When you’re in pain, it’s easy to assume that surgery is the only option. But for many conditions, physical therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive alternative that can restore function, reduce pain, and even eliminate the need for surgery altogether.
At Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Fargo, our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible. Here’s how physical therapy can help you take a proactive step toward recovery.
1. Strengthens Supporting Muscles
Weak or imbalanced muscles often contribute to joint pain and instability. The physical therapists at Bodyworks create targeted strengthening programs to support injured or vulnerable areas. For example, strengthening the muscles around the knee can often relieve pain and delay or prevent the need for knee surgery.
2. Restores Mobility and Flexibility
Limited mobility can lead to compensation in other parts of the body and increase the risk of further injury. Physical therapy improves range of motion and flexibility through guided exercises, manual therapy, and joint mobilizations. This is especially helpful in conditions like frozen shoulder or early-stage arthritis.
3. Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Physical therapists use techniques like manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and modalities such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation, or shockwave therapy to reduce inflammation and pain. These methods promote healing and can often resolve symptoms that might otherwise lead to surgery.
4. Corrects Movement Patterns
Sometimes it’s not the injury, it’s how you move. Improper posture, walking patterns, or biomechanics can put unnecessary strain on your body. Physical therapists are trained to spot and correct these faulty movement patterns, helping you move more efficiently and with less pain.
5. Supports Your Body’s Natural Healing Process
By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging proper movement, physical therapy supports your body’s natural healing processes. This holistic approach can often reverse or stabilize conditions before they progress to the point of needing surgery.
When Surgery Is Necessary—PT Still Matters
While PT is powerful, it’s not a cure-all. Some conditions, like complete tendon ruptures, severe joint damage, or progressive neurological symptoms, may still require surgical intervention. But even then, pre-surgical physical therapy (or “prehab”) can help you recover faster and improve post-surgical outcomes. Prehab strengthens the body before surgery and helps you learn the exercises you’ll continue afterward.
Don’t Wait for Surgery to Be Your Only Option
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, don’t wait until surgery is your only path forward. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we believe in finding effective treatments first and helping you avoid unnecessary procedures.
But if surgery is in your future, we’ve got you covered there too. Our team offers expert post-surgical physical therapy to support your recovery every step of the way. Want to know what sets us apart? Read more in our blog: Why Choose Bodyworks for Your Post-Surgical Therapy!
Request an appointment today to see how our personalized physical therapy programs can help you move better and feel stronger!