From the New York Times: When to Try Physical Therapy before Surgery
Some sociocultural commentary:
Compared to the American population, I’ve found Filipinos are more receptive to starting with conservative therapy first (e.g., physical therapy or the local indigenous “hilot”).
Partly because of the financial cost of medical care: the lack of insurance options, and sub-optimal coverage by Philhealth (universal healthcare), and partly because of surgery and strong pain medicine (e.g., opioids) are considered “too risky” or “too extreme”. I am sure there are other reasons and individual circumstances may differ; this is just a general observation from having spent time in both health systems.
This is a New York Times gift article, it should be free to read and have no paywall. Click the image below.
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