Why Surgery Doesn’t Have to Be Your Only Option

December Newsletter

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 Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine!

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:

Herniated Discs: This is another condition that physical therapy can generally resolve more easily than surgery.

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.

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.

Ultimately, our goal is the same as any orthopedic surgery: to help you live a rich, active lifestyle, free from pain and immobility. However, we can do it with a few extra benefits:

Lower Costs

Surgeries are far more expensive than physical therapy. Comparisons in prices estimate that surgery costs at least $2 per year for every $1 spent on physical therapy.

Less Time

Surgery is a highly invasive procedure that requires lengthy rehabilitation. Healing alone typically takes several weeks, and it can take up to a year before you’ve fully rehabilitated–during which time you’ll be doing extensive physical therapy anyway. Why not skip the extra step?

Decreased Risks

Surgery brings a host of medical risks, from blood clots to dependency on painkillers. Because physical therapy is non-invasive, the risk is minimal (especially compared to surgery). It also offers drug-free pain relief options.

That said, seeking physical therapy treatment sooner rather than later is essential–this is especially true for degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. It’s also essential you keep active outside of our clinic. Many of these conditions benefit from regular movement, so you’ll want to find an exercise program that suits your needs (something our therapists can help you with).

And if you do wind up needing surgery down the road, you’ll already be prepared for your rehabilitation after the procedure!

Skip The Knife; Try Physical Therapy Instead

If you have a painful musculoskeletal condition, don’t resort to surgery — visit Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine first to find out if physical therapy might be a better solution for you. Call us today to get started.

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Our Patients Get Great Results

“I have used Elevate for many reasons over the last couple years. From the moment I stepped in the front door, I liked the place. The office staff is friendly and very efficient. Dyllan, the Physical Therapist originally assigned to me, has worked with me on several occasions. After our first session, I requested him every other time. He is a thinker and studies the situation as we go along. He is really patient and has a good sense of humor. He gives manageable “at-home” routines. And most importantly… he has been able to fix the problem every time! Elevate Physical Therapy is the place to go for your aches and pains!”

– Patricia K.

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 Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine 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 helps with pain and range of motion restrictions. These hands-on techniques can gradually help restore your mobility over time.

Mobility exercises take things a step further in terms of restoring your range of motion.

Strengthening exercises will help build muscular strength and endurance to provide support and stability to the affected joint.

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!

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Triathlon Training

Colton Schnetzer and Dyllan Frahm, both therapists at the Johnston clinic, did the sprint triathlon in Ames at Lake Ada Hayden which was 750 meter swim, 15 mile bike, and 5k run.

They had completed the same race last year together and it was just a fun way for them to stay active and train leading up to the race. They would often run together after work on Wednesdays and do some separate biking and swimming. Having a future race to sign up for with a friend is a good way to keep active goals and guide our training.

Cheers to Colton & Emily’s Happily Ever After!

Congratulations to Colton Schnetzer, one of our talented physical therapists at Elevate PT and Sports Medicine’s Johnston clinic, on his recent marriage! Colton tied the knot with his wonderful wife, Emily Klein, in August. The couple’s love story began at a country concert at the Iowa State Fair in 2021, where they met and instantly connected. They are thrilled to start this new chapter together and look forward to their upcoming honeymoon in beautiful Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in January 2025.

Colton and Emily are grateful for all the kind words and support from everyone. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and adventure!

Welcome Baby Jack Kenneth Wetter!

We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Elevate family! Congratulations to Bekah Wetter, one of our amazing physical therapists in Johnston, on the birth of her sweet baby boy, Jack Kenneth Wetter. Born on August 22, 2024, Jack weighed in at a healthy 8lbs, 15oz – Bekah’s biggest baby yet!

Jack is already adored by his big brother Cole and big sister Kate, who are absolutely smitten with him. Bekah shared, “Life is busy with three little ones, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re enjoying this season and taking advantage of the beautiful fall weather.”

Welcome to the world, Jack!

Exercise of the Month

Seated Thoracic Extension With Chin Tuck

Sit up straight in a chair with your back against the back rest. Place your hands behind your head and tuck your chin. Slowly extend your back over the back of the chair with the top edge of the chair just under your shoulder blades. Hold then relax.

3 Sets | 5 Reps | 5 Seconds Hold