What does "conservative treatment" typically include in orthopedic care?

Conservative treatment in orthopedic care typically includes non-surgical management techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms and promoting healing without resorting to surgical intervention. This can encompass a variety of approaches, such as physical therapy, medication for pain relief and inflammation, brace or splint applications, activity modification, and other supportive measures.

The essence of conservative treatment is to manage the condition effectively while minimizing the risks associated with surgery. This approach is often the first line of care for many orthopedic issues, as it allows for recovery and improvement in function without the complications that could arise from surgical procedures.

Other options listed, such as radiation therapy, surgical intervention, and immediate immobilization, represent different treatment strategies that are not classified as conservative. Radiation therapy is generally not a primary treatment for orthopedic conditions. Surgical intervention is, by definition, not conservative, as it involves invasive procedures. Immediate immobilization may be a part of conservative treatment in certain cases, but it does not encompass the full range of non-surgical strategies used to manage orthopedic issues.