Physical Therapy?…I don’t need that, RIGHT?!

Physical Therapy?...I don’t need that, RIGHT?!

Many patients ask me what they can do following regenerative procedures to ensure that their treatment yields the best possible outcome. Here at Regenexx Pittsburgh, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver the best regenerative treatment for the individual needs of our patients. However, patients also need to be aware of their role in recovery following treatments. In most cases, the biomechanics of the body tend to be significantly disrupted by both acute and chronic injury. Usually, the more chronic the injury, the more prominent the loss of appropriate strength and biomechanics. Most people don’t realize the negative impact this has on baseline strength around joints and loss of postural support in structures like the spine and the pelvis. If the muscles don’t do their job, or if they don’t have the endurance to do that job for extended periods, then the joint or other structures will likely suffer due to the imbalance or early fatigue.

Once the regenerative treatment is completed, it becomes the responsibility of the patient to remain proactive in the progression of their healing. The means to achieving the best results is through maximizing the strength and stability. I often will compare the process to changing a tire on a car. If performed properly, additional balancing and alignment will help to optimize the life and performance of the new tire. If this is not performed, or only partially accomplished to save on cost, then the tire will likely wear out more quickly, possibly leading to more damage and more cost in the long term.

The best way to achieve alignment and balance of a joint or the spine is through a course of appropriately prescribed and appropriately executed physical therapy. I say appropriately prescribed because some specifics of the therapy regimen should be considered by the physician depending on a patient’s treatment and goals. The physical therapist and the treating physician should work closely and communicate effectively throughout the patient’s progress. This way, roadblocks along the course of care can be avoided, or easily overcome to allow for better treatment in a shorter amount of time. Appropriate execution of the therapy revolves around seeking treatment from a therapist well-versed in addressing issues related to musculoskeletal and spine pain.

Now, I have heard all the reasons that people will give for trying to skirt the task of attenting regular physical therapy. “I’m active all day at work”… “I work-out regularly on my own”… “I’m strong enough without any of that.” The reality is that while people may have enough muscle strength to perform basic function, this is not enough when it comes to higher level activity. Even climbing stairs can be a challenge, whether pain is present or not. Even if the joint feels better, the muscle strength still needs to be addressed to achieve better activity performance.

The short answer to the question at hand is YES. Physical therapy is extremely important, if not necessary, following regenerative treatment in order to maximize functional strength and improve activity for patients.

About The Author
Dr. Jesse Sally

Dr. Jesse Sally

Dr. Jesse Sally

Dr. Jesse Sally

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At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we are foremost committed to the health and safety of our patients. Our team adheres strictly to COVID-19 protection protocols and ALL staff wear masks and are COVID-19 vaccinated.

Advanced IOF Certifications

Certified at the highest level for Ankle / Foot, Wrist / Hand, Hip, Knee, Shoulder, and Spine Intradiscal

Specialized Certifications

Top available certifications in Diagnostic Ultrasound, Bone Marrow and Adipose Aspirate, and Nucleated Cell Counting

Educational Certifications

Our doctors have earned both General Instructor as well as Spine Instructor certifications.

Knee

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Knee Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Meniscus Tears
  • Patellofemoral
  • Syndrome/Chondomalacia
  • ACL Tears + PCL, LCL & MCL Tears & Sprains
  • Patellar Tendonitis
  • Pes anersine bursitis
  • Baker’s cyst
  • Instability
  • Hamstrings Tendinopathy & Biceps Femoris Insertional Tendinopathy

Lower Spine

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Spine Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Lumbar Facet Injury
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Herniated or Bulging Disc
  • Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
  • SI Joint Syndrome
  • Many More Disc and Low Back Issues

Foot & Ankle

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Foot & Ankle Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Ankle Instability
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Peroneal tendon tear or split
  • Ligament sprain or tear
  • Sub-talar arthritis or instability
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Bunions

Cervical Spine

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Spine Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Cervical Instability
  • Cervical Facet Injury
  • Neck, Back or Rib Instability
  • Many More Disc and Cervical Issues Causing Pain

Shoulder

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Shoulder Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Arthritis of the shoulder joint
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Labral tears or degeneration
  • Rotator cuff tendonitis & tendonosis
  • AC Joint Separation
  • Recurrent shoulder dislocations

Elbow

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Elbow Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Instability
  • Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow
  • Nerve entrapment (ulnar nerve)

Hip

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Hip Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinopathy
  • Labral / Labrum Tear

Hand & Wrist

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions.

View Details About Hand & Wrist Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Hand Arthritis
  • Basal Joint Arthritis or CMC / Carpometacarpal
  • Arthritis
  • Instability
  • TFCC Tear
  • Carpal Tunnel SyndromeTrigger Finger