In today’s world of advanced medicine, surgery is typically seen as the number one solution for many injuries or health problems. In recent years, though, methods that do not include surgery have been discovered. More people are turning to alternative health treatments that focus on a more natural way to heal rather than surgery.
Alternative healing methods are treatments that don’t rely on traditional surgery or medication. Some of these alternatives can include physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy and massage therapy. While not every condition can be treated without surgery, it is common for the patient to be prescribed physical therapy for a designated amount of time based on the severity of the injury and recovery time.
Physical therapy, or commonly referred to as “PT,” helps people recover from injury or help with chronic pain through all sorts of exercises and stretches specified for an individual’s injury. For example, someone with a torn ligament may be able to avoid surgery by being able to work with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around the damaged ligament and let it heal naturally.
Sam Mitchell (12) plays for the Spartanburg High School boys lacrosse team and had a season-ending knee injury this past season.
“I tore multiple ligaments in my knee one day in practice. I went to scoop a ball, and I ended up hyperextending my knee. It didn’t hurt initially, but after walking on it to the trainer, I started to feel a sharp pain in every step. This was almost a year ago now, and I still go to physical therapy,” Mitchell said.
Pierce Dickerson (10), another SHS lacrosse player, is required to attend physical therapy due to injury.
“I was practicing after school, and I tripped and fell and ended up breaking two bones in my leg. I was in a splint for a while then eventually was in a cast for a few weeks and on a scooter. Recently, I got my cast off and now I use a boot, and I still have to go to therapy regularly,” Dickerson said.
Acupuncture is another alternative to surgery. Dating back to ancient times in China, it involves inserting thin needles into specific parts of the body to relieve pain. Though needles may sound scary to some individuals, many patients have stated that the process is painless. Studies have shown acupuncture can help with migraines, back pain and even mitigate anxiety.
Massage therapy and forms of chiropractic care help individuals who may have back pain. Most types of chiropractic therapy focus on areas like the spinal cord, a patient’s neck, the nervous system and other areas on the torso. Chiropractors use hands-on adjustments to help release tension or pressure that may have built up and caused pain in certain areas. While some doctors remain skeptical about whether chiropractic therapy will last, many people regularly go to a local chiropractic clinic to get an adjustment.
Dyllan Harris (12), a basketball player at SHS, goes to the chiropractor to alleviate pain.
“Whenever I go to the chiropractor, I always feel relieved afterwards. I tend to get back pain every once in a while because playing basketball and lifting almost every day builds up stress,” Harris said.
