When to Try Physical Therapy Before Considering Surgery

Facing the possibility of surgery can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a torn meniscus, chronic low back pain, or a shoulder injury that just won’t go away, many patients wonder: Do I really need surgery, or are there other options?

The truth is, in many cases, physical therapy (PT) can be an effective first step before considering surgery. At Emery Physical Therapy, we often see patients who are referred for surgical consultations but end up recovering fully—or delaying the need for surgery significantly—through targeted, evidence-based rehabilitation.

If you’re asking yourself when to try physical therapy before opting for surgery, this guide is for you.

Why Consider Physical Therapy First?

Surgery can be life-changing when it’s truly necessary, but it also comes with risks: anesthesia complications, infections, scar tissue, long recovery times, and significant costs.

Physical therapy, on the other hand, offers a conservative, non-invasive approach that helps your body heal naturally. PT focuses on restoring movement, building strength, and correcting mechanics—often addressing the root cause of pain or dysfunction without the need for invasive procedures.

In fact, multiple studies show that physical therapy can be just as effective as surgery for certain conditions, including:

• Meniscal tears

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Low back pain and herniated discs

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Shoulder impingement

• Chronic neck pain

Conditions Where Physical Therapy May Help You Avoid Surgery

1. Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis

Many patients with knee arthritis or degenerative meniscus tears are told surgery is the only option. However, physical therapy has been proven to:

• Improve mobility and function

• Strengthen the surrounding muscles for better knee support

• Reduce pain through manual therapy and tailored exercise

2. Back Pain & Herniated Discs

Back surgery is sometimes necessary, but often, physical therapy helps relieve pressure on the spine and retrains movement patterns. Techniques like core stabilization, posture training, and mechanical traction can make a huge difference.

3. Shoulder Injuries

For rotator cuff injuries or impingement syndrome, PT can restore shoulder strength and stability. Often, what feels like a “surgical shoulder” improves significantly with targeted strengthening, mobility work, and postural corrections.

4. Hip Pain

Hip labral tears or early arthritis may be managed with physical therapy by improving hip mechanics, strengthening stabilizing muscles, and enhancing mobility.

5. Postural & Repetitive Strain Injuries

Many chronic pain issues, like carpal tunnel, tendinitis, or neck strain, come from movement imbalances or poor posture. Surgery may treat symptoms, but PT addresses the underlying problem.

Benefits of Physical Therapy Before Surgery

Even if surgery eventually becomes necessary, trying PT first provides major advantages:

• Shorter recovery after surgery: Pre-surgical strengthening (“prehab”) helps patients recover faster post-op.

• Improved function without surgery: Many patients find their symptoms manageable—or even gone—after dedicated therapy.

• Lower medical costs: Avoiding surgery can save thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost work time.

• Reduced risk of complications: Surgery always carries risks, while PT is a safe, non-invasive option.

When Surgery May Still Be Necessary

While PT is highly effective, there are cases where surgery is unavoidable:

• Complete ligament tears (e.g., ACL rupture in athletes)

• Severe fractures

• Advanced joint degeneration requiring replacement

• Nerve compression with progressive neurological deficits (e.g., foot drop)

In these cases, physical therapy still plays an important role in prehab before surgery and rehab after surgery to ensure optimal outcomes.

What to Expect in a Physical Therapy Program

At Emery Physical Therapy, our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your pain, movement, and lifestyle demands. From there, we create a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to restore joint mobility and reduce pain

• Therapeutic Exercise: Targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises tailored to your condition

• Posture & Movement Training: Correcting habits that contribute to pain or dysfunction

• Advanced Techniques: Such as dry needling, myofascial release, and neuromuscular re-education

• Home Exercise Programs: To reinforce progress outside the clinic

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Surgery

Before committing to surgery, ask yourself:

1. Have I tried at least 6–12 weeks of physical therapy?

2. Have conservative treatments (exercise, manual therapy, pain management strategies) been fully explored?

3. Are my daily activities truly limited, or can function improve with PT?

4. Am I aware of the risks, costs, and downtime involved in surgery?

5. Could PT help prepare my body for a safer, faster recovery if I do need surgery later?

Often, patients find that physical therapy provides the relief they were hoping surgery would deliver—without the downtime or risks.

Why Choose Emery Physical Therapy?

At Emery Physical Therapy, we specialize in conservative, evidence-based rehabilitation. Our team works closely with patients and their physicians to ensure that surgery is only pursued when absolutely necessary.

With clinics in Oakbrook Terrace and Mt. Prospect, we provide convenient access to:

• Orthopedic and sports rehabilitation

• Spine and joint care

• Chronic pain management

• Specialty services like dry needling, vestibular rehab, and postural correction

Take the First Step Before Surgery

If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, consider trying physical therapy first. Many patients are surprised by how much function, strength, and confidence they regain without going under the knife.

📞 Call Emery Physical Therapy today at 847-786-2014 to schedule your consultation, or visit us at our Oakbrook Terrace and Mt. Prospect clinics.

Don’t rush into surgery—explore your non-invasive options and give your body the chance to heal naturally.