Dealing with chronic pain is no fun. It’s normal to feel like a surgical intervention is just the right step. Choosing between physical therapy vs joint replacement can be scary since surgeries can often come with essential considerations along the way.
Less severe conditions may only ask for physical therapy as it offers a non-invasive and gradual approach to recovery with fewer risks. On the other hand, surgery is preferred if an urgent and definitive approach is needed, particularly if there is significant structural damage or trauma.
Sometimes, more invasive options are preferred. However, physical therapy has many benefits, and below are some of them.
Physical therapy is a noninvasive alternative to surgery that allows patients to approach their condition without the risks associated with surgical options.
Physical therapy focuses on helping patients recover through tailored exercises that emphasize improving the function and mobility of the affected joints. This is specifically beneficial for individuals with milder issues.
Generally, physical therapy involves fewer risks and side effects than surgical procedures, which may involve complications like anesthesia-related issues, infections, and pain after the operation. Physical therapy focuses on natural healing and rehabilitation, decreasing the possibility of harmful side effects.
The cost of physical therapy is often more affordable. It requires fewer financial resources than surgery, making it more accessible to a wider range of individuals. Physical therapy can also help patients avoid surgeries in many cases.
Physical therapy is focused on keeping the natural structures of the body, unlike surgery, which involves altering or removing tissues. This is relevant for conditions where the tissues’ integrity is essential for maximum function.
Physical therapy has a quicker recovery time than surgery. After the physical therapy session, individuals can resume their daily activities, even if the tissue is not fully solved yet. Moreover, any surgical procedure comes with its own recovery time, which is sped by when occupational or physical therapy is applied.
Despite all the listed benefits above, there are still conditions where patients only get the optimal benefit after having surgery and using physical therapy for post-operation care and recovery plans.
Surgery is usually the only option if the injury involves fractures, tears of connective tissue, or trauma to tissue. When this issue arises, it is best to consult a professional medical provider. They will guide you in your decision-making and will recommend surgery if it is strictly needed.
If you have tried other interventions but still struggle with chronic pain or recurring injury, then it is best to consider having surgery. If chiropractic and other conservative treatments give no relief, surgery may help you get better results.
Surgery may be considered for function restoration and improvement when a patient’s condition results in loss of function, limiting his ability to perform essential physical movements of daily living.
It may also be necessary if the condition progresses despite conservative measures. This approach may prevent the condition from worsening, which can lead to complications and deterioration.
In cases of traumatic injuries or severe medical injuries, an immediate surgical approach may be necessary to avoid more harm and help quick recovery.
If your condition limits your overall mobility, it may be best to have a joint replacement. More than a million individuals had joint replacement for a better quality of life.
Improvement varies from person to person, but almost everyone who underwent joint replacement surgery experienced improved mobility. You won’t restore the strength and agility of a 20-year-old, but you will walk easier and go longer distances. Your daily activities will be much easier after joint replacement surgery.
Recreational activities like walking, swimming, light hiking, golfing, biking, and other low-impact sports will be doable and enjoyable again.
The common reason for a joint replacement is osteoarthritis. This condition drastically limits a person's activity level over time, and joint replacement has a very positive impact on people with this condition.
You may have always heard that moving more often improves cardiovascular health. In fact, moving more freely and frequently reduces the risk of many cardiovascular diseases.
Choosing between physical therapy and joint replacement depends on the severity of the damage, the individual's quality of life expectations, and their health goals. It is always safe and best to consult a professional in the field for help with recommendations for long-term joint health.
