Try Physical Therapy Before Having Surgery


There are a lot of reasons to consider physical therapy before electing to undergo surgery. One big plus is that it can help you prepare for the surgery (often called prehabbing) and have a speedier recovery. And even for some, physical therapy may eliminate the need for surgery altogether. 

At A2 Physical Therapy in Tacoma, there are several treatment options — from massage to personal training, and spinal treatment and rehab, soft-tissue manipulation with tools, and cutting-edge technology like the NEUBIE (neuro-Bio-Electric Stimulator) that helps the body heal itself quicker. It’s the only one of its kind in the state and available exclusively at A2. 

Some research indicates that 10 to 20 percent of surgeries might be unnecessary and people might find satisfactory outcomes when they try more conservative options — like physical therapy — first. That’s important because all surgeries come with some risk, so if you can avoid having one with an alternative treatment, that is preferable. 

Of course, physical therapy can’t fix every health problem, and for some surgery is the best choice. However, exploring how physical therapy can help make the surgery go smoother, the recovery time go faster, or (fingers crossed) possibly avoided, is worth a conversation with your health care provider. At A2, getting patients strong and healthy is the ultimate goal and we have a lot of tools that just might help you avoid the operating room — and be feeling your best sooner.

"I came in to A2 with a knee injury that left me with very limited mobility and muscle weakness. Danny and team did an excellent job of diagnosing exactly what my issues were and designing a treatment plan that allowed me to regain strength, balance, and confidence. I would recommend A2 without reservation as a skilled and professional team."

− Margo

"My name is Irvin Markham. I am a member of A2 Physical Therapy and Fitness. I have been a member of several gyms but never had a personal trainer. With no schedule or workout plan, I would always eventually quit. My wife suggested to go see her personal trainer Kristi Cruz. What a difference the experience has made in helping me get the most out of my workouts. Kristi has not only helped me get 71 year old body back in shape physically, but mentally as well. She has put me on a set schedule and encourages me to do all the things I need to do to stay healthy. I cannot thank Kristi and the entire staff at A2 for all of the support they have shown me."

− Irvin

"I started at A2 about mid-July and I am in the 9:00 am Friday class. A2 has opened me up to new levels of a workout. There is no “golden Standard”. Everyone goes to the best of their abilities. I feel like I can workout without being judged. In my class there are my mom, dad, aunt Lori, aunt Amber, my cousin Mandy and our newest addition Randy. Kristi is always encouraging us to give our all. She is never telling us that we aren’t doing the workout right. Instead she helps us grow by kindly telling us if we do it this way we will get more out of it and she always helps us get there. I decided to do cross country this year and I feel like I can go and be successful and strong because of my A2 workout. Thank you so much for helping me grow in my health."

− Genevieve