
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 Terry Physical Therapy!
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 Terry Physical Therapy, 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:
• Surgery involves hospital stays, anesthesia, and extended rehabilitation 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.
Less Downtime:
• Surgery requires weeks or months of recovery.
• Physical therapy promotes gradual progress without invasive procedures, helping you return to daily life faster.
Decreased Risks:
• Surgery comes with risks like blood clots, infections, and reliance on pain medications.
• Physical therapy provides non-invasive, drug-free pain relief with minimal risks.
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 Terry Physical Therapy first to find out if physical therapy might be a better solution for you. Call us today to get started.

Turn yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast into today’s delicious lunch with this Leftover Turkey Salad. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s the perfect way to enjoy your turkey all over again!
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Leftover Turkey Salad
- 1 cup leftover bread stuffing
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup leftover cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 2¼ cups chopped leftover turkey
- 1 cup leftover roasted vegetables
- 3 tbsp dried cranberries
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add stuffing and cook, stirring, until crisp, 8 to 11 minutes. Set aside. Whisk cranberry sauce, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, vinegar, orange zest, salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Add greens, turkey and roasted vegetables; toss to coat. Sprinkle with the stuffing croutons and dried cranberries.


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Exercise of the Month
HAMSTRING SUPINE STRETCH
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. 3 Sets, 1 Rep. (Materials needed: towel)
You Deserve to Feel Your Best!
Ready to continue your progress? Schedule your next appointment with Terry Physical Therapy today, and let’s get you back to feeling your best! Whether you’re recovering from an injury or maintaining your wellness, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner? Manage Stress with These Tips
We love Thanksgiving at Terry Physical Therapy. It’s a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy a great meal, and give thanks for all of the year’s blessings. But we also know the big day can be stressful—especially if you’re hosting.
Here are a few simple tips to stay happy and healthy this Thanksgiving:
Don’t forget your post-meal walk. If you prepped dinner, let someone else take care of the dishes while you take a relaxing stroll around the neighborhood. Relax–you earned it!
Try some deep breathing exercises. In the thick of cooking five different side dishes and feeling overwhelmed? Try box breathing, a simple technique in which you slowly breathe in and out for 3-4 counts.
Fix a balanced plate. Rather than stressing about overindulging, just make sure to add some green veggies to your plate alongside the cornbread stuffing and fried turkey.
November Word Scramble
nrbareycr
tfuisngf
ouoarncpic
iamylf
drapea
altkunhf
Answer Key
cranberry
stuffing
cornucopia
family
parade
thankful
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Meet Our Team
Administration

Marsha Terry
RN MSN- Administrator

Letty Rosales
Office Manager

Monica Gutierrez
Billing Manager










