue is banned across the US now, and for good reasons. As TorHoerman Law notes, women experienced complications in the form of severe pain, infection, bleeding, and organ perforation. 

The issue isn't trivial, since a consolidated vaginal mesh lawsuit has been filed, with settlements totalling $8 million across 48 states. Even women in the UK have faced serious complications, as the BBC noted in a 2026 feature. 

It shared the story of Susan McLarnon, who said that, “I walked into the hospital able-bodied and came out on crutches.” She had the mesh implant surgery done for pelvic organ prolapse back in 2016, and faced complications nearly a decade later. 

Still, just symptoms don't mean that a medical implant is responsible for a complication. What matters is whether the change is unusual for an individual and if it occurs in an area affected by a previous procedure. 

What to Do When Symptoms Develop Years After an Implantation 

Once a medical implant procedure is complete, most people hardly ever think about it. Many move on with their lives, thinking there is no need for follow-ups if there are no issues. Then, an issue cropping up years later can be unsettling and daunting. 

First, it's best not to miss a single follow-up. If an issue arises years later, do not automatically assume that the implant is behind it. Pain, swelling, and other changes may have different causes, so only a healthcare evaluation can give the right answer. 

If you develop a new, recurring, or progressively worsening symptom, do the following: 

• Make an appointment with your healthcare provider and let them know about your implant and what has changed. 
• Note whether the symptom appeared suddenly or gradually, along with whether it has gotten worse over time. 
• Describe the symptom clearly, including where it occurs, how it feels, how often it happens, and anything that seems to make it worse. 
• If possible, keep the device name, manufacturer, model, and date of implant information available. 
• Carry along older medical records if you have them. 
• Mention later injuries, procedures, or treatments. 
• Ask whether your particular implant has any safety updates. 

Now, device recalls years later are also common. Reuters reported in May 2025 that Exactech was dealing with about 2,600 lawsuits involving recalled knee, hip, and shoulder implants. 

The lawsuits alleged that a packaging defect led to device oxidation, thereby shortening its lifespan and requiring revision surgery. Texas Pacific Group (TPG), or the firm that acquired Exactech in 2018, was disappointed and unwilling to take responsibility. 

The firm’s attorney, Mark Premo-Hopkins, said, “TPG stands ready to defend itself in any forum, confident that they will succeed again.” Complex as the case is, it tells you the importance of knowing which implant you have.

Even if you have no information about an implant placed years ago, don't let that stop you from seeking care. Your healthcare provider may be able to extract the records and determine what information is needed. What happens next will depend on the particular device, the reason for concern, and your individual circumstances.  

FAQs 

Can an implant fail after years of normal function? 

Yes, some implants can develop problems after years of successful use. This happens due to wear, movement, changes in surrounding tissues, infection, or changes in a person’s health. However, risks vary depending on the type of implant. 

What should I do if I develop symptoms after years of getting an implant? 

Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms are new, recurring, or getting worse. Keep track of when they started and how they have changed. Share details about your implant, previous procedures, injuries, and treatments. If possible, bring your implant information and relevant medical records. 

How can doctors determine whether an implant is causing a problem? 

Doctors will first review your medical and surgical history, symptoms, implant details, and previous procedures before deciding whether an imaging or specialist evaluation is needed. Since many symptoms have multiple causes, experiencing one does not mean the implant is responsible. 

Key Statistics and Data on Medical Implants 

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2024 data on medical devices	275,000 types of medical devices were on the US market, produced across 22,000 manufacturing units.
Statista on medical device market global revenue	Expected to reach $571.72 billion in 2026, with most of it belonging to the US
PubMed meta-analysis in 2024 on the survival rate of titanium dental implants	Three prospective studies revealed a mean survival rate of 92%, which decreased to 78% after imputation
FDA update on total ankle replacement in 2026	Identified a higher long-term risk of device failure

For most people, an old medical implant is simply a part of their past. The surgery happened, recovery followed, and life moved on. 

Just to be on the safe side, it's always best to keep your implant information even years after the procedure. Medical knowledge about devices may continue to develop as researchers gain more long-term evidence. For instance, the FDA updated its safety communication on total ankle replacement in 2026 after identifying a higher long-term risk of device failure. 

