Non-surgical solutions for common sports injuries: Stay active without going under the knife
Sports injuries can happen to anyone, whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone who enjoys an occasional workout. These injuries can be frustrating, making it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While some injuries require surgery, many common sports injuries can be effectively managed and treated with a non-surgical solution.
What is a non-surgical solution?
Non-surgical solutions refer to medical treatments that help repair or manage injuries without the need for invasive or even minimally invasive surgery such as a laparoscopic repair.
“The primary goals of treatment are to improve pain and function and allow for tissue healing,” says Andy Peterson, MD, MSPH, with UI Sports Medicine.
Instead of going into the operating room, patients can find relief by exploring more conservative treatment plans that don't require months of recovery before returning to their normal activity level.
What are common non-surgical solutions?
Non-surgical options with proven success rates include:
Orthobiologic therapy, which uses the body's natural healing processes through platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy, and more.
Physical therapy, a tailored exercise and stretching program to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and restore function while teaching you how to manage and prevent injuries.
Braces and supports used to protect injured joints or muscles during recovery and often in consultation from professionals like athletic trainers, doctors, or physical therapists.
Manual therapy, which is a hands-on technique such as active release therapy, massage, and mobilization to gently move joints to improve range of motion and pain.
Shockwave therapy, which uses acoustic waves to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility in soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries.
Medications such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
Injections or steroid shots such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections to provide temporary pain relief for a wide range of injuries and chronic conditions.
Rest and activity modification that gives your body enough time to heal and prevent further stress on your joints.
With non-surgical solutions, the recovery process is often gradual, allowing you to return to activity step by step while avoiding the downtime associated with surgery. However, the recovery time will likely vary depending on the severity of your injury, your treatment plan, and your dedication to following the plan.
Get back in the game without surgery
See a sports medicine specialist to explore personalized treatment options.
What is orthobiologic treatment?
Orthobiologic treatment, or regenerative medicine, uses your body's natural substances and cells to promote healing and recovery. By harnessing your cells' natural regenerative abilities, orthobiologic treatments offer advanced solutions for pain and injuries in joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Our sports medicine providers are pioneers in regenerative medicine. They conduct research in this area and offer one of Iowa's only evidence-based treatment programs.
At the University of Iowa Health Care, we offer several regenerative therapy options, including:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)
- Micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT)
The treatments involve collecting your cells or cellular components, concentrating them, and injecting them into the problem area to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair.
The procedures are typically performed in your provider's office and last between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the treatment. While side effects are generally mild, with some soreness for a few days after the procedure, many patients begin to experience improvement within four to six weeks, with maximum benefits occurring in three to six months.
What types of injuries can be treated without surgery?
Thanks to advancements in non-surgical treatments, many injuries can now be treated without the need for surgery:
- Sprains and strains
- Tendonitis
- Runner's knee
- Stress fractures
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Ligament tears
- Plantar fasciitis
How to know if non-surgical solutions are right for me?
Determining the best course of treatment involves consulting a health care professional such as an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist.
Non-surgical options are ideal for injuries that show minimal structural damage or those that are more likely to heal with time. Your doctor will consider your injury's location and severity as well as your age, overall health, and activity level to determine your treatment plan.
How can I prevent common sports injuries?
While surgical and non-surgical intervention methods are effective ways to treat injuries, you can reduce the likelihood of sports injuries by practicing healthy prevention methods. No matter your activity level, try following these tips to avoid visits to the doctor's office:
- Adequately warm up and cool down with proper stretching and post-exercise recovery techniques.
- Check your equipment and apparel for proper fit and support.
- Prioritize strength-training to increase muscle stability around vulnerable joints.
- Listen to your body and allow an appropriate amount of time for rest and recovery.
If you're dealing with an injury, consult an orthopedic sports medicine specialist to explore your treatment options and learn how to stay on top of your game without going under the knife.