Preventative care is emerging in the health world as a bigger and bigger area of interest. Historically, our care system has been reactive, after the injury or illness, after someone feels pain, or after they have issues with mobility. For example, surgeries are becoming extremely common, and there is still a misconception that things like arthritis and surgery are inevitable. While it is true that in some cases, especially after traumatic accidents, surgery can be unavoidable and lifesaving, there are other considerations. To name a few, surgery can be invasive, expensive, puts burden on the health care system, and also has an innate risk of post-op complications like infection, long ICU stays or recovery periods. Many people are unaware about the role of physiotherapy in preventing surgeries, that it can delay or even prevent the need for surgery completely.
When can physiotherapy help avoid surgery?
- Chronic low back pain and herniated discs: Improvements in pain and function through exercise-based treatments, and many people can improve without surgery
- Knee osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries: Strengthening and low-impact exercise reduce joint stress
- Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries: Restored mobility and muscle control can prevent tears from worsening
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Nerve gliding and ergonomic corrections may reduce the need for surgery
- Sports injuries (ACL sprains, tendonitis, ankle instability): Targeted rehab can restore stability and decrease the risk of major injuries
How can physiotherapy help avoid surgery?
1. Restoring mobility and strength:
Your physiotherapists are experts in movement. They can help you to create individualized exercise programs to target stiffness in joints, tightness or weakness in muscle or any imbalances in the body.
For example, when most of the arthritis patients go for their consultation, they may get advice that surgery is the only option. On the other hand, in the clinic, we have seen many patients can delay or avoid surgeries if they follow their physiotherapist’s personalized plan for them. This will include stretching, strengthening of the hip and knee joint, practicing balance, and strategies to preserve the joint including gait aids or braces. Ultimately, stronger muscles take pressure off painful joints and allow for more natural movement.
2. Pain relief without medication
Many people we see are relying on painkillers or injections to manage their discomfort. Unfortunately, these are usually short-term and get less effective with time. In physiotherapy we offer alternatives such as manual therapy, joint mobilization, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, TENS and exercise therapy which can help to get rid of pain. These approaches help you to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and improve tissue healing. Over time, patients often notice such significant improvements in pain they just are able to delay or avoid the surgery.
3. Correcting the root cause of the problem
Surgery often fixes the immediate “end result” of an issue but doesn’t always address what caused it in the first place. Physiotherapy focuses on long-term solutions by assessing the real cause of your issue. This could be but is not limited to correcting posture, improving movement patterns, and balancing muscle activity. For example, a person with chronic shoulder pain might get relief by surgery if there is a torn muscle. However, shoulder surgeries have a long recovery time and the outcomes can be variable. Physiotherapy can help the whole structure by correcting harmful postures and movement patterns,, strengthening and reactivating injured muscles, and reducing strain on joints.
4. Acting as a first line of defense
Nowadays, many doctors recommend trying physiotherapy as conservative management before committing to surgery. There is much research that shows that for conditions like rotator cuff injuries, meniscus tears, or lower back pain, structured physiotherapy programs can help you get better and avoid surgery. In cases where surgery is still necessary, Physiotherapy still plays a crucial role in the quality and overall outcome of the post-operative period and recovery.
What if surgery is still needed?
As noted, physiotherapy cannot replace surgery in every individual and it must be assessed on a case by case basis. The determination must be made based on the severity and type of injury, and individual factors like age and comorbidities. There is a higher chance of surgery in situations with multiple injuries, complete tears of muscles or ligaments, fractures and advanced degenerative changes. In that scenario, physiotherapy is still necessary for pre-op and post-op care.
• Pre-surgery (“prehab”): Physiotherapy before surgery can teach you what to expect and be at your best. Strengthening muscles and improving mobility before surgery often helps facilitate a faster, smoother recovery afterward.
• Post-surgery rehabilitation: Physiotherapy is essential for regaining strength, preventing stiffness, and restoring function, and preventing complications after an operation. Different surgeries may have protocols or restrictions after a surgery and your physiotherapist can help you navigate the intricacies.
Have you been told that you need surgery?
If you haven’t tried physiotherapy yet, we recommend coming in for a consult or a session. It is never too late to start Physiotherapy. Whether the surgery has already been scheduled and you want to prepare, or you are looking for a way to avoid surgery. At PhysioNow, we are happy to answer any questions and help you through the process. With 10 locations in the West GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, to Etobicoke, we are ready to get you started. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment
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