Why Surgery Doesn’t Have to Be Your Only Option
Why Surgery Doesn’t Have to Be Your Only Option

Why Surgery Doesn’t Have to Be Your Only Option

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.

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!

  • 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)

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

Meet Our Team

Physical Therapist Assistant

Administration

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Marsha Terry

RN MSN- Administrator