Physical Therapy or Surgery?

The decision about how to treat an injury that produces the best and most lasting outcome for our patients is the most important one our orthopedist makes at J. Turner Vosseller, MD. Many factors come into play when arriving at the best course of treatment, and we make the decision after careful consultation with the patient to ensure everyone involved is comfortable. 

Here are a some of the key factors that go into this important decision:

• After completing a hands-on examination, we use X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging technology to provide information about the extent of the injury. These tests help our orthopedist to determine if conservative measures like physical therapy are most appropriate, or if surgery is necessary to provide optimal healing.
• We are more likely to recommend physical therapy for injuries like strains, sprains, and tendonitis, conditions that often respond well to exercise programs that strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility. For severe injuries like fractures, complete ligament tears, or joint instability, surgery may be necessary.
• The degree of pain a patient is experiencing and how severely it is affecting their daily lives is another major consideration. Physical therapy can serve to help manage pain and improve function through various therapies and exercises, but surgery may be considered if the patient continues to experience persistent pain 
• Younger patients who are in good overall health may be better candidates for surgery than older patients who have underlying health conditions. No matter the patient’s age, our orthopedist considers a patient's overall health when making the decision on the most appropriate treatment approach.

At J. Turner Vosseller, MD, our patients’ health and well-being is our top priority. Our orthopedist has the training, experience and technology to provide best-in-class diagnostic and surgical services. Each patient is treated professionally, respectfully, and with the understanding that each person is unique; there’s no one-size-fits-all to our approach. Please click or call today to schedule a consultation.

By J. Turner Vosseller

February 3, 2025