A systematic review including 8 RCTs with a total of 455 subjects was abstracted in DARE. In most cases, simple analgesics in the first 1 to 2 days following surgery and a well-planned home-based exercise programme should be sufficient for recovery. It is possible that routine daily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken post-operatively for 3 to 6 weeks may enhance recovery rates. One study found that physiotherapy was beneficial for retaining muscle strength and had a positive effect on pain assessment, but this did not translate into functional improvement.