An implant may be old, but it need not become a forgotten part of your medical history. Keeping all details accessible can help you approach unexpected symptoms in an informed manner. 

Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

Learn more online - new online discussion group included!

Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. 

• NEW - Online Discussion Group
• Live cases
• webinars
• lecture
• Live Q&A
• over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! 
• Check out MMT Insiders

Keeping it Eclectic...

Why do athletes swear by hot and cold water recovery?

If you've spent any time around a gym, a footy club, a busy CrossFit box, or any decent training facility, you've probably heard someone rave about jumping between a hot pool and an ice bath after training. The question is fair enough: why would anyone willingly subject themselves to freezing water minutes after sitting in something close to scalding? And does it do anything beyond making you feel virtuous on a Tuesday morning?

The short answer is yes, and the reasoning behind it has more substance than most wellness fads. Contrast therapy, sometimes called hot-cold immersion, has been practised for hundreds of years across Scandinavia, Japan, ancient Rome, and parts of Eastern Europe. Modern sports science has spent the last two decades catching up with what bathhouse cultures have known for generations.

What happens to your body during a session?

When you step into a hot pool or sauna, your blood vessels dilate. Blood rushes outward toward the skin to release heat and your heart rate climbs. Tight muscles begin to loosen as the warmth spreads through your tissues. Then comes the cold plunge. Within seconds, those same blood vessels constrict sharply, sending blood back toward your core to protect your organs.

Switch back to heat, and the cycle repeats. This rhythmic dilation and constriction creates what physiologists describe as a vascular pump. Blood moves through your tissues with more force than it would at rest, flushing out metabolic waste like lactic acid while bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to muscles that have been beaten up by training.

For people serious about training volume, having access to dedicated contrast therapy pools makes a meaningful difference. A backyard ice bath next to a hot shower is one thing. Purpose-built pools sitting at controlled temperatures, ready when you finish a session, are something else entirely.

How strong is the evidence?

This is where things get interesting. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that team sport athletes who used contrast bathing recovered better from fatigue 24 to 48 hours after a match than those who relied on cold water immersion alone. Several other studies have linked the practice to reduced delayed onset muscle soreness, the deep ache that hits the day after a heavy session.

The research isn't unanimous on every point. Some trials show modest effects on perceived soreness rather than dramatic changes in performance markers. But across the body of evidence, contrast therapy consistently outperforms passive recovery (sitting on the couch) and often beats cold immersion on its own.

Who tends to get the most from it?

People who train hard and need to back up the next day are obvious beneficiaries. Footballers, rugby players, distance runners, lifters working through high-volume blocks. Anyone whose training load has plateaued because soreness is bleeding into the next session.

Athletes aren't the only group who benefit. Office workers dealing with chronic stress have reported sleeping better and feeling sharper after regular sessions. Some of this comes down to the parasympathetic nervous system response that follows a cold plunge. Your body shifts out of fight-or-flight mode and into recovery, and that effect tends to linger for hours.

People with circulatory issues, mild arthritis, post-surgical stiffness, or general muscle tightness sometimes find contrast bathing useful too, though anyone with cardiovascular conditions should clear it with a doctor first. The rapid temperature shifts place real stress on the heart, which is part of why it works and also part of why caution matters.

What does a typical protocol look like?

Most protocols run somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes total. A common approach is three or four minutes in heat (around 38 to 42°C), followed by 30 seconds to a minute in cold water (5 to 12°C), repeated three or four times. Beginners often start shorter, with less extreme temperatures, and build tolerance over weeks rather than days.

Frequency matters more than people realise. Two to four sessions a week tends to produce the best results for recovery. Going harder than that doesn't speed things up and can leave you feeling depleted instead of restored.

End on cold if you want a stimulating, alert finish. End on hot if you're using the session to wind down before bed. Both work, and the choice depends on what you need that day.

Is it worth building into your week?

Here's the honest answer: contrast therapy isn't going to turn an average athlete into an elite one. It won't replace good sleep, decent nutrition, sensible training programming, or sound recovery habits. What it does is give your body a faster path back to baseline after the work is done, which over months adds up to more sessions you can actually train through.

The barrier for most people isn't science. It's logistics. Setting up an ice bath at home is doable but messy, and very few homes have a hot pool sitting next to it. Recovery centres that offer the equipment in one place have grown rapidly across Australian cities for exactly this reason. You walk in, do the protocol, walk out feeling like you've been put through a wash cycle in the best possible way.

