While many people associate physical therapy with recovery from a surgical procedure, it can also be used for patients who are on track to need surgery on their knee to often delay needing the procedure, and sometimes even avoid needing surgery altogether. By working with the patient to regain strength in the knee, improving mobility and overall functioning of the joint, it is entirely possible that the patient will be able to learn how to use the knee without incurring further damage to the joint, and having to use other parts of the body to compensate. That being said, the ability to avoid needing a surgical treatment is entirely dependent on the condition or injury that is causing the knee problems, as well as the physical health of the patient. Not everyone who goes to physical therapy will be able to completely erase the need for a surgical procedure.