Why therapy is like physio, not surgery

The thought came to me during a sports massage recently about how therapy is like physio, not surgery.

What do I mean by that?

Well, surgery is a procedure to fix a medical issue, like a fracture for example. Physiotherapy is a process to help treat and manage issues like pain and mobility. So, while surgery is something that is done to you, physio is something you actively take part in. You’re usually given exercises to do to increase strength and range of motion.

Sure, you might also have some hands-on manual therapy, such as joint manipulation or deep tissue massage, but depending on your issue, you’re probably going to need this more than just once – it’s a process. And at the end of the day, in my experience (and I’ve had a lot of physio), you need to be an active participant in your care. If you don’t do the exercises, you’re probably not going to get better.

And I think that’s sort of like what therapy is.

It’s something you need to work at. Your therapist is there to walk alongside you and give you tools you can use in your daily life. If you go in thinking this person will be able to do something to you to make it all better (like surgery), you’re likely going to be disappointed. Hopefully there will be things your therapist provides that make you feel better within the session, like really listening to you, offering some insight, or a calming meditation.

Those things are valuable and for some, maybe it’s all they want. But for many people, the reality is that things won’t change long-term unless you’re committed and you ‘do the exercises’, so to speak. That may be actual homework your therapist has set or it may be you reflecting on what came up in the session.

Doing this can lead to real change in your life outside of the therapy room.

Therapy, like physio, is hard work at times. But in the end, it’s worth it.

Until next time, take care.