Is Back Surgery The Best Option For You? Consider These Things First.

rosedalewellness • July 12, 2021

Do you have a chronic pain issue related to your spine? Maybe you have a stiff achy back or shooting pain and numbness in one or both legs. Perhaps your back pain and associated symptoms are so involved that it’s a struggle to get through a day at work, sleep through the night, or take care of yourself or your loved ones.

When your symptoms are so intense, it may start to feel like back surgery is your only option. But before you consult with a surgeon, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about physiotherapy first. Or, simply call Rosedale Wellness Centre today to find out how a physiotherapist can help you get meaningful relief and avoid going under the knife. Because the truth is, there are some important things you to think about before considering surgery.

5 Things to Consider Before Undergoing Back Surgery

1. Many people feel no better (or even worse) after back surgery.

This may be surprising to hear, but research shows only about half of the first-time back surgeries are considered “successful.” Additional surgeries fare even worse, with only 30, 15, and 5 percent of second-, third-, and fourth-time back surgeries yielding a good outcome.

The sad reality is that many people end up having no relief from their symptoms after their surgery. In some cases, they may even feel worse or notice new issues that they didn’t have before. This can lead to long-term disability, increased healthcare utilization and cost, and understandable frustration and depression.

2. Back surgery requires a lot of downtime.

The techniques, approaches, and tools used for back surgeries today have advanced considerably. But even minimally invasive back surgeries can require a significant amount of downtime and recovery. For you this, may mean missing out on important life events, lost wages, or reduced productivity.

Physiotherapy requires no downtime. Your physiotherapist can meet you where you’re at and provide treatment right away that can help you start feeling and functioning better soon, without the risk of serious adverse effects that come with any type of surgical procedure (including bleeding and infections).

3. Back surgery may not always address the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Let’s say a doctor tells you you need surgery to correct a herniated disc. A surgical procedure like a discectomy and fusion may correct the herniated disc, but it won’t help you figure out why your disc herniated in the first place.

Was your posture, body mechanics, core muscle strength, and coordination involved? Are tight hip flexors pulling on your pelvis and increasing stress and pressure in your lower spine? Is there something else in your lifestyle contributing to impaired disc health, such as a sedentary lifestyle, low nutritional status, or smoking?

These are all questions a physiotherapist can help you explore and answer. That way, you’ll be able to address the underlying causes of your pain while also relieving the pain itself.

Keep in mind, sometimes there IS no clear cause of your back pain. For example, did you know that many people are walking around with disc herniations or disc bulges yet experience no symptoms? Meanwhile, some people may have “perfect” spines on radiographic imaging but struggle with disabling chronic pain. For these people, surgery often fails to provide any relief.

However, even “idiopathic” cases of back pain (where the underlying cause is not clear) are shown to improve with physiotherapy.

4. Physiotherapy is actually considered a first-line treatment for most types of chronic pain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes physiotherapy and other non-invasive, non-drug treatments as the preferred option for treating and improving most types of chronic pain. Not only is physiotherapy cost-effective, but it’s also safe for people with a wide range of health backgrounds, many of whom may not be appropriate surgical candidates due to the increased risk of complications.

5. Physiotherapy works!

Decades of research show that physiotherapy is effective for improving back pain . In many cases, working with a physiotherapist can provide you with as much relief as pain medications (but without the unpleasant side effects). Our physiotherapy treatments can reduce your symptoms, improve your tissue health and healing, and prevent recurring problems. We get you feeling better so you can resume exercise and get more active, which we know is one of the best ways to alleviate chronic back and joint pain.

Whether you need to learn how to improve your body mechanics and posture, improve strength, endurance, and coordination of your core muscles, gain flexibility in your shoulders or hips, or need some soft tissue massage and other joint mobilization techniques, a physiotherapist has the skills required to support you on your path to a pain-free life.

Are You Looking for a Non-Surgical Solution to Your Back Pain?

Contact Rosedale Wellness Centre today to schedule an appointment and start seeing how a physiotherapist can help you feel better and stay out of the operating room.

The post Is Back Surgery The Best Option For You? Consider These Things First. appeared first on Rosedale Wellness Centre.

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Service Fee Update

By John Son • August 11, 2026

Rosedale Wellness Centre Service Fee Update Effective September 15, 2026 At Rosedale Wellness Centre, our priority has always been to provide our patients with high-quality, personalized care in a welcoming and professional environment. We recognize that the cost of living has increased significantly and that many individuals and families are being more mindful of their expenses. We understand that healthcare costs are part of that consideration, and we do not take the decision to adjust our fees lightly. Beginning September 15, 2026 , we will be making adjustments to selected service fees. This represents our first general fee adjustment in approximately two years. These changes will allow us to continue investing in our practitioners, staff, equipment, facilities and services while maintaining the quality of care and patient experience you have come to appreciate from Rosedale Wellness Centre. Physiotherapy Initial Assessments & Treatment 40 minutes — $105 60 minutes — $145 Subsequent Treatments 20 minutes — $80 30 minutes — $100 40 minutes — $115 60 minutes — $150 Registered Massage Therapy 30 minutes — $96 45 minutes — $122 60 minutes — $148 75 minutes — $174 90 minutes — $206 The prices shown above represent the final patient cost, including HST. Osteopathy 20 minutes — $80 30 minutes — $102 40 minutes — $133 60 minutes — $170 The prices shown above represent the final patient cost, including HST. Acupuncture 30 minutes — $90 45 minutes — $115 60 minutes — $140 Cosmetic Acupuncture 45 minutes — $120 60 minutes — $145 90 minutes — $175 Chiropody Initial visit — $115 Subsequent treatment — $85 Why Are Our Fees Changing? We have worked carefully to keep these adjustments as reasonable as possible. Over the past two years, the cost of operating a multidisciplinary healthcare clinic has continued to rise. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining the level of care, service and support our patients expect. The updated fees help us continue to: Attract and retain experienced healthcare practitioners Support ongoing education and professional development Invest in treatment equipment, technology and clinical resources Maintain our treatment rooms, rehabilitation facilities and clinic environment Provide strong front-desk and administrative support Continue offering a broad range of healthcare services under one roof These investments allow our practitioners and staff to focus on what matters most — your health, your recovery and your experience at Rosedale Wellness Centre. When Do the New Fees Take Effect? The updated rates will take effect on September 15, 2026 . Appointments taking place before September 15 will continue to be charged at the current rates. Appointments occurring on or after September 15 will be charged according to the updated fee schedule above. Please be advised that due to the recent price increase, patients whose appointments are booked within their insurance coverage limits may be slightly over their covered amount. We kindly ask that you plan accordingly and be prepared for any potential additional cost . If you have any questions or concerns regarding your coverage or the price increase, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to assist you. Thank You for Your Continued Trust We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. For more than 30 years, Rosedale Wellness Centre has been committed to helping our patients feel better, move better and live healthier lives. We are grateful for the trust you place in our practitioners and our team. These adjustments will help us continue providing the quality of care and level of service you have come to appreciate from Rosedale Wellness Centre for years to come.