The study of outcomes comparing physical therapy versus surgery has shown that most people save money, experience less pain, regain mobility and function faster, and are exposed to far less risk if treated with supportive care and physical therapy. If and when it is shown that the conservative course hasn't worked, it may take six months, then surgery may be the way to go. On the other hand if you get into surgery too soon they typically can't undo the surgery after the fact.

The advice I was given was that moving as well as I could, even if I was in pain, but without overdoing it, was the fastest way to heal.