Do You Really Need Surgery? 5 Injuries Physical Therapy (PT) Can Treat Without Going Under the Knife.

Surgery can be a life-saving and necessary medical intervention, but it shouldn’t always be the first solution for musculoskeletal injuries. In many cases, physical therapy offers a safer, more effective, and less invasive way to heal your body and get back to the activities you love.

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we often help patients avoid surgery altogether by addressing the root cause of their pain through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and personalized care.

Let’s explore five common injuries that physical therapy can treat without needing to go under the knife.

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries (Tears and Tendinitis)

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and move your shoulder. Injuries to this area can range from inflammation (tendinitis/tendinopathy) to partial or full tears.

Why Surgery Isn't Always Necessary:

Research shows that many people with rotator cuff tears can regain full function and significantly reduce pain with a well-structured physical therapy program.

How PT Helps:

• Strengthening the shoulder and surrounding muscles to improve stability.

• Stretching and mobility exercises to restore full range of motion.

• Manual therapy to reduce inflammation and improve tissue flexibility.

2. Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between the bones. Tears are common, especially in athletes or active individuals.

Why Surgery Isn't Always Necessary:

Not all meniscus tears require surgical intervention. Many can be managed with physical therapy, especially if the tear is stable and the knee remains functional.

How PT Helps:

• Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles to stabilize the knee.

• Balance and proprioception exercises to improve knee control.

• Mobility work to reduce stiffness and restore normal movement patterns.
  

A 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physical therapy was as effective as surgery for meniscal tears in middle-aged and older adults.

3. Lower Back Pain (Including Herniated Discs)

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people consider surgery. However, surgery is often unnecessary and should only be a last resort.

Why Surgery Isn't Always Necessary:

Studies show that most cases of lower back pain improve with conservative care, including physical therapy.

How PT Helps:

• Core strengthening exercises to support the spine.

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

• Education on proper body mechanics and posture to prevent future flare-ups.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain and can be extremely frustrating for runners and active individuals. Surgery is rarely required, but chronic cases can make it seem like the only option.

Why Surgery Isn't Always Necessary:

Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve with conservative treatments, including physical therapy.

How PT Helps:

• Stretching the calf and foot muscles to reduce tension on the plantar fascia.

• Strengthening the foot and ankle to improve load distribution.

• Manual therapy techniques to improve tissue extensibility and promote healing

5. Knee Osteoarthritis

Many people with knee osteoarthritis assume that joint replacement is inevitable, but that’s not always the case.

Why Surgery Isn't Always Necessary

Studies show that physical therapy can significantly improve pain and function in people with knee arthritis, often delaying or preventing the need for surgery.

How PT Helps:

• Strengthening the muscles around the knee to reduce joint stress.

• Improving joint mobility to enhance function and reduce stiffness.

• Functional training to improve walking mechanics and balance.

Why Choose PT First?

Surgery comes with risks, including infection, complications, and lengthy recovery times. Physical therapy offers a conservative, evidence-based approach that focuses on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

What Makes Nashville Physical Therapy Different:

• One-on-One Care: We provide dedicated 60-minute sessions tailored specifically to your needs.

• Holistic Approach: We treat the whole person, not just the injury, to optimize your overall movement and performance.

• Evidence-Based Treatments: Our care is grounded in research and best practices to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
  

When Surgery Might Be Necessary

While physical therapy can help with many conditions, there are cases where surgery is the best option. However, even in those situations, pre- and post-operative PT can significantly improve outcomes and speed up recovery.

Take the First Step Toward a Non-Surgical Solution

If you’re facing an injury or dealing with chronic pain, don’t rush into surgery. Physical therapy can provide the relief you need without the risks of going under the knife.

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we specialize in helping active adults stay active—without surgery whenever possible. Let’s get you moving better and feeling stronger.

References

1. Kukkonen, J., Joukainen, A., & Lehtinen, J. (2015). Treatment of non-traumatic rotator cuff tears: A randomized controlled trial comparing surgery and physical therapy. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

2. Katz, J. N., Brophy, R. H., & Chaisson, C. E. (2013). Surgery versus physical therapy for a meniscal tear and osteoarthritis. New England Journal of Medicine.

3. Fritz, J. M., Cleland, J. A., & Childs, J. D. (2007). Subgrouping patients with low back pain: Evolution of a classification approach to physical therapy. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.