The decision between physical therapy a surgery for a knee injury can sometimes be a difficult one. Elena Losina, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, says that “there are patients who would like to get better in a ‘fix me’ approach” and many times, surgery will do that. However, a recent study found that physical therapy could be just as effective as surgery- and cheaper, too!
Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the premier pain care facility that caters to patients who suffer from joint pain, back pain, neuropathy pain, and much more. A conservative approach to treatment is typically sought before recommending surgery to handle a diagnosis.
The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 18, 2013 and also presented at an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon conference. Researchers assessed 351 adults over 45 who were individuals with arthritis and meniscus tears that needed intervention either by physical therapy or surgery.
After six months the researchers evaluated functional improvement from the participants and found that the scores were similar for those who underwent surgery and those who chose physical therapy (nine sessions with additional exercises at home).
Before the six-month evaluation, 30 percent of the patients who chose physical therapy actually ended up having surgery for their conditions. However, these individuals finished their treatment with the same results as those who stuck with physical therapy and avoided surgery.
Dr. Rachelle Buchbinder of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, responded saying, “therapy is a reasonable first strategy, with surgery reserved for the minority who don’t have improvement.” She added that patients who chose surgery as their first option are sometimes exposed to the risk of no improvement and costly medical bills. Instead of paying roughly $5,000 for a procedure, patients may find just as good of results by spending approximately $2,000 for physical therapy.
One of the study’s participants, Bob O’Keefe, 68, was one of the individuals who opted for physical therapy for his meniscus injury. O’Keefe reported, “I felt better within two weeks; my knee is virtually normal today.” O’Keefe exercises daily to maintain a pain free, full range of motion knee.
This study, in addition to other patient testimonials, is evidence that physical therapy is just as good of an option for improved functionality from a knee injury or condition. Southwest Spine and Pain Center physicians work with patients to design management strategies based on a diagnosis and recommendations from the patient and the physician.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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