Why Surgery Doesn’t Have to Be Your Only Option
— June 2025 Newsletter —
Do you suffer from a painful orthopedic condition such as spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis? Many think surgical intervention is the only way they’ll ever find relief. However, you have another option: physical therapy at Aspen Rehab!
There’s no denying that surgery is a significant decision – and one that brings with it several risks, including blood clots, infections, and more. That’s why most doctors will encourage you to consider your options before booking a surgeon. For orthopedic concerns, that means looking to physical therapy.
In fact, physical therapy is actually a frontline treatment for several musculoskeletal conditions, from arthritis to ligament injuries, meaning you absolutely should try it first! Regular physical therapy treatments can help delay your surgery — and, in some cases, avoid it altogether.
If you feel you may be on the path to needing surgery, don’t hesitate to give our team a call. We’ll provide specific information about how our physical therapists can help you avoid or delay surgery.
Conditions That Respond Well to Physical Therapy
People opt for surgery to reduce pain and improve their functionality and mobility. The good news is that physical therapy can do exactly that for several different musculoskeletal conditions, including the following:
- Osteoarthritis: People with severe osteoarthritis often resort to total joint replacements to address their symptoms. But if you can begin physical therapy early on, you can slow the condition’s progression.
- Partial Ligament Tears: While a full ligament tear typically requires surgical intervention, less severe ligament injuries respond well to physical therapy.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition causes a painful narrowing in the spinal column, but you can manage your pain and mobility restrictions with gentle, targeted exercise.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: A common side effect of aging, physical therapy is more beneficial for treating DDD than surgery in most cases.
- Herniated Discs: This is another condition that physical therapy can generally resolve more easily than surgery.
Physical Therapy vs. Surgery: Here’s What We Can Offer
The exact details of your physical therapy treatment will vary based on several factors, including the condition or injury, your current health status, and your overall goals. Our team will work closely with you to develop a customized plan that meets your needs.
Generally speaking, we’ll begin with an extensive evaluation to help us get to the root of your discomfort. From there, we’ll pull from several different techniques to help you manage pain, eliminate restrictions in your range of motion, and improve your overall function.
At Aspen Rehab, our physical therapists tailor treatment plans based on your condition, health status, and goals. Here’s why physical therapy can be a smarter choice:
Lower Costs
- Physical therapy offers effective care at a fraction of the cost. Studies estimate surgery can cost at least twice as much per year compared to physical therapy.
- Surgery involves hospital stays, anesthesia, and extended rehabilitation costs.
Less Downtime
- Physical therapy promotes gradual progress without invasive procedures, helping you return to daily life faster.
- Surgery requires weeks or months of recovery.
Decreased Risks
- Physical therapy provides non-invasive, drug-free pain relief with minimal risks.
- Surgery comes with risks like blood clots, infections, and reliance on pain medications.
Improved Long-Term Outcomes
- Early physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and supports joint health, leading to better long-term results.
Why Physical Therapy Saves You More Than Time
Beyond health benefits, physical therapy significantly reduces overall expenses. Here’s how:
Fewer Complications
- No surgical risks mean fewer unexpected costs.
Shorter Recovery Periods
- Time off work is reduced, lowering indirect expenses.
No Need for Post-Surgical Therapy
- Since physical therapy is part of your primary care plan, you won’t need additional rehabilitation.
Stay Active for Better Results
Starting physical therapy early provides the best chance to avoid surgery. Our team will develop an exercise plan tailored to your lifestyle, helping you stay active and healthy. Consistent movement is essential, especially for degenerative conditions. If surgery becomes necessary later, your body will already be stronger, leading to a faster recovery.
If you have a painful musculoskeletal condition, don’t resort to surgery – visit Aspen Rehab first to find out if physical therapy might be a better solution for you. Call us today to get started.
Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Patient
Success Stories
“5 Stars and 2 Thumbs up! The care and professionalism of everyone on the staff is first class all the way!“
— Jack B.
“I went there after an ACL surgery, and my knee has had so much improvement. The therapists are very nice and knowledgeable.“
— Ty
We Want To Hear Your Success Story!
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Tim Weyant, Physical Therapist | Aspen Rehab Director
You Had Surgery – But You’re Still Struggling with Pain!
Many people mistakenly believe that surgery is a cure-all: that once they work through their rehabilitation, they’ll be back to their old selves. While this is true sometimes, other times, people find that they’re still struggling with pain or limited mobility after a surgical procedure.
If this has been your experience, then know that physical therapy may be the tool you need to find lasting relief. Just as the team at Aspen Rehab can help people avoid or delay surgery, we can also ensure your surgery provides you with a successful outcome. What can we do?
- Manual therapy helps with pain and range of motion restrictions. These hands-on techniques can gradually help restore your mobility over time.
- Mobility exercises take things a step further in terms of restoring your range of motion.
- Strengthening exercises will help build muscular strength and endurance to provide support and stability to the affected joint.
- Functional training will help you relearn movements you thought you’d lost. We can also help improve gait or balance and help you perform day-to-day activities like going up or down stairs more easily.
If you’re still struggling with pain and mobility after an orthopedic surgery, call us to schedule an appointment. We’ll work together to find a plan that suits your needs and goals!
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Crunchy French Onion Chicken
Looking for a fun and flavorful way to liven up your dinner routine? Try this creative take on oven-baked chicken! Instead of traditional breading, crispy French-fried onions add a satisfying crunch and savory flavor. Simply coat skinless, boneless chicken breasts in beaten egg, press into crushed onions, and bake to golden perfection — no frying required.
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups French-fried onions, crushed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spread crushed onions in a shallow bowl. Pour egg into a separate shallow bowl. Dip chicken into beaten egg, then press into crushed onions. Gently tap chicken to let loose pieces fall away. Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Bake chicken until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees. Serve and enjoy!
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239896/crunchy-french-onion-chicken
Exercise of the Month
STRETCH HAMSTRING SUPINE
Start by lying on your back with both legs straight out. Loop a towel around your foot on the side you want to stretch. Keeping your leg as straight as possible, pull it up into the air using the ends of the towel. Hold when you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 30 seconds.
Team Spotlight
Tim Weyant
Physical Therapist
Executive Director/ Owner
Ana Silva Bazanta
Physical Therapist
Vesna Radivojevic
Physical Therapist Assistant
Erika Davila
Marketing Director/ Computer Technology
Andrea Weyant
Chief Operating Officer
Kimberley Friedmann
Physical Therapist Assistant
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
