The advancements of modern surgery are undoubtedly some of the most impressive in all of medicine. Advancements in knowledge, tools and techniques have led to surgical outcomes that would have seemed miraculous a century ago. In fact, we’ve become so good at performing different types of surgeries, we often forget to consider just how invasive and dangerous it truly is. Even relatively routine procedures involve intentionally injuring the body in order to heal it. That’s assuming everything goes according to plan, but mistakes are still made; infections are still spread. Blood clots, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia are still possible.

Too often, when medical situations arise, surgery is seen as the only treatment option. We tend to overlook other alternatives before relying on the skills and tools of the surgeon. Sometimes, surgery is the best and only option. Sometimes, it may not be.

One of the downsides of many types of surgery is the long, uncomfortable recovery time that follows it. Recovering from surgery – for many patients – will often involve physical therapy. In fact, physical therapy is known to be a fantastic help to patients recovering from surgery, but is it possible that it can help you avoid surgery altogether?  

When Surgery Seems Like the Only Option

For many people dealing with chronic pain or a serious injury, surgery can feel like the only way forward. Conditions like torn rotator cuffs, herniated discs, or joint pain often lead patients straight to an orthopedic consultation, and then to what seems like the obvious answer: surgery. And while surgery is sometimes necessary, it’s not always the first—or best—solution.

Surgery comes with its own set of risks: potential complications from anesthesia or the surgery itself, lengthy recovery periods, and time away from work or daily activities. On top of that, it’s not always a guaranteed fix. That’s why it’s worth exploring more holistic and conservative treatments like physical therapy before going under the knife. In many cases, PT can address the root cause of the problem, reduce pain, and restore function without more invasive procedures.

The Benefits of Trying Physical Therapy First

Physical therapy can a safe and effective treatment for many conditions that often lead people to surgical intervention. PT leverages your body’s natural healing ability to help you reduce pain and improve mobility. A licensed physical therapist looks at how your muscles, joints, and movement patterns are working together (or not) and creates a custom plan to target the problem. This can include hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility, as well as exercises and stretches to build strength and improve flexibility.

For example, strengthening the muscles around an injured joint can take pressure off the area and improve stability. Improving posture and body mechanics can relieve strain on the spine or hips. Even chronic pain conditions can often be managed through PT by improving how the body moves and functions day to day. The goal is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you get back to your normal routine without resorting to surgery.

What if Physical Therapy isn’t Enough?

While physical therapy can be incredibly effective, it’s not a magic fix for every condition. In some cases, surgery might still be necessary. But even in those situations, physical therapy plays a valuable role. PT can delay the need for surgery, helping you reduce your pain and keep your body functional, giving you more time to plan. In fact, many people intentionally use pre-surgical physical therapy as a kind of “prehabilitation”. By building strength, improving range of motion, and reducing inflammation before surgery, patients tend to have a reduced risk of complications, faster recovery times, and overall better outcomes.

Regardless of the results – whether it helps you avoid surgery or just better prepares you to deal with it, there are very good reasons to try physical therapy before heading to the operating table. Talking to a licensed physical therapist who can evaluate your unique situation and goals can help determine whether PT alone can be a realistic solution, or if it should be part of a broader treatment plan. Either way, reaching out to a physical therapist first gives your body its best possible chance at healing and long-term recovery.