While surgery treats a range of injuries and conditions, it is not always necessary. The osteopathic physicians at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, use osteopathic manipulation and other non-operative treatments as well as surgery to heal Oahu residents after injury, sports-related or otherwise. If you recently sustained an injury and are researching treatment options, learn about four surgery alternatives that can help you feel better.

Top 4 Non-Operative Treatment Options After Injury

1. Osteopathic Manipulation

Osteopathic manipulation relies on the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent both injury and illness. It uses stretching, resistance, and gentle pressure to improve range of motion and decrease pain in the muscles and joints. Techniques include myofascial release, which uses firm pressure to treat tension in the fascia, or the connective tissue surrounding the muscles, bones, and organs. Other techniques include muscle energy, push-pull therapy, and soft tissue treatment that stretches the muscles. 

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, uses a combination of treatments to relieve pain and tension after injury or illness. Like osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy is a preventative treatment designed to restore range of motion and help patients feel better over time. Typical treatments include massage, assorted exercises and stretches, and hot and cold therapy.

3. Injection Therapy

A common athletic treatment, injection therapy uses either steroids or hyaluronic acid to decrease inflammation in joints and tissues and lubricate them, respectively. Shot administration frequency depends on the condition and injury. Steroid injections are typically administered two to three times a year, while hyaluronic acid injections may be given more often.

4. Medication

Medication offers relief by temporarily decreasing pain and inflammation. It may be used as a complement to osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy, topical cream treatments, or other non-surgical options. Since some pain medications may create dependency, osteopathic physicians and other doctors generally recommend them for short durations and emphasize nutritional medicine and healthy lifestyle habits to aid recovery. 

Don’t spend another day in pain! Work with the osteopathic physicians at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health to devise a comprehensive treatment plan. Call (808) 521-8170 to schedule an appointment or visit the physicians online for more information about osteopathic manipulation and other services. Follow the Honolulu facility on Twitter for helpful wellness tips.