When is Non-Surgical Treatment the Best Choice?

For orthopedic pain, non-surgical treatment is often your best first-line option.

It's not easy to get a clear answer when comparing treatment options because medical service providers tend to recommend their own approach. Surgeons recommend surgery. Nutritionists recommend a change in diet. And, non-surgical groups like ours will likely suggest something non-surgical.

The fact is, there is no single right answer that applies to every injury and condition. Even though we strongly believe in non-surgical diagnostics and treatment, we know that there are times when other approaches may be necessary. For orthopedic pain, however, non-surgical treatment is often your best first-line treatment. Let's look at why.

So, what exactly is non-surgical treatment?

We may use medications, injections, therapeutic exercises, and referral for physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. Non-surgical treatment options include:

• Medications to reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasm while your body heals
• Trigger point injections
• Use of ice to decrease inflammation in the tissues
• Training in proper body mechanics and correct posture
• Corticosteroid injections in more serious cases
• Active physical therapy for strengthening and reconditioning of the injured areas.

When is Non-Surgical the Best First-Line Treatment?

Only thorough diagnostic testing will truly tell us if surgery can be avoided. We regularly treat the following conditions:

• Injuries to the musculoskeletal system
• Fractures and dislocations
• Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
• Back pain, neck pain, ruptured discs
• Joint pain (knee, ankle, hip, shoulder, elbow)
• Arthritis and bursitis
• Osteoarthritis of the knees

Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatment

Obviously, the less invasive a treatment is, the faster your recovery is going to be. As a result, arthroscopy has grown in popularity, often turning surgery into an outpatient procedure that requires less anesthesia and produces less overall risk. Here are the key benefits of avoiding surgery altogether:

• No surgical recovery time; decreased time off from work
• Minimal discomfort
• No hospitalization
• No incisions, scars, or post-operative complications
• Less pain

We believe that non-surgical treatment is the next logical step in the evolution of medicine. Contact us today to discuss your options.