Non-operative care, such as orthopedic massage therapy hackensack nj is a conservative approach to musculoskeletal injuries that avoids invasive surgery. The goal of non-operative orthopedics is to provide symptomatic relief, promote healing and preserve or restore mobility. Conventional options include medication, supplements, ice/heat therapy, activity modifications, physical therapy modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage), acupuncture, bracing, or taping. A Portland non-operative orthopaedic specialist will recommend an appropriate course of action to help each patient reach their full potential for a speedy recovery from injury. It is particularly beneficial for patients whose lifestyles require them to return to high-level activities as soon as possible.
Benefits of Non-Operative Orthopedics
- Preservation of the body’s natural healing process
Tissue damage from surgery or immobilization can lead to scar tissue that is not as strong as normal tissue. As a result, surgical procedures predispose patients to abnormal loading patterns and increased risk for re-injury, especially following early return to activity. For these reasons, many people may prefer non-operative care for minor injuries.
- Non-operative treatment is cost-effective
Modern medicine places a strong emphasis on cutting-edge surgical techniques that can be very expensive. Non-operative care helps patients avoid the high costs associated with invasive surgery, physical therapy, and medications. The average U.S. patient spends more than $8,000 out of pocket for an ankle sprain alone.
- Preservation of body function
Non-operative treatment allows the body to preserve its natural range of motion, muscle strength, and stability. This helps ensure that patients can return to high-level activities as soon as possible. Patients who undergo surgery often find it takes weeks or months before they feel like their old selves again.
- Non-operative care reduces patient recovery time
Studies show that surgical intervention does not necessarily speed up the recovery process. Studies suggest that surgery may lengthen recovery and lead to increased secondary complications (see table below). For these reasons, non-operative orthopedics attempts to avoid surgery and provide patients with a more effective and efficient method to return them to their normal activities as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation following surgical intervention can take longer than non-operative treatment. Studies show that patients recovering from surgery may need more time before returning to play than those who seek non-operative care.
Can Injuries Be Treated Through Non-Operative Orthopedics?
Non-operative orthopedic services braintree ma can be used to treat a wide range of injuries. The most common injuries treated with non-operative care include sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis, and stress fractures. The severity of the damage often determines the decision to pursue non-operative care.
Injuries that are considered more severe include fractures, ligament tears, and Achilles tendon ruptures. In general, these injuries involve a degree of tissue damage that requires surgical repair. However, there is no rule without exception as it is possible to manage some less severe injuries through non-operative care. For example, the success of non-operative treatment for some fractures remains controversial.
To summarize, non-operative orthopedics refers to a specialty in orthopedics that follows a conservative approach to musculoskeletal injuries that avoids invasive surgery. It preserves the body’s natural healing process, preserves body function, helps save money, and reduces recovery time. It can help treat many different kinds of injuries, including sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis, and stress fractures. However, it may not effectively treat severe injuries, so that you may need surgery for such cases.
