5 Ways Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy Aids Holistic Recovery
Facing the idea of orthopedic surgery can be overwhelming, especially if you can’t afford to have your life disrupted. Concerns about recovery, potential complications, and the effect on your ability to perform basic tasks can make the decision even more daunting and scary.
There are several reasons why orthopedic doctors reserve surgery as a last resort. Most notably, post-surgical recovery is a lengthy and painful process that can last several months. Surgery patients experience reduced quality of life, lost independence, and the inability to work and perform common daily activities.
Orthopedic doctors first try the least invasive treatments before considering surgery. Advanced orthopedic physical therapy is one modality that’s proven effective in managing conditions and reducing the need for surgery.
Let’s explore this holistic treatment and the numerous benefits of getting physical therapy before surgery.
What Is Physical Therapy, and Who Benefits From It?
Physical therapy is an allied health discipline focused on improving mobility, strength, and overall function, while reducing pain through non-invasive techniques. Physical therapists rely on a combination of exercises, manual therapies, education, and specialized treatments to address musculoskeletal conditions – issues with bone, ligaments, tendons, and muscle.
Who Are the Main Candidates For Physical Therapy?
One major advantage of physical therapy is its broad applications. Orthopedic doctors prescribe physical therapy to:
- People recovering from an injury, such as a sprain or fracture.
- People experiencing chronic pain from conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
- Athletes or active individuals looking to enhance performance or prevent injury.
- Patients diagnosed with degenerative conditions like osteoporosis or herniated discs.
- Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery.
How Physical Therapy Reduces the Need For Surgery
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of conservative treatment plans. Here’s how it supports your musculoskeletal system and potentially helps you avoid surgery.
Physical Therapy Builds Natural Strength
Some injuries and conditions stem from muscle weakness or imbalance. Physical therapy strengthens your muscles, which can alleviate orthopedic pain and help you avoid surgery altogether.
Physical Therapy Restores Mobility and Functionality
Conditions like osteoarthritis or torn ligaments often affect the foot, ankle, hip, or knee, resulting in reduced mobility.
Physical therapy exercises restore range of motion and improve joint function, making daily activities manageable without the need for surgery.
Physical Therapy Relieves Pain and Inflammation
Manual therapy, ultrasound treatments, and gentle exercises that promote blood flow help your body recover. By extension, these modalities decrease reliance on pain medications, steroid injections, and other treatments that may cause unwanted side effects.
Physical Therapy Addresses the Root Issue
Permanently resolving pain, discomfort, and mobility issues means getting to the source of the problem. Physical therapists take a holistic approach by identifying and correcting the root causes of issues, such as poor posture, repetitive strain, or misalignment. Early treatment can prevent the progression of conditions that might otherwise require surgery.
Physical Therapy Is a Long-Term Solution
Unlike pain medications, steroid injections, and invasive surgeries, physical therapy is a long-term holistic solution with no unwanted side-effects and no point where it ceases benefitting patient mobility and recovery.
Patients who engage in physical therapy often receive personalized exercise and maintenance plans to sustain their improvements. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of needing future surgical interventions.
Sometimes Surgery Is Unavoidable
Musculoskeletal conditions that require surgery often involve severe injuries or advanced degeneration that conservative treatments can’t resolve. Examples include complex fractures, torn ligaments like ACL injuries, severe arthritis requiring joint replacement, and spinal conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Surgical approaches vary, with invasive surgeries requiring larger incisions and longer recovery times. Non-invasive or minimally invasive surgeries use smaller incisions and advanced techniques to reduce trauma, speed up recovery, and minimize scarring. The choice between these approaches depends on the condition’s severity and the patient’s needs.
Of course, physical therapy still plays a major role in post-surgical recovery. If your physician determines you require surgery, they will include advanced orthopedic physical therapy as part of your recovery plan.
Considering Physical Therapy Before Surgery? Schedule a Consultation
Physical therapy has helped countless individuals regain mobility, manage their pain, and avoid the risks and long recovery times associated with surgery. By focusing on strengthening, healing, and addressing the root causes of musculoskeletal issues, physical therapy enables patients to effectively manage their condition without sacrificing their quality of life.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain or mobility challenges and want to explore non-invasive treatment options, you may need a consultation with an orthopedic practice near you.