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

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: physiotherapy at Expert Physio Plus!

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 physiotherapy.

In fact, physiotherapy is actually a frontline treatment for several musculoskeletal conditions, from arthritis to ligament injuries, meaning you absolutely should try it first! Regular physiotherapy 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 physiotherapists can help you avoid or delay surgery.

Government-Funded Joint Health Programs at Expert Physio Plus

At Expert Physio Plus, we’re dedicated to helping you reduce pain and improve your mobility and functionality—whether you’re looking to avoid surgery or recover after one. Hip and knee osteoarthritis are among the most common conditions we see, which is why we offer two specialized, government-funded programs to support you every step of the way:

  1. GLA:D Canada Program: This six weeks program is specifically designed for patients with hip and/ or knee osteoarthritis to help delay or even avoid joint replacement surgery. It also prepares your body for a faster recovery if surgery becomes necessary.
    • How to join the program: You’ll need a referral from a medical doctor to get you assessed in a total joint clinic at the hospital. We can also arrange for your assessment to be done at our clinic. For more information, please call Nermine at 613-927-9752, Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm.
    • Don’t have a family doctor? Dr. Achraf Zakaria, MD, is available on Saturdays at our Blackburn Hamlet clinic to assist you with arthritis care and referrals.
    • Learn more about the program and what it includes.
  2. Bundle Care Rehabilitation Program: If you’ve had a hip, knee, or shoulder replacement, our Bundled Care Program is here to help. 
    • We welcome the patients who have their surgery done at the following hospitals:
      • Montfort Hospital
      • The Ottawa Hospital
      • The Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus
      • Kemptville District Hospital
    • Our expert physiotherapists provide specialized post-surgery rehabilitation tailored to your needs, helping you regain strength, mobility, and confidence. With our support, we’ll help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment. Let’s get you moving again!

We also treat the following conditions

Partial Ligament Tears: While a full ligament tear typically requires surgical intervention, less severe ligament injuries respond well to physiotherapy.

Herniated Discs: This is another condition that physiotherapy can generally resolve more easily than surgery.

Here’s What We Can Offer

The exact details of your physiotherapy 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. 

Ultimately, our goal is the same as any orthopedic surgery: to help you live a rich, active lifestyle, free from pain and immobility. However, we can do it with a few extra benefits: 

  • Less Time: Surgery is a highly invasive procedure that requires lengthy rehabilitation. Healing alone typically takes several weeks, and it can take up to a year before you’ve fully rehabilitated–during which time you’ll be doing extensive physiotherapy anyway. Why not skip the extra step?
  • Decreased Risks: Surgery brings a host of medical risks, from blood clots to dependency on painkillers. Because physiotherapy is non-invasive, the risk is minimal (especially compared to surgery). It also offers drug-free pain relief options.

That said, seeking physiotherapy treatment sooner rather than later is essential–this is especially true for degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. It’s also essential you keep active outside of our clinic. Many of these conditions benefit from regular movement, so you’ll want to find an exercise program that suits your needs (something our therapists can help you with).

And if you do wind up needing surgery down the road, you’ll already be prepared for your rehabilitation after the procedure!

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 physiotherapy may be the tool you need to find lasting relief. Just as the team at Expert Physio Plus can help people avoid or delay surgery, we can also ensure your surgery provides you with a successful outcome. What can we do?

Mobility exercises take things a step further in terms of restoring your range of motion.

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!

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

  1. Mix strawberries, yogurt and honey in bowl. Add to heart-shaped molds or ice cube tray.
  2. Freeze at least 2 hours, or until set.