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 Infinity Physical Therapy!
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 Infinity Physical Therapy, our physical therapists tailor treatment plans based on your condition, health status, and goals. Here's why physical therapy can be a smarter choice:
Why Physical Therapy Can Be a Smarter Choice
Physical therapy is a conservative, evidence-based approach that helps reduce pain, improve movement, and restore function—all without the risks and recovery associated with surgery.
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.
Why Physical Therapy Saves You More Than Time
Beyond health benefits, physical therapy significantly reduces overall expenses. Here's how:
Fewer Complications:
No surgical risks mean fewer unexpected costs.
Shorter Recovery Periods:
Time off work is reduced, lowering indirect expenses.
No Need for Post-Surgical Therapy:
Since physical therapy is part of your primary care plan, you won't need additional rehabilitation.
Stay Active for Better Results
Starting physical therapy early provides the best chance to avoid surgery. Our team will develop an exercise plan tailored to your lifestyle, helping you stay active and healthy. Consistent movement is essential, especially for degenerative conditions. If surgery becomes necessary later, your body will already be stronger, leading to a faster recovery. If you have a painful musculoskeletal condition, don’t resort to surgery – visit Infinity Physical Therapy first to find out if physical therapy might be a better solution for you. Call us today to get started.
You Had Surgery–But You're Still Struggling with Pain!
Many people mistakenly believe that surgery is a cure-all: that once they work through their rehabilitation, they'll be back to their old selves. While this is true sometimes, other times, people find that they're still struggling with pain or limited mobility after a surgical procedure.
If this has been your experience, then know that physical therapy may be the tool you need to find lasting relief. Just as the team at Infinity Physical Therapy can help people avoid or delay surgery, we can also ensure your surgery provides you with a successful outcome. What can we do?
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy helps with pain and range of motion restrictions. These hands-on techniques can gradually help restore your mobility over time.
Mobility Exercises
Mobility exercises take things a step further in terms of restoring your range of motion.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises will help build muscular strength and endurance to provide support and stability to the affected joint.
Functional Training
Functional training will help you relearn movements you thought you'd lost. We can also help improve gait or balance and help you perform day-to-day activities like going up or down stairs more easily.
If you're still struggling with pain and mobility after an orthopedic surgery, call us to schedule an appointment. We'll work together to find a plan that suits your needs and goals!
Savor a Pain-Free Football Season
As Friday night lights illuminate the field and the spirit of football echoes throughout the community, ensure that back pain doesn't get in the way while rooting for your team in the stands. Experience the thrill of the season without the discomfort of back pain. Our treatments are designed for your unique needs, ensuring you're game-day-ready every time.
Your game plan to tackle back pain involves the following:
Effective Treatments
Effective treatments to alleviate pain and guard against future flare-ups.
Customized Strategies
Customized strategies to boost your mobility and strength so you can cheer on your favorite teams without hesitation.
Tailgate Tips
Tips to enjoy those tailgate barbecues and halftime huddles without a second thought to your back.
Enjoy Every Game
Get ready to chant, cheer, and celebrate without restraint all season long.
Connect with Infinity Physical Therapy today, and let's ensure you're in prime shape for every touchdown this season!
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 3–4 oz sliced turkey breast
- ¼ avocado, mashed or sliced
- 1 slice provolone or Swiss cheese (optional)
- Handful of spinach or lettuce
- 2 tomato slices
- Thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 tbsp hummus or light mayonnaise
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Spread hummus (or light mayonnaise) on one slice of bread and avocado on the other.
- Layer the turkey, cheese, spinach, tomato, and cucumber.
- Season with fresh cracked black pepper.
- Close the sandwich and slice in half.
- Serve with fresh fruit, baby carrots, or a handful of baked chips for a balanced lunch.
