Why Surgery Doesn’t Have to Be Your Only Option

Do you suffer from a painful orthopedic condition such as spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis? Many think surgical intervention is the only way they’ll ever find relief. However, you have another option: physical therapy at Key Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre!

There’s no denying that surgery is a significant decision–and one that brings with it several risks, including blood clots, infections, and more. That’s why most doctors will encourage you to consider your options before booking a surgeon. For orthopedic concerns, that means looking to physical therapy.

In fact, physical therapy is actually a frontline treatment for several musculoskeletal conditions, from arthritis to ligament injuries, meaning you absolutely should try it first! Regular physical therapy treatments can help delay your surgery–and, in some cases, avoid it altogether.

If you feel you may be on the path to needing surgery, don’t hesitate to give our team a call. We’ll provide specific information about how our physical therapists can help you avoid or delay surgery.

Conditions That Respond Well to Physical Therapy

People opt for surgery to reduce pain and improve their functionality and mobility. The good news is that physical therapy can do exactly that for several different musculoskeletal conditions, including the following:

• Osteoarthritis: People with severe osteoarthritis often resort to total joint replacements to address their symptoms. But if you can begin physical therapy early on, you can slow the condition’s progression.
• Partial Ligament Tears: While a full ligament tear typically requires surgical intervention, less severe ligament injuries respond well to physical therapy.
• Spinal Stenosis: This condition causes a painful narrowing in the spinal column, but you can manage your pain and mobility restrictions with gentle, targeted exercise.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: A common side effect of aging, physical therapy is more beneficial for treating DDD than surgery in most cases.
• Herniated Discs: This is another condition that physical therapy can generally resolve more easily than surgery.

Physical Therapy vs. Surgery: Here’s What We Can Offer

The exact details of your physical therapy treatment will vary based on several factors, including the condition or injury, your current health status, and your overall goals. Our team will work closely with you to develop a customized plan that meets your needs.

Generally speaking, we’ll begin with an extensive evaluation to help us get to the root of your discomfort. From there, we’ll pull from several different techniques to help you manage pain, eliminate restrictions in your range of motion, and improve your overall function. 

At Key Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre, our physical therapists tailor treatment plans based on your condition, health status, and goals. Here’s why physical therapy can be a smarter choice:

Lower Costs:

• Surgery involves hospital stays, anesthesia, and extended rehabilitation costs.
• Physical therapy offers effective care at a fraction of the cost. Studies estimate surgery can cost at least twice as much per year compared to physical therapy.

Less Downtime:

• Surgery requires weeks or months of recovery.
• Physical therapy promotes gradual progress without invasive procedures, helping you return to daily life faster.

Decreased Risks:

• Surgery comes with risks like blood clots, infections, and reliance on pain medications.
• Physical therapy provides non-invasive, drug-free pain relief with minimal risks.

Improved Long-Term Outcomes:

• Early physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and supports joint health, leading to better long-term results.

“Highly recommend this practice and Mark and his team. They are professional, knowledgeable, and relentlessly focused on your health and healing. The environment in this clinic is welcoming, positive, collaborative, and energetic. Yes, there are sometimes cookies and a friendly four-legged ambassador (Cocoa!), but every single staff member’s priority is working together to ensure every client and team member is taken care of. Five stars. No notes.” – Google 5-Star Review