Injuries to the bones, joints, and muscles occur for various reasons, including falls, sports injuries, accidents, and normal wear and tear with aging. Just as the causes of injuries differ, so do the treatment choices accessible. Knowing what options are available is critical to finding the best answer for each patient and condition. Though surgery is sometimes the best choice, conservative measures could be the ideal alternative for certain orthopedic ailments. The general consensus is that simply because the surgical intervention is possible does not always imply it must be done. In this post, Portland non-operative orthopaedic specialist Dr. David N Westerdahl discusses non-surgical therapy then looks into some of the most popular therapeutic choices available. Continue reading to find out more.
What Is Non-Surgical Therapy?
Although surgical intervention is a possibility, some persons are not surgical candidates because of additional health concerns that enhance the risk of surgery. Besides, some patients may be hesitant to undergo surgery due to the uncertainty of outcomes or dread of the extended recovery period. Whatever the case, you will still require relief from your unique concerns, which is where non-surgical treatment comes in.
Non-operative orthopedic therapy seeks to enhance a patient’s quality of life, reduce pain, and optimize functionality without requiring any cuts or tissue removal. Rather, the expert looks for non-surgical options and develops tailored care to relieve pain and associated symptoms as rapidly as feasible.
What Are The Benefits Of Non-Surgical Therapy?
Non-surgical orthopedic care provides patients with numerous advantages, including:
- Reduced scarring and infection risk since there are no cuts
- Patients can manage their progress and recovery
- No hospitalization is required since procedures are performed on an outpatient basis
- Reduced recovery time and less disturbance to everyday routines
What Are Non-Surgical Orthopaedic Procedures Available?
There are numerous non-invasive solutions to your orthopedic concerns, ranging from platelet-plasma therapy (PRP) to medications. Nonetheless, some of the most commonly used by Dr. Westerdahl include:
v Physical Therapy
This approach focuses on enhancing mobility, functional capacity, general well-being, and life quality following an injury through body adjustments and targeted exercises. It entails strengthening and stretching exercises to regain coordination and balance, as well as the use of assistive equipment to make tasks more comfortable for patients. By reducing discomfort, physical therapy assists patients to move more freely and revert to a more active lifestyle.
v Medication
Medications could be taken orally, inhaled, or applied topically as an ointment or cream, as well as intravenously. Often, they do not directly impact the healing process but are mainly used to address associated symptoms, including swelling, stiffness, or discomfort. Common examples include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), naproxen, or ibuprofen. However, it is best to consult your physician on what medications are appropriate for you as most drugs bear some side effects.
v Injections
Injections need to enter the skin; hence, they are considered minimally invasive orthopedic therapy. When utilized properly, they are frequently associated with reduced consequences and risks and might be a good alternative when other medications are not working. Common forms of minimally intrusive orthopedic therapies utilized include joint, soft tissue, and spine injections. Like other drugs, injections bear inherent hazards and must be used after consulting a certified expert.
Every orthopedic problem does not necessitate surgery. When choosing a therapeutic option for your condition, it is critical to consider all of your alternatives. At Sports Health Northwest, Inc, Dr. David N Westerdahl offers numerous non-surgical options for you to help with your recovery. Call the Portland, OR office or request an appointment online today to explore your options and determine what solution is appropriate for you.
