Skip the Scalpel: Why Physical Therapy Wins Against Surgery & Pills

TL;DR: Why Physical Therapy is the Smarter Option for Shoulder Pain

3rd most common musculoskeletal issue bringing people to primary care
Over 50% of affected individuals still report pain after six months
PT provides root-cause care—non-invasive and drug-free
High-end PT cost is one-fourth the cost of surgery
Risks from meds, surgery, and injections can often be avoided
Early intervention with PT often leads to better outcomes and fewer complications

A Widespread, Persistent Problem

3rd most common musculoskeletal issue bringing people to primary care.
Over 50% of affected individuals still report pain after six months.

Your Treatment Crossroads

Understand your options:

Physical Therapy: Non-invasive, root-cause focused care.
Surgery: Expensive, invasive, long recovery.
Pills/Injections: Temporary relief with long-term risk.

Cost Comparison

Physical Therapy: High-end estimate $5,450 (no insurance)
Surgery: Base $19,184, plus anesthesia, diagnostics, and post-op PT

Comparison of PT and Surgery Costs for Shoulder Pain Relief — Chart comparing high-end physical therapy cost to base surgery cost. PT offers significant savings.

Breakdown of Hidden Costs in Rotator Cuff Surgery — Chart illustrating the true total cost of shoulder surgery including anesthesia, diagnostics, and post-op PT.

Risks vs. Rewards

Risks:

NSAID side effects: GI bleeding, kidney risk
Opioid addiction
Repeated injections can weaken tissue
Surgical complications: infection, nerve damage

Rewards:

Restores strength & mobility
Treats root cause, not symptoms
Often avoids surgery altogether

The PT Pathway

Initial Pain & Dysfunction
PT Intervention: Targeted exercises, manual therapy, posture training
Positive Outcomes: Reduced pain, restored movement, surgery avoided

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Most shoulder pain can be resolved without surgery if addressed early. Let TruMoveKC help you move better, live stronger, and stay active.

Want help now?
📞 Call TruMove and book a same-week evaluation,
your future self, and your family, will thank you. 💪

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