If you've been curious about whether the cold-then-hot cycle deserves the hype, the cheapest experiment is to try it for a month. Most people know within three or four sessions whether it's working for them. The ones who stick with it usually do so because they notice the difference on the days they skip it more than the days they don't.

Keeping it Eclectic...

6 Innovative Technologies Enhancing Patient Interaction in Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has gone a long way since its humble origins. Today, it's a field buzzing with innovation, transforming how we approach rehabilitation and recovery. Gone are the days of simple stretches in bland clinics. Now, cutting-edge technologies are reshaping patient care and treatment outcomes.

This evolution builds on the pioneering work of early therapists who challenged conventional wisdom. Their efforts set the stage for the remarkable advancements we see today. Modern physical therapy harnesses the power of technology to achieve what was once thought impossible, offering hope to those with chronic conditions and pushing the boundaries of recovery for others.

These innovations, from high-tech prosthetics to virtual reality exercises, are making therapy more accessible and effective. They're opening new doors for patients worldwide, improving quality of life, and redefining what's possible in rehabilitation.

6 Innovative Technologies Enhancing Physical Therapy

Conversational AI

Conversational AI in healthcare is revolutionizing patient interaction. This technology enables virtual assistants to engage with patients, answer questions, and provide guidance throughout their treatment journey. It offers 24/7 support, helping patients stay on track with their exercises and providing instant feedback. These AI-powered chatbots can also schedule appointments, send reminders, and collect valuable data on patient progress. By reducing the administrative burden on therapists, conversational AI allows them to focus more on hands-on treatment. Moreover, it enhances patient education by offering easy access to information about their conditions and treatment plans, ultimately improving adherence and outcomes.

Remote Therapy Solutions

Telehealth has changed physical treatment and made it easier than ever. Patients can now communicate with clinicians from their homes via smartphone video calls. This method is especially useful for people living in remote regions or who have mobility challenges. It ensures the continuation of care and lowers the likelihood of missed appointments.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) takes this a step further. Wearable devices track patients' progress, monitoring their form during exercises and collecting data on a range of motion and pain levels. This real-time information allows therapists to adjust treatment plans promptly, ensuring optimal recovery. RPM also empowers patients, giving them a clearer understanding of their progress and encouraging active participation in their rehabilitation.

Interactive Rehabilitation Games

Physical therapy is no longer limited to repetitive exercises. Innovative applications and video games are introducing an element of fun to rehabilitation. These games transform traditional therapy routines into engaging adventures, where patients might find themselves conquering virtual obstacles to improve gait or battling digital foes to enhance hand-eye coordination.

This gamification approach serves multiple purposes. It increases patient engagement and motivation, making therapy sessions something to look forward to rather than dread. The sense of achievement and reward built into these games can significantly boost morale and adherence to treatment plans. Moreover, the immersive nature of these games can distract patients from discomfort, allowing them to push their limits further.

Robotic Assistance in Therapy

The integration of robotics in physical therapy is opening new frontiers in rehabilitation. Exoskeletons and robotic trainers are now assisting patients in ways previously thought impossible. These devices can precisely guide movements, reducing strain on injured areas while facilitating repetitive exercises crucial for recovery. For patients with severe mobility issues, robotic assistance can be life-changing. It allows for earlier mobilization and more intensive therapy sessions, potentially accelerating recovery times. These robotic aids can also provide consistent support over extended periods, which would be challenging for human therapists alone. Furthermore, the data collected by these robotic systems offer valuable insights into patient progress, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment plans.

Immersive Virtual Environments

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are transforming the landscape of physical therapy. These technologies create immersive environments that engage patients in ways traditional exercises cannot. In a virtual world, patients can perform repetitive movements without the monotony, staying motivated and focused on their recovery goals.

VR and AR have wide-ranging applications in rehabilitation. They're effective for rebuilding strength, improving range of motion, and enhancing balance and coordination. These technologies offer safe environments for neurological rehabilitation to practice daily living skills. The immersive nature of VR can also help in pain management, distracting patients from chronic discomfort during therapy sessions.

