Being told you may need surgery can feel overwhelming. Along with concerns about the procedure itself, many patients worry about the cost, the recovery time, and how long it will take to return to normal life.
What many people don’t realize is that surgery is not always the first or only solution. In many cases, physical therapy or chiropractic care before surgery, often called pre-surgical therapy or “prehab,” can improve function, reduce pain, and sometimes even eliminate the need for surgery altogether.
Even when surgery remains necessary, patients who complete pre-surgical therapy often experience smoother recoveries, less postoperative discomfort, and a faster return to daily activities.
Understanding your options before moving forward with surgery can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your long-term health.
Why Surgery Is Not Always the First or Best Option
Surgery can be an effective solution in certain cases, but it is also one of the most invasive treatment options available. Surgical procedures involve disrupting tissue, altering structures, and requiring a period of healing and rehabilitation. This process often includes downtime, physical restrictions, and gradual recovery that can take weeks or even months.
Many musculoskeletal conditions develop due to dysfunction in movement, strength imbalances, or joint restrictions rather than irreversible structural damage.
In these cases, improving how the body functions can reduce stress on the affected area and allow symptoms to improve naturally. Conservative treatment focuses on restoring mobility, improving stability, and supporting the body’s ability to heal.
Because of this, healthcare providers often recommend trying non-surgical care first. This approach allows patients to explore safer, less invasive options that may resolve the issue without the risks and recovery demands associated with surgery.
What Is Pre-Surgical Therapy (Prehab)?
Pre-surgical therapy, often called prehab, refers to physical therapy or chiropractic care performed before considering or undergoing surgery. The goal is to improve strength, mobility, and overall function in the affected area. By preparing the body in advance, patients are better positioned to recover efficiently, whether surgery becomes necessary or not.
Prehab focuses on correcting movement limitations, improving joint mechanics, and strengthening supporting muscles. This helps reduce strain on injured structures and improves the body’s ability to tolerate stress. In some cases, restoring proper function allows symptoms to improve enough that surgery is no longer needed.
Even when surgery remains part of the treatment plan, patients who complete pre-surgical therapy often begin the surgical process in a stronger, more stable condition, which can contribute to better overall outcomes.
How Conservative Treatment Can Help You Avoid Surgery
Conservative treatment addresses the functional causes of pain and dysfunction rather than immediately resorting to structural intervention. Many conditions, including disc injuries, joint irritation, and soft tissue problems, can improve when movement patterns are restored and stress on the affected area is reduced.
Physical therapy and chiropractic care help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and strengthen the structures that support the spine and joints. As function improves, pressure on irritated tissues decreases, which can reduce pain and allow healing to occur more effectively.
For many patients, this approach provides meaningful improvement without the need for surgery. By giving the body the opportunity to recover naturally, conservative care can help patients avoid the risks, costs, and extended recovery timelines associated with surgical procedures.
How Prehab Helps Reduce Recovery Time If Surgery Is Still Needed
When surgery is necessary, entering the procedure with better strength, mobility, and stability can significantly improve recovery. Stronger muscles and healthier joint function help support the surgical area, making it easier for the body to regain movement and function afterward.
Prehab also helps improve circulation, tissue quality, and coordination, all of which contribute to more efficient healing. Patients who complete pre-surgical therapy often have an easier time progressing through post-surgical rehabilitation because their bodies are already conditioned to support recovery.
By preparing the body in advance, prehab helps create a stronger foundation for healing. This can lead to a smoother recovery process, improved functional outcomes, and a faster return to normal daily activities.
Common Conditions That Benefit From Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Care Before Surgery
Many musculoskeletal conditions respond well to conservative treatment before surgery is considered. Physical therapy and chiropractic care focus on improving mobility, restoring proper joint function, and strengthening the surrounding muscles. This approach can reduce pain, improve stability, and in some cases eliminate the need for surgery altogether. Even when surgery is still necessary, pre-surgical care helps prepare the body for a smoother and more efficient recovery.
Herniated Discs and Chronic Back Pain
Herniated discs and chronic back pain often result from pressure, inflammation, and reduced spinal mobility. Conservative treatment helps restore proper spinal movement, reduce stress on affected discs, and improve muscle support. Many patients experience meaningful relief and improved function without needing surgical intervention.
Knee Injuries Including Meniscus Tears
Meniscus injuries can affect knee stability and movement, but not all tears require surgery. Strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving joint mechanics can help reduce strain and improve function. This can allow some patients to avoid surgery while improving their ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities.
Rotator Cuff Injuries and Shoulder Dysfunction
Shoulder injuries often involve weakness, restricted mobility, and muscle imbalance. Conservative care focuses on restoring proper shoulder mechanics and improving strength. This helps reduce stress on the injured tissue and supports recovery, sometimes preventing the need for surgical repair.
Patients Preparing for Spinal or Joint Surgery
For patients who are already scheduled for surgery, pre-surgical therapy helps prepare the body for recovery. Improving strength, mobility, and stability beforehand can help support the surgical area and make post-operative rehabilitation more effective. This preparation often helps patients regain function more quickly and return to normal activities sooner.
How Conservative Treatment Saves Money and Protects Your Long-Term Health
Surgery is often one of the most expensive treatment options, involving not only the procedure itself but also imaging, anesthesia, facility fees, and extended rehabilitation.
Surgery can require time away from work, limited activity, and months of recovery. Conservative treatment offers a more cost-effective approach by addressing the problem early and helping the body recover without invasive intervention.
Physical therapy and chiropractic care focus on restoring proper movement and function, which can reduce stress on injured areas and support natural healing. By improving how the body moves and stabilizes itself, conservative care helps prevent further deterioration and reduces the likelihood of future injury.
When to Consider Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Care Before Surgery
You should consider conservative treatment if you are experiencing ongoing pain, limited mobility, or functional restrictions that interfere with your daily activities. These symptoms often develop gradually and may improve when the underlying movement or joint dysfunction is addressed.
Conservative care is especially important if you have been advised to consider surgery but have not yet explored non-invasive treatment options. In many cases, improving joint function, muscle strength, and mobility can reduce symptoms enough to delay or avoid surgery entirely.
Even if surgery remains part of your treatment plan, starting care beforehand helps prepare your body for recovery. A professional evaluation can help determine the source of your symptoms and whether conservative treatment is an appropriate step before moving forward with surgical intervention.
Schedule a Consultation to Explore Your Non-Surgical Treatment Options!
The chiropractic team at Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center adheres to the highest medical standards to provide superior chiropractic care. Our mission is to deliver unparalleled patient care in a comfortable and healing environment.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 357-6539 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic care!
