“Do I Need Surgery? “
If you’ve faced a significant injury and are anything like our sports physical therapy patients, this question probably crossed your mind.
It’s natural to think of ourselves like machines: when something breaks, we believe it needs fixing. But here’s the reality—you’re not a machine, and surgeons aren’t mechanics simply “repairing” broken parts.
In fact, surgeons are more like cleanup crews addressing the aftermath of accumulated wear and tear. And the truth is, many injuries don’t require surgical intervention to heal effectively.
A comprehensive review published in the prestigious Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) found no consistent evidence that surgery outperforms non-surgical care in nine different areas of the body. That’s huge!
Now, let’s be clear: surgery has its place. If you’ve suffered a major trauma—like a displaced fracture or a complete rupture of the ACL or Achilles tendon—surgery might be the only path to regaining functional mobility. In these cases, surgical intervention is necessary to restore structural integrity for sports or daily life.
But what about injuries that don’t fit this profile? Chronic pain, nagging injuries, or wear-and-tear issues often drive people toward surgery, believing it will “fix” the problem. Here’s where things get tricky: research consistently shows that surgery doesn’t always deliver long-term benefits, especially when it’s used to address conditions better managed with active, non-invasive approaches like physical therapy.
Surgery doesn’t address the root cause of injuries. If strength deficits, or movement limitations/compensations led to the damage in the first place, those same issues will persist post-surgery unless properly addressed. It’s like mopping up a spill without fixing the leak—temporary relief, but the problem will return.
Active interventions, such as physical therapy, strength training, and movement re-education, can often help you avoid surgery altogether. These approaches focus on restoring balance, improving function, and addressing the underlying factors contributing to pain or injury.
Here’s what you can do to take charge of your health and minimize the need for surgery:
- Get Moving: Movement is medicine! A good physical therapist can create a scientifically designed plan tailored to your needs, helping you regain capabilities necessary for the activities that you love.
- Address Lifestyle Factors: Stress, poor sleep, and inactivity can all affect your body’s ability to heal. Prioritizing holistic wellness is key.
- Be Patient: Healing without surgery takes time, but the results are often more sustainable and come with fewer risks.
Even when surgery is the best option, it’s crucial to address the underlying issues during recovery. Comprehensive rehabilitation ensures you won’t be revisiting the operating room down the road. Think of it as “fixing the leak” while cleaning up the spill.
So, before you consider going under the knife, ask yourself: Have I explored every active option to restore my health?
If you’re dealing with an injury and unsure whether surgery or physical therapy is the right path for your recovery, we’re here to help you figure that out. Schedule an evaluation with one of our expert Doctors of Physical Therapy today and take the first step toward getting back to what you love. Click here to get started.
