Before the operating room, on McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
Alternatives to Surgery in Fort Myers: Know Your Options First
Someone said the word "surgery" and your stomach dropped. Weeks of rehab. Time off work. Someone to drive you to physical therapy three times a week.
If you are looking for alternatives to surgery in Fort Myers, this page is a starting point. It covers the questions to ask your surgeon, the times surgery really is the right call, and where SoftWave fits. Our position: unless a joint is unstable, locked or worn to bone, most people with long-term pain should try a non-surgical option first.
- 5.0 from 198 Google reviews
- Dr. Lee Angle, D.C.
- McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
Which surgery are you trying to avoid?
Each of these pages covers one operation: what it fixes, what people try first and when to stop waiting.
When does a problem really need a surgeon?
We want to be honest here. Some problems need surgery, and SoftWave will not fix them. See a surgeon if you have:
- A joint that gives way or buckles when you walk
- A knee that locks and will not straighten
- A full tear of a tendon from a fall or a hard pull, with sudden weakness
- Arthritis so far along that the bones rub together and daily life has shrunk around it
- A broken bone, or a joint that looks out of place
- Back or neck pain with growing weakness, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
If the mapping shows signs of one of these, we will tell you and send you back to your doctor. Getting you to the right care is the job, even if it is not us.
What should I ask my surgeon before saying yes?
Johns Hopkins Medicine publishes a list of questions to ask before any operation. These are the ones that matter most when you are hoping to avoid it:
- Why this surgery, for me? Ask what it is meant to fix: pain, function or both.
- What else could I try first? Hopkins notes that medicine, exercise or lifestyle changes sometimes help about as much as surgery.
- How long will the benefit last? Some results fade, and a second operation can follow.
- What are the risks for someone like me? Age, weight and other health problems change the odds.
- How often do you do this one? Hospitals that do more of an operation tend to have better results.
- What will recovery look like? Weeks, months, a walker, a sling, time off work.
Hopkins also says a second opinion makes sense when the diagnosis is unclear or the operation is risky. You can read the full Hopkins list.
Start with a $49 mapping session
- We find the spots that hurt
- A straight yes or no on SoftWave
- No pressure to buy a plan
- If it's not for you, you are out $49, not thousands
- 5.0 from 198 Google reviews
- Dr. Lee Angle, D.C.
- McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers
What do people try before surgery?
There is no single answer. Here is what usually comes up, roughly from least to most involved:
- Exercise and physical therapy. For knee and hip arthritis, the American College of Rheumatology strongly recommends exercise. For many shoulder and back problems it is the first step too.
- Weight loss, if it applies. Every pound off takes load off the knees and hips.
- Chiropractic care for back and neck pain. The American College of Physicians lists spinal manipulation among the first options to try.
- Shots: cortisone, gel (hyaluronic acid) or PRP. Read our page on cortisone shot alternatives for how these compare.
- SoftWave, a sound wave treatment with no needles and no downtime.
- Newer outpatient procedures, such as genicular artery embolization for knee arthritis, done by a radiologist.
We think SoftWave belongs early in that list, not as a last stop before the operating room. It is easy to try, it doesn't close any doors, and the mapping tells you fast whether it is worth it.
Scared of needles or of going under?
You are not alone. A lot of the people who call us are not only avoiding surgery. They are avoiding the needle, the IV and the anesthesia that come with it.
SoftWave has none of those. Gel goes on the skin and a wand taps over the sore spot for about 10 to 15 minutes. You stay awake and dressed except for the area being treated, and you drive yourself home. If a spot gets tender, Matthew Mahoney turns the strength down. Read does SoftWave hurt? for what it feels like.
Did SoftWave help Dr. Angle avoid surgery?
Dr. Lee Angle hurt his right shoulder in years of power lifting. He tried SoftWave on it before he offered it. In his words: "This really is a tremendous option to see if you can avoid surgery or just the day-to-day pain or limitation in your activities."
Dr. Lee's shoulder story · 56 sec
One story is not proof. It is why he decided the machine was worth offering.
What does it cost compared with surgery?
The first step is a $49 mapping. If SoftWave is not a fit, you are out $49 and you have one more fact for your surgeon.
Most people need 6 to 8 sessions, once a week. Full plan price: $100 per session, or 6 sessions for $540 (that is $90 a session).
Paying: You can pay with your HSA card. Read more on paying with an HSA or the SoftWave cost page.
Keep any surgery consult you already have. Call 239.243.8810 to book. We are at 12651 McGregor Blvd Ste 102, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Get directions.
Common questions
Can SoftWave replace surgery?
Sometimes it may help people put off or avoid surgery. Sometimes surgery is the right answer. A joint that gives way or locks, a full tear or bone on bone arthritis may need a surgeon.
Should I cancel my surgery consult?
No. Keep your appointment. The $49 mapping gives you more facts to bring to it.
Is there a needle-free option?
Yes. SoftWave uses sound waves through the skin. There are no needles, no cuts and nothing to numb.
Can SoftWave help after surgery?
Some patients come to us after surgery. One patient, Jeff, used SoftWave after a hip replacement. Ask your surgeon before starting.
Do I need a second opinion before surgery?
Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests one when the diagnosis is unclear, the operation is risky, or your health plan asks for it. For a planned joint or back operation, a second look rarely hurts.
Know your options before you say yes to surgery
A $49 mapping tells you if SoftWave is worth a try. If it is not, we will say so.
Call to book $49