Did you know that recent studies show that, in some cases, physical therapy could be just as effective as surgery for knee, ankle, and shoulder pain? It’s true! When applied consistently and effectively, physical therapy can be an excellent choice for decreasing pain and improving mobility for various physical issues. However, in some cases, surgery may be a more viable option. Here’s a closer look at both treatment options.
Physical Therapy vs. Surgery for Joint Problems
Joint pain is a common complaint among both teenagers and adults. Several different factors result in joint pain – such as injury, arthritis, or muscle imbalance. Whatever the cause, joint pain affects thousands of people across the country. Talk to your doctor and a reputable physical therapist to get two opinions on your type of pain. A reputable physical therapist will evaluate your situation and give an honest opinion on whether you should consider surgery or physical therapy to experience long-lasting pain relief.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy Instead of Surgery
Sometimes patients are disappointed to learn that even with surgery, they may not be able to return to the same level of activity or lifestyle. In fact, they may need prescription pain medication to manage post-surgery pain and find that it doesn’t do much but temporarily numb the severity of pain. On the other hand, physical therapy works at both managing pain and increasing mobility without the use of medication. Here are some other benefits of physical therapy:
- Increase range of motion
- Strengthen muscles
- Reduce pain by creating healthy joints and muscles
- Increase joint stability
- Reduce the need for pain medications
- Allows the body to heal itself naturally
Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Talk to our trained and experienced physical therapists at Activity First PT and find out how to get started.