Smart Wearables and Biofeedback

Wearable devices and sensor technology are becoming indispensable tools in physical therapy. These smart devices go beyond simple step counting, offering detailed insights into patients' movements, posture, and vital signs. They are constant companions in the rehabilitation journey, providing real-time feedback and alerts to ensure patients maintain proper form and adhere to their exercise regimens.

These devices are invaluable diagnostic tools for therapists. They can precisely pinpoint biomechanical issues, track progress, and help develop tailored treatment plans. The continuous data stream from these wearables allows for more accurate assessments and timely adjustments to therapy protocols.

Patients benefit from these devices' immediate feedback, enhancing their body awareness and facilitating a stronger brain-to-body connection. When combined with other technologies like VR, smart wearables create a comprehensive rehabilitation ecosystem, pushing the boundaries of what's achievable in physical therapy.

Conclusion

The future of physical therapy is bright, powered by innovative technologies that enhance treatment and patient experience. From conversational AI to robotic assistance, these advancements are reshaping rehabilitation. While innovation offers intriguing possibilities, it's crucial to remember that it complements, not replaces, the competence of human clinicians. As we move forward, integrating high-tech solutions with personalized care promises more effective, engaging, and accessible physical therapy for all.

Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

Learn more online - new online discussion group included!

Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. 

• NEW - Online Discussion Group
• Live cases
• webinars
• lecture
• Live Q&A
• over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! 
• Check out MMT Insiders

Keeping it Eclectic...

Erson shares a recent case - young female distance runner, at the top of her age group with severe knee pain. After 50% improvement with traditional strengthening, ankle and hip mobility training, modifying strike, getting new footwear, the patient discovered something else that made her able to run pain free.

Untold Physio Stories is part of the PT Podcast Network, find more amazing podcasts and new favorites here! 

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

⁠Comprehend PT⁠- Leave Comprehend PT running in the background or record audio when you have time. The AI based SOAP note generator does the rest! No need for accuracy or exact wording! It's a game changer and will give you more time with your patients! Use code MMT50 to save 50% off your first month. Free trial available at sign up!⁠⁠

The Eclectic Approach Network⁠⁠ - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.

Check out ⁠⁠EDGE Mobility System⁠⁠'s Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.com

 Keeping it Eclectic...

We're joined by Dr. Chris Garcia from Chris Garcia Academy. He works with pro athletes and also teaches PTs to be at the top of their game when it comes to treating this unique population. His story is a cautionary tale about working with high level athletes prior to competition. 

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

⁠⁠The Eclectic Approach Network⁠⁠ - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.

Check out ⁠⁠EDGE Mobility System⁠⁠'s Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.com

⁠Autodoc⁠ - Leave Autodoc running in the background or record audio when you have time. The AI based SOAP note generator does the rest! No need for accuracy or exact wording! It's a game changer and will give you more time with your patients! Use code MMT23 to save 50% off your first month. Free trial available at sign up!

Keeping it Eclectic...

In this episode, Dr. Adam Robin of the PT Owners club talks about wanting to become the best clinician to owning a business, to scaling his clinic to multiple clinicians and multiple clinics. His mentor and he now are helping similar PT Clinic Owners with the PT Owners Club.

Keeping it Eclectic...

We're joined again by Dr. Adrian Miranda of the web series Gross Anatomy on youtube. He was supposed to tell a story of working for a high volume clinic coming off of an esteemed residency program. But our geek mode took over and we ended up recoding an episode all about our love of movies, Tom Cruise, his crazy running gait, and how PTs should think when they view a great action scene. Have you ever thought of these things as a clinician when you watch your favorite movies or shows?

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

⁠The Eclectic Approach Network⁠ - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.

Check out ⁠EDGE Mobility System⁠'s Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.com

⁠Curv Health⁠ - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! ⁠Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective⁠ to help promote best online practices. 

Keeping it Eclectic...

Andrew discusses a recent case with a curious finding. Bilateral Infraspinatus atrophy one side greater than the other. No myotomal or dermatomal overlap, no pain, no trauma or recent infection. What do you make of it? Any similar cases in your experience?

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

⁠The Eclectic Approach Network⁠ - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.

Check out ⁠EDGE Mobility System⁠'s Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.com

⁠Curv Health⁠ - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! ⁠Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective⁠ to help promote best online practices. 

Keeping it Eclectic...