Arthrofibrosis Awareness Day — October 15, 2025

Mark your calendars: Arthrofibrosis Awareness Day is coming up on October 15, 2025—a pivotal moment to shine a light on this often-misunderstood condition and to stand together in support of those affected.

Arthrofibrosis is the abnormal overproduction of scar tissue and inflammation inside a joint, made by specialised cells called myofibroblasts. It causes pain, stiffness, and often, a significant loss of motion. Arthrofibrosis can affect the knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist or hip. The condition is more common than many realise: it develops in 2–35% of ACL reconstructions and 2–10% of total knee replacements. Research shows that aggressive physiotherapy can make the problem worse, whereas gentle, pain-free movement helps protect the joint and may improve recovery. Some scar tissue may soften over time, but early, appropriate care and modification of typical physiotherapy approaches is crucial.

The International Arthrofibrosis Association (IAA) works to close the gap between science and clinical care—building global awareness, educating healthcare professionals, and advocating for better outcomes for all who live with this condition. But we need YOUR help!

How You Can Help Spread Awareness

1. Share Your Story with the IAA

Before October 15, 2025, submit your personal journey—whether via video, written narrative, photos, or scans—to iaa.committee@arthrofibrosis.info. Your sharing might be featured on our platforms. Consider including:

• Initial Experience: What surgery or injury sparked your arthrofibrosis?

• Struggles During Recovery: What happened in the weeks and months afterward?

• Support Experiences: How did healthcare providers, family, or friends support—or fail to support—you?

• Early Interventions: What might have helped you at the start?

• Treatment Journey: Have you found a treatment plan or provider you're satisfied with?

• Daily Challenges: How does arthrofibrosis affect your everyday life?

• Coping Strategies: What helps you manage—whether exercises, mindset shifts, or alternate therapies?

• Awareness Message: What would you like the broader community to know?

2. Amplify on Social Media

On (and before) October 15, join the movement—share your insights and stories (no clinician names please) using:

#ArthrofibrosisAwareness #IAA #Arthrofibrosis #ArthrofibrosisAwareness2025 #FrozenShoulder #LossOfROM #KneeStiffness #AAD2025 #IAA #FreeTheKnee #PostACLRComplications #PostTKAComplications #AdhesiveCapsulitis #KneeReplacement #ACLRecovery #KneeSurgery

Let your voice be part of the collective roar on Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and beyond.

3. Follow, Watch, Like — and Share

Awareness starts with connection. Every follow, every like, and every share helps push arthrofibrosis out of the shadows and into the global conversation. By engaging with the International Arthrofibrosis Association’s channels, you’re not only staying informed about the latest research and advocacy efforts—you’re also helping amplify the voices of people living with this condition.

Follow the IAA on social media, watch the stories we’ll be releasing leading up to and on October 15, and like or comment to show your support. Most importantly, share posts widely—your network may include someone silently struggling with arthrofibrosis who has yet to find the information and community they need. You find our social media links on the top right of this page.

4. Sign the Petition

Support the IAA’s goal to educate clinicians on optimal treatment approaches. Sign the petition—and pass it along to your friends and networks.

Help us stop more people from suffering disabling and painful arthrofibrosis by signing. With enough signatures we can lobby medical associations and governments in a number of countries.

5. Join the AAD2025

Join us for an inspiring and educational lineup of events designed to raise awareness, share knowledge, and connect the global arthrofibrosis community:

• Informative Webinar (Live at 6pm CET) Learn what knee arthrofibrosis is, how to recognise it, and what the latest science tells us about diagnosis and management.🖥️ Join live via www.shorturl.at/62yN2🔐 Passcode: 561239

• World’s First International Patient Roundtable (YouTube Premiere): Hear directly from people living with arthrofibrosis around the world. This special discussion will feature stories, coping strategies, and tips for navigating daily life with the condition.

• Podcast Interview: The Experience of Arthrofibrosis: Tune in for a heartfelt conversation exploring the realities of living with arthrofibrosis—from diagnosis to adaptation and hope. Link will follow.

Mark your calendar, spread the word, and join us in making #AAD2025 a turning point for awareness, understanding, and advocacy. Together, we can help ensure no one faces arthrofibrosis alone.