When Should I Consider Orthobiologics Over Physical Therapy?

In cases related to musculoskeletal pain management, the initial mode of therapy involves the use of physical therapy (PT). Many patients benefit from PT treatments in terms of improving their movement capabilities and gaining muscle strength. 

Nevertheless, there are instances where doing the exercises does not bring any improvements despite doing everything accordingly. If, after consistent exercise efforts on a regular basis, the pain persists, it will be sensible for you to consider orthobiologics.

The Role of Physical Therapy

PT is an application of mechanics to solve a mechanical issue. The purpose of physical therapy is to build up the muscles surrounding the joint and fix any biomechanical dysfunctions. PT is highly recommended in many cases, such as:

• The recovery process after an operation
• Posture correction and gait correction
• Muscle strain injuries and ligament sprain injuries

Physical therapy relies on the ability of the body to repair itself. In case of serious injuries to the tissue (cartilage, partially torn tendon, etc.), these injuries have limited ability to heal on their own.

What Are Orthobiologics?

The orthobiologics treatment takes another route by moving away from a mechanical mode to biological care. In these kinds of therapies, such as PRP, your body’s cells are harnessed for a healing reaction. 

Unlike PT, which addresses the area surrounding the injured tissues, orthobiologics aim to support healing in the affected area and may help reduce inflammation. 

Key Indicators to Make a Switch

Here are some noticeable signs that you should switch to orthobiologics: 

• The Plateau Effect

If you have already been doing PT for six to twelve weeks without any significant gains, the lack of progress is an indication that your body environment is not able to facilitate more healing.

It may be due to chronic inflammation or degeneration, and this condition makes the body enter a vicious cycle, which physical exercise alone may not be enough to break the cycle. 

• Pain Limits Your Ability to Perform PT

PT requires your effort. When your pain level is severe enough to make it impossible for you to exercise without experiencing flare-ups, a cycle of pain and reduced mobility can develop.  

By lowering your inflammatory levels and decreasing pain, orthobiologics provide an opportunity to make PT easier.

• Structural Integrity Issues

In cases where there is inadequate blood flow or cellular activity in conditions such as osteoarthritis, partial tendon tears, etc., it may not be possible for the tissue to heal by just moving.

In this case, orthobiologics become necessary due to the biological deficiency, which necessitates an increased concentration of growth factors.

• You Want to Avoid or Delay Surgery

If your doctor recommends surgery as the next step after PT hasn’t worked, orthobiologics can serve as a minimally invasive alternative. They typically require less downtime than surgery and can help delay or even avoid the need for a surgical procedure.

Why They Work Best Together

It’s rarely a matter of choosing one treatment over the other; timing is key. Many patients find the best results by combining orthobiologics with PT. Orthobiologics treat the biological injury, while PT helps ensure the joint moves correctly. 

This combined bio-mechanical approach allows the tissue to heal while teaching your body how to support it properly, reducing the risk of reinjury.

Closing Note

Physical therapy should usually be your first step. It is non-invasive and essential for long-term joint health. However, if you hit a plateau or have a degenerative condition, orthobiologics can bridge the gap between simply managing pain and actually resolving it. 

Consult our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA, if you have any concerns regarding orthobiologics. Call us today to book your appointment.