Why Physical Therapy Should Be Your First Choice Over Surgery

Feb 6

Aches, pains, sprains, and injuries—whether they're from sports, repetitive motions, or daily life—are all too common.

If you’ve found yourself in this position, you might be weighing your options between physical therapy and possible surgery. Many people assume surgery is the ultimate fix, but that’s not always the case.

Physical therapy (PT) offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to healing that addresses the root causes of discomfort, rather than just treating symptoms. It prioritizes recovery with tailored exercises, hands-on care, and education that empowers you to regain strength and mobility.

Before rushing to book a surgical consultation, let's explore why physical therapy is often the smarter first choice—and how it can save you time, money, and unnecessary risks.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Aches and Injuries

When it comes to managing injuries or chronic discomfort, physical therapy (PT) looks at the body as a whole. Instead of focusing solely on the injured body part, PT aims to identify underlying imbalances or mechanical issues that could be contributing to your pain.

A comprehensive Approach to Healing

Physical therapists are experts at addressing not just where it hurts, but why it hurts. For instance:

Lower back pain: Instead of only alleviating the pain, a physical therapist might address core weaknesses or posture misalignments that caused the discomfort in the first place.
Knee pain: Beyond exercises for strengthening, they’ll assess your gait, hips, and alignment to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Their goal is not just relief but long-term recovery to prevent future injuries.

Tailored, Personalized Care

Every body is unique, and so is every injury. Physical therapists create highly customized plans for your specific circumstances. Have a torn rotator cuff? They’ll tailor a program that gradually rebuilds your shoulder's strength and mobility without straining it. From hands-on manual therapy to guided exercises, every step of the process is centered around you.

Benefits of Choosing Physical Therapy Over Surgery

Why choose physical therapy as the first step? The benefits are numerous and compelling.

1. Lower Risk, Higher Reward

Surgery often comes with a plethora of risks—complications, infections, and even the chance that it may not fully resolve your issue. Physical therapy eliminates these concerns since it’s non-invasive.

2. Faster Recovery

Surgery usually requires weeks (or even months) of downtime before you can start rebuilding your strength. With physical therapy, recovery begins the moment you step through the door—no hospital gown required. And in most cases, you'll avoid the challenging post-op rehabilitation process surgery demands.

3. More Cost-Effective

Even with health insurance, surgery and subsequent rehab can leave you with sky-high medical bills. By starting with physical therapy, you’re prioritizing a solution that is more affordable and avoids the financial burden of unnecessary procedures. No insurance? No problem. Many physical therapy clinics, including Curnyn PT, offer affordable out-of-pocket payment options designed to fit your budget.

4. Non-Invasive, No Scars

Unlike surgery, physical therapy doesn’t result in scars, stitches, or even time away from work or family responsibilities.

5. Improved Overall Well-Being

Physical therapy impacts more than just the injured area. It equips you with the knowledge to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Real-Life Success Stories

Case Study #1

Jessica, a 34-year-old runner, injured her knee while preparing for an upcoming marathon. After being told she might need surgery for her ACL tear, she opted for physical therapy at Curnyn Physical Therapy in Fort Worth, TX.

Within six months of targeted therapy, strengthening exercises, and gait training, Jessica not only avoided surgery but also successfully completed her marathon with no pain.

Case Study #2

Stephen, a 50-year-old executive, faced chronic lower back pain from years of poor posture. Instead of undergoing surgery, Steve opted for physical therapy. By focusing on his core strength and improving his seated posture, Steve reduced his pain by 90% and avoided costly procedures altogether.

Considerations When Deciding Between Physical Therapy and Surgery

While physical therapy offers incredible benefits, it isn’t always the answer for every type of injury.

Severity of the Condition

Some injuries, like completely torn ligaments or severe fractures, may not be treatable with physical therapy alone. Surgery might be necessary in these instances.

Personal Health History

If you’ve had previous surgeries or underlying conditions that prevent full recovery through physical therapy, a combined approach (surgery + PT) might be your best option.

