Your Pain Care Questions, Answered

Non-surgical orthopedic options are often ideal for certain types of patients, depending on the severity of their injury, overall health, and their life–style. Here’s a breakdown of patients who may be good candidates for non-surgical treatment:

1. Mild to Moderate Injuries – Patients with less severe injuries, such as sprains, strains, tendinitis or bursitis, soft tissue injuries, or stress fractures.

2. Older Adults or Individuals with Medical Conditions – Older adults with an increased risk of complications or those with comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity may have a preference for non-surgical treatment.

3. Patients Who Are Not Ready for Long Recovery Times or Young Healthy Patients With Minor Injuries

4. Patients with Chronic or Overuse Injuries – For conditions like osteoarthritis or chronic back pain, non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, joint injections, or medication management may help control pain and improve function.

5. Patients Who Are Looking for More Conservative Treatment Options

6. Stable Fractures or Non-Displaced Fractures – For non-displaced fractures (fractures where the bone remains in alignment), the treatment can often be managed without surgery, using a cast or brace for stabilization

7. Patients Seeking Improvement in Mobility or Function Rather Than Structural Fix – Some individuals, especially with conditions like mild degenerative joint disease, may opt for physical therapy, strength training, and lifestyle modifications instead of surgery for long-term functional improvement.

The expected outcomes for non-surgical orthopedic treatments can vary widely depending on factors like the type and severity of the injury, the patient’s age, overall health, and how well they adhere to the treatment plan. However, in general, non-surgical treatments aim to achieve certain outcomes related to pain management, functional improvement, and quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from non-surgical orthopedic treatments:

1. Pain Reduction – Patients typically experience a reduction in pain, allowing for better mobility and the ability to participate in daily activities. In some cases, pain may be reduced to a manageable level without the need for surgery.

2. Improved Function and Mobility – Many patients regain or improve their ability to move, walk, or perform tasks that they may have struggled with before treatment. Functional improvement might be gradual, especially for more chronic or severe injuries.

3. Enhanced Quality of Life – Patients often report feeling better physically, being able to resume normal activities, and experiencing less frustration and stress about their injury. They may also feel more confident in their bodies and capabilities.

4. Patients with Chronic or Overuse Injuries – For conditions like osteoarthritis or chronic back pain, non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, joint injections, or medication management may help control pain and improve function

5. Reduced Swelling and Inflammation – A reduction in swelling can improve mobility and comfort. The affected area may also be come less sensitive to touch or pressure.

7. Tissue Healing and Repair – Many patients experience complete healing or significant recovery in soft tissues and
fractures, particularly with minor injuries. However, healing times can vary. For example, a mild sprain might heal in a few weeks, while
tendon injuries may take longer.

8. Prevention of Further Injury – Patients are often less prone to recurring injuries after completing a course of non-surgical treatment, especially if they maintain healthy habits, exercise regularly, and follow proper precautions.

9. Avoiding the Risks and Complications of Surgery – The majority of patients experience a positive outcome from non-surgical methods without the complications that sometimes accompany surgery, especially if the injury is not severe.

10. Cost-Effectiveness– For many patients, non-surgical treatment offers a balance of effective results and financial savings, making it an appealing option.

Recovery times for non-surgical orthopedic injuries vary depending on the severity of the injury, the specific treatment approach, and individual healing factors. Mild injuries, such as minor sprains or strains, may heal within a few days to a couple of weeks with rest, bracing, and physical therapy. Moderate injuries, like tendonitis or small fractures, often take several weeks to a few months to fully recover with rehabilitation and conservative management.

Chronic conditions or more complex injuries, such as degenerative joint issues or nerve compression, may require ongoing treatment and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms effectively. While non-surgical treatments allow for faster recovery compared to surgery, adherence to therapy and rehabilitation is key to achieving the best possible outcome.

No, choosing a non-surgical orthopedic treatment does not preclude you from opting for surgery at a later date if it becomes necessary. In fact, many orthopedic surgeons recommend trying non-surgical treatments first, especially for conditions that may improve with conservative care, because it allows for a less invasive approach to healing.  Here’s how it typically works:

1. Non-Surgical First Approach

Initial Step: Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, rest, medication, bracing, or injections are often tried first because they are less invasive, have fewer risks, and may lead to improvement without the need for surgery.

Trial Period: If you choose a non-surgical option and your condition improves, you can avoid surgery altogether. However, if you don’t see sufficient progress or if your symptoms worsen, surgery may still be considered.

2. Surgical Options Remain Open

If Non-Surgical Approaches Fail: If your injury or condition doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments over a reasonable period, or if it becomes clear that conservative treatments are insufficient, surgery may be the next step. Many orthopedic conditions can be managed non-surgically for a period of time, but if necessary, surgery is still an option.

Timing for Surgery: In fact, some conditions are best addressed early on, and attempting non-surgical treatments first doesn’t typically delay surgery if it becomes evident that it’s needed later.  For example,  some soft tissue injuries may be treated with physical therapy initially,  and  if healing is insufficient, surgery might still be recommended later.

3. Considerations for Non-Surgical Treatment Before Surgery

Surgical Decisions Are Based on Progress: Your decision to try non-surgical options first often gives your doctor more information about how your body is responding to treatment, and it can guide the surgical decision if things don’t improve.

Risk Minimization: In some cases, a non-surgical approach may help improve your overall health or physical condition, potentially making you a better candidate for surgery if it becomes necessary later (e.g., strengthening muscles before surgery).

Surgical Procedure Compatibility: Sometimes, non-surgical methods help to stabilize or alleviate symptoms temporarily, which can give you more time to assess the condition or prepare for surgery in a more controlled manner.

4. No “One-Time-Only” Rule

Flexibility: If you choose a non-surgical option and then later decide on surgery, this won’t harm your ability to undergo the surgery. It’s not like committing to non-surgical treatment permanently—it’s simply a treatment path that can evolve.

Surgery as a Last Resort: For many patients, surgery is considered a “last resort” after other methods have been tried and if there is still a significant need for surgical intervention. But if non-surgical treatment fails or isn’t enough, surgery remains a viable option.

5. Communication with Your Orthopedic Surgeon

It’s important to have ongoing discussions with your surgeon or orthopedic provider to ensure you’re on the best treatment path, whether it’s surgical or non-surgical. If at any point your condition doesn’t improve as expected, surgery may still be an option.