Have you met someone who had  surgery in hopes of relieving their pain, only to feel let down? This occurs more often than you might think. Usually, the surgeon takes the blame, but it's not always that simple. Let’s peel back the layers to understand why.  

Think about it like this: You would not rush into surgery at the first hint of pain, right? Most individuals will explore other treatment options first. Meanwhile, the pain makes you move differently, causing imbalances in the body and worsening the pain.  

You might opt for injections, which can help initially, but these will not address the root cause. They just mask the pain temporarily. After trying all the remedies available, surgery starts to feel like the only option. So you have an operation, and the surgeon resolves the issue—an arthritic joint or a herniated disc, for example. But here's the catch: This newly fixed area now expects the rest of the body to keep up and function normally.  

After a surgery, the rehabilitation focuses mainly on the operated body part, overlooking the fact that your whole body has been adapting to pain for years. This is where the real challenge lies. The fixed part is ready to heal, but the rest of the body is not quite up to the task due to compensatory adjustments made over the years.  

Surgery is not a magic wand—it's only a part of the overall solution. It's crucial to address how the body has adjusted to pain. Correcting these adaptations enables your entire body to function better, which makes movements such as walking, sitting or standing easier.  

Before you blame the surgeon, it’s helpful to look at the nuances of your own body. Does it seem balanced or lopsided? If you notice imbalances, correcting them can be the key to feeling better. In fact, this approach might unlock a pain-free life.  

Joann Pung, PT, is a chronic pain specialist at Manual Physical Therapy & Concierge services. Location: 5207 26th St. W, Suite 102, Bradenton. For more information and a free assessment, call 941-226-2605 or visit ManualConciergePT.com.