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Arenson: Why physical therapy can be a good alternative to surgery

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Physical therapy can notably improve function and mobility in people of all ages who have injuries, medical conditions or illnesses. However, not everyone likes physical therapy due to the rigorous activity you must put in to receive results. Many people will decide to undergo surgery because they believe it is a faster and more effective method of treatment for their condition. Physical therapy can offer effective techniques that are designed to diminish pain and improve your ability to move without exacerbating your symptoms.

If you are contemplating an invasive surgery and you believe physical therapy may be an alternative method of treatment here are some reasons you may want to take a closer look into physical therapy before you go under the knife.

Avoid surgery

When a person experiences pain, surgery is an option that quickly enters their mind. Surgery is unavoidable in some instances when the severity of the symptoms warrants it, but physical therapy can be effective in avoiding surgery in many cases where it can be implemented to help our body heal naturally. Physical therapy is important as a first line of treatment for many musculoskeletal injuries and trying it before undergoing surgery may keep you from an invasive surgery altogether. Even in cases where physical therapy does not prevent a surgery from taking place, it has been shown that pre-surgery physical therapy treatments can improve the overall outcome of surgery.

Prevent injuries

Most people seek physical therapy treatments after they have suffered an injury. These include sore joints, strained muscles, frozen shoulders and a variety of surgeries. However, physical therapy is beneficial in the diagnosing of weakness and lack of mobility that may lead a person to receive an avoidable injury in the future. A physical therapist will recognize any impairments and create a therapeutic regimen to target those areas. This will help reduce the likelihood of injury. All injuries aren’t avoidable, but it is always better to be proactive than reactive.

Avoid opioids and manage pain

Physical therapy takes a multi-pronged approach when it comes to lessening pain in the body. Through exercise, manipulation and massage, the body produces natural pain-relieving chemicals to help the body heal itself. Having your body heal itself naturally can help patients avoid taking unnecessary pain medications that have been linked to addiction and other side effects. It is always best to find a treatment that will allow your body to heal naturally than to present unneeded medications into the system.


Invasive surgeries require a healing period and often result in a lot of pain to the area. Doctors will often prescribe medications to treat the pain and advise for an extended period of rest during the healing process. Physical therapy doesn’t require any medications and results in very little to no down time. This allows you to get back to the things you enjoy quicker and easier.

Maximize your movement

Physical therapy is beneficial for those who want to maximize their movement and improve their mobility instead of seeking surgery to improve an area of the body that might be ailing them. Joint issues are a big problem for the elderly population and seeking physical therapy first before deciding on a surgical alternative can help with pain and mobility.

Physical therapists use a variety of methods to help maximize movement including massage techniques, joint manipulation, stretching and other exercises. These techniques help the joints flex and heal themselves naturally.

Physical therapy is a proven and safe alternative to many surgeries. When experiencing pain, it is only natural to want to find the quickest solution which often means turning to surgery. Though sometimes more invasive procedures are necessary surgery results in its own pain related issues and side effects. When suffering from any form of musculoskeletal pain it is always beneficial to seek out a physical therapist’s recommendation before deciding to go under the knife. As always, consult your personal physician before making any medical related decisions.

Editor’s note: Noah Arenson is a partner and certified physical therapist at Contact Physical Therapy in Mesa. Arenson has a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University’s physical therapy program and has been practicing in the Valley since 1997. Arenson was named Mesa General Hospital’s “Employee of the Year” in 1999.

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