Learn How Advanced Orthopedic Doctors Help You Avoid Going Under the Knife While Improving Your Quality of Life
Orthopedic surgery can be a scary concept, as it carries numerous potential risks for complications. It also involves the longest recovery times, especially if your condition requires traditional open surgery.
If you’re experiencing joint discomfort, pain, or mobility problems that are affecting your quality of life, you may be wondering if advanced orthopedic surgery is your only option. Fortunately, orthopedic doctors can explore numerous non-surgical treatment options before resorting to surgery.
Let’s explore what these non-surgical advanced orthopedic treatments are and how they can help you manage your pain and mobility issues.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most common non-surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions. Guided exercises and hands-on techniques restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
A physical therapist creates a personalized plan based on your condition, mobility goals, and level of activity. Orthopedic physical therapy is often used on its own or in combination with other treatments, such as injection therapy and lifestyle modifications.
According to recent statistics, 90% of physical therapy patients reported this treatment method improved their quality of life.
Lifestyle Modifications
Orthopedic doctors often recommend changes to daily habits to reduce joint strain and manage chronic pain. This may include:
- Creating an exercise routine.
- Losing weight to reduce joint pressure.
- Using ergonomic tools at work.
- Learning proper posture and movement techniques.
- Abstaining from activities that cause joint strain.
These small changes can make a big impact over time, especially for patients with arthritis, tendonitis, or early signs of joint degeneration. In some cases, lifestyle adjustments help you avoid advanced orthopedic surgery altogether.
Injection Therapy
When pain persists despite physical therapy or lifestyle changes, orthopedic doctors use injection therapy to deliver targeted relief. This can include:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in the joints or soft tissues.
- Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate joints affected by osteoarthritis.
- Nerve block injections to numb areas that are contributing to chronic pain.
Injection therapy won’t cure your underlying orthopedic issue, but it does provide temporary relief that allows you to conduct day-to-day activities and better engage in rehabilitation programs.
Casting, Bracing, or Booting
Immobilization gives your body the necessary time to heal from fractures, sprains, and joint instability. Your orthopedic doctor may recommend a cast, walking boot, or custom brace to stabilize the affected area.
These devices protect bones, muscles, and ligaments during the healing process and prevent reinjury. Custom bracing solutions are available at many clinics that specialize in advanced orthopedics in Wichita, KS, ensuring the best possible fit and function.
Advanced Orthopedic Joint Manipulation Techniques
Also known as manual therapy, joint manipulation involves carefully applying force to a joint to restore movement and reduce stiffness. Advanced orthopedic doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists use this holistic technique to improve range of motion and reduce pain caused by tight muscles or misalignment.
Joint manipulation is especially helpful for back pain, neck stiffness, and certain types of joint dysfunction. When used in combination with other treatments, it can help patients move more freely without resorting to orthopedic surgery.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own naturally occurring organic substances to accelerate healing. During this treatment, your orthopedic doctor will draw your blood, process it, and extract a concentration of platelets. Your doctor will then inject the platelets into the injured area, stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
PRP therapy can be used for a variety of conditions, including tendon injuries, joint pain, and soft tissue damage. Although it’s not suitable for every patient, it has shown promise as a holistic alternative to orthopedic surgery.
PRP is one of the more advanced options available at some Wichita, KS orthopedic practices, offering a non-surgical approach to healing for certain types of injuries. Recent studies have concluded PRP therapy shows efficacy in improving symptoms for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, and certain varieties of arthritis.
When to Consider Advanced Orthopedic Surgery
If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, reduced mobility, or an injury that isn’t healing, it’s a good idea to consult with an advanced orthopedic doctor. A thorough evaluation can help determine the best course of action based on your condition, activity level, and goals.
Your orthopedic doctor can also tell you if surgery is necessary, and if so, when you should get it. If you’ve already tried other treatments like physical therapy, PRP therapy, and immobilization techniques, surgery may be the best way to permanently resolve your pain, discomfort, and mobility issues.
Contact Mid-America Orthopedics to schedule your consultation. The sooner you receive medical attention, the sooner your orthopedic doctor can put you on the road to recovery. Call (316) 630-9300 to speak with our scheduling department.