Preferences and Goals

Your lifestyle and goals also play a big role. If you want minimal disruption to your everyday activities, PT is undoubtedly the better immediate choice.

Debunking Misconceptions About Physical Therapy

Myth 1: Physical therapy takes forever to show results.

The truth is, recovery rates can vary, but many patients experience noticeable improvement within just a few weeks of starting a targeted treatment plan. Delaying physical therapy often leads to longer and more challenging recovery journeys. The sooner you begin treatment, the quicker you’ll see positive results. So, the next time you face a backache or a sprain, don’t wait—head straight to physical therapy. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you!

Myth 2: Surgery is always more effective than physical therapy.

Truth: For many conditions, research and testimonials show physical therapy can yield long-term recovery outcomes comparable to surgery—without the risks or downtime.

Myth 3: Physical therapy is just assisted exercises.

Truth: Physical therapy includes hands-on manual care, posture corrections, education, and much more. The term "exercise" can be misleading—it's about guided, intentional movements tailored to your needs. Your therapist works with you to ensure real, lasting results.

Instances Where Surgery May Be Necessary

While we strongly advocate for physical therapy as a first choice, there are certain situations—such as life-altering injuries or structural damage—where surgery might be inevitable. But even then, physical therapy plays a crucial role in pre-op preparation and post-op recovery.

Tips for Starting Physical Therapy

Find the Right Therapist

Look for licensed physical therapists with a strong reputation for personalized care. At practices like Curnyn Physical Therapy in Fort Worth, we couple advanced knowledge with compassionate support, treating every client like family.

Prepare for Your First Visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medical history. Wear comfortable clothes, and come ready to learn how to work toward pain-free living.

Commit to the Process

Consistency is key. Follow your therapist's guidance, stay committed during sessions, and maintain a positive, engaged mindset. Don’t hesitate to ask questions whenever you feel uncertain.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

Your body is your most valuable asset—treating it with the care it deserves is non-negotiable. When aches and pains slow you down, don’t rush into surgery as the default solution. With its comprehensive, cost-effective, and personalized approach, physical therapy should always be your first choice.

If you're in the Fort Worth area, we invite you to visit Curnyn Physical Therapy at one of our convenient locations. Backed by 30+ years of expertise, our dedicated team is committed to helping you overcome pain, restore mobility, and reclaim your life—all while avoiding the costs and risks associated with surgery.

Contact us today to schedule your first consultation. Your path to pain-free living starts now.

Discover the innovative treatments and therapies offered by Curnyn PT.

Denny Curnyn

Denny, Dennis J. Curnyn, PT, MA, AT

Born and raised in Omaha, NE, Denny Dennis J. Curnyn has built an impressive career in physical therapy and athletic training. He earned his BS in Biology and an MA in Athletic Training from Western Michigan University, where he also worked as an athletic trainer. Later, he pursued a second BS in Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University. During his physical therapy training, an internship in Texas sparked a love for the state, leading him to relocate to Fort Worth—a city he quickly embraced as home.

Determined to create a space that prioritized both patient care and therapist satisfaction, Denny founded his clinic in 1991. Formerly known as Sportcare Physical Therapy, Curnyn Physical Therapy has become the longest-running physical therapist-owned clinic in Fort Worth. With two convenient locations, it continues to provide exceptional care to the community. His journey began with a mission to break away from the corporate healthcare model and establish a practice driven by his core belief: a therapist-owned clinic fosters the ideal environment for high-quality care and positive outcomes.

Denny specializes in outpatient orthopedics and is deeply committed to achieving lasting results through a balance of manual therapy, exercise, and modality care. His dedication to continuing education ensures he stays at the forefront of innovative techniques, focusing on optimizing recovery time and patient outcomes.

Outside of his professional life, Denny cherishes time with his wife of 25 years and their three children. An avid golfer (and proud of it!), he spends much of his free time on the course. He’s also a lifelong Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, bringing his passion for sports full circle into every facet of his