How Physical Therapy Before Surgery Enhances Recovery
When facing surgery, most people focus on what happens afterward—rehabilitation, pain management, and regaining function. However, there’s a crucial step that is often overlooked: prehabilitation (prehab). A structured prehab program through physical therapy before surgery can significantly improve recovery, ensuring the best possible post-surgery outcomes.
What Is Prehab?
Prehab is a proactive approach that prepares your body for surgery by improving strength, mobility, and overall physical function. Just as athletes train before a big competition, prehab helps condition your body for the demands of surgery and the recovery process that follows.
How Prehab Improves Surgical Outcomes
1. Faster Recovery: Strengthening the muscles, improving range of motion, and enhancing overall fitness before surgery can help speed up the post-operative recovery process.
2. Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Targeted exercises and manual therapy can reduce pain and swelling, making post-surgical discomfort more manageable.
3. Improved Mobility and Function: Going into surgery with better joint mobility and muscle strength gives you a head start in rehabilitation, allowing for a smoother transition post-surgery.
4. Lower Risk of Complications: A well-prepared body is less prone to complications such as blood clots, infections, and muscle atrophy.
5. Greater Confidence and Mental Preparedness: Knowing that you’ve taken steps to optimize your recovery can reduce anxiety and improve your mental resilience during the healing process.
Who Can Benefit from Prehab?
• Prehab is beneficial for individuals undergoing a variety of surgical procedures, including:
• Orthopedic surgeries (knee replacement, hip replacement, ACL repair, rotator cuff surgery)
• Spinal surgeries
• General surgeries that require prolonged recovery periods
What to Expect in a Prehab Program at Proformance
At Proformance, we design customized prehab programs tailored to each individual’s needs and upcoming surgery. A typical program may include:
Strength and Mobility Exercises: Focused on stabilizing and strengthening key muscle groups to support the surgical area.
Stretching and Flexibility Work: Aimed at improving joint range of motion for better post-surgery function.
Pain Management Techniques: Soft tissue work, manual therapy, and education on pain control strategies.
Neuromuscular Training: Enhancing movement patterns to prevent compensatory habits post-surgery.
Education on Post-Surgical Recovery: Preparing you with the tools and knowledge to navigate rehabilitation effectively.
Invest in Your Recovery with Prehab
A well-executed prehab program can make a significant difference in how smoothly and successfully you recover from surgery. At Proformance, our expert physical therapists provide one-on-one professional care to help you optimize your body before surgery, ensuring you return to an active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.
If you or a loved one is preparing for surgery, don’t wait until after the procedure to prioritize your health—start prehab today! Contact Proformance to schedule a consultation and take control of your recovery journey.
