The Benefits of Prehabilitation

You may not want to think about exercising before orthopedic surgery. But here's why you should.

Prehabilitation, 或prehab, is similar to rehabilitation except that it is done before surgery rather than after the procedure. Why invest the time before surgery? Because it may help you recover more fully – 和 more quickly – after surgery.

The focus of most prehab programs includes strengthening the body, improving flexibility 和 enhancing functional capabilities, range of motion 和 stamina. Another component of prehab includes educating you about what to do 和 not do before 和 after surgery. 在这个过程中, you'll work with a physical therapist to follow a personalized plan developed based on goals set by your orthopedic surgeon.

Does prehab help you recover more quickly?

在一般情况下, the fitter you are before surgery, the more likely you are to rehab more quickly 和 effectively after surgery. Studies have shown that people who do prehab get back to their daily activities faster 和 more easily than people who don't.

Does it offer other post-operative benefits?

Prehab may also lessen post-operative pain, reduce complications 和 even shorten hospital stays. Having information about a patient's functional capabilities also allows surgeons 和 physical therapists to better underst和 physical abilities 和 limitations, which can guide post-surgery rehabilitation 和 the setting of more realistic post-operative goals.

When should you do prehab?

使其利益最大化, prehabilitation should be started at least 6 weeks before scheduled orthopedic surgery. Although you may not want think about exercising prior to surgery due to pain or limited function, investing the time 和 effort is often worth it. It may help you get back to your everyday activities quicker 和 recover more fully after surgery.

One study showed that doing prehab for 4-8 weeks before total knee replacement for severe osteoarthritis helped contribute to post-operative recovery by strengthening the leg 和 its ability to perform functional tasks like walking up a flight of stairs. Prehab may also help people having surgery for ligament tears, 脊柱问题, hip replacement or shoulder injuries, among other orthopedic procedures.