This film was produced for Pacira by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions as part of The Next Frontier series.
The impact of opioids on postsurgical recovery
Tennis shaped Mark’s life: from junior circuits to Division I college competition to founding his own academy. But years of wear and tear on his knees caught up with him. After a torn ACL in his 40s, Mark faced a painful surgery—and an even more painful recovery. The opioids he was prescribed left him dependent, foggy and disconnected from the life he loved.
I wasn’t as focused as I should be… it was probably a good two years before I felt normal again.”
Redefining recovery after knee surgery
Years later, worsening knee pain made daily life difficult. Mark could no longer play tennis, sleep, or even climb stairs. He couldn’t wrestle with his grandkids. A total knee replacement became unavoidable. Determined to avoid the mistakes of the past, Mark and his wife Leah, a healthcare professional, sought out non-opioid pain therapies. With the right care team and a new approach, Mark’s recovery looked dramatically different.
Within a couple weeks, I was walking. Three and a half months, I was playing tennis.”
Champions of non-opioid pain management
Even after a serious car accident re-injured both of his knees, Mark again prioritized non-opioid care—and again, saw a positive outcome. Inspired by their experience, Leah joined Pacira to help others access safer pain management options. Today, Mark and Leah are back to living a full, active life together.
When someone is in pain and they’re in pain all the time, you alter your life. And our life is now switched back to pre-pain, and that’s lovely.”
Reimagining pain relief
Anytime you have the option to use—or not use—opioids, it’s a decision best made in partnership with your healthcare provider. Patients deserve to understand their options and feel empowered to choose a path that supports healing without the risk of opioid overdependence.
For anyone navigating surgery or pain management, be sure to explore your treatment options and build a plan that works for you.