Benefits of prehabilitation: A stronger in, stronger out approach to orthopedic surgery
When it comes to any surgery, there is no such thing as coming in too strong.
The concept is simple: The stronger you go into surgery, the stronger you come out of surgery. For orthopedic conditions, this mindset and approach can make all the difference in recovery and healing.
The way to that strength is prehabilitation (or prehab for short), structured pre-operative interventions aimed at improving a patient’s physical condition before surgery.
Loss of strength expected after surgery
With any orthopedic surgery, even laparoscopic, patients can expect to come out on the other side with a loss of strength. Only temporary, this happens because the act of surgery itself places a strain on the body.
Strength loss may not be limited to the surgical site; it can affect other areas as well, as muscles and joints adjust. Limited motion and rest, which are common after surgery, also contribute to strength loss.
It’s not uncommon to see a 50% reduction of strength from where you were before surgery. Prehab combats that by building up key physical components before ever entering the operating room.
- Reduced complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Fewer side effects of treatment
- Better mental attitude toward recovery
- Better long-term health
Pre-operative and prehab appointments – there’s a difference
A pre-operative therapy (pre-op) is a one-time appointment and serves primarily as an education point on what to expect and how to move properly after surgery. A therapist will work with you to show you how to use a walker or cane, put on a brace or sling for recovery and/or get into and out of a bed, chair or shower.
While those are all important items and an essential part of pre-surgical preparation, prehab is that and more.
Prehab is ideally scheduled six to eight weeks prior to surgery and, if possible based on insurance coverage or ability to pay uncovered insurance costs, happens on a weekly schedule for best results.
Our therapists take time to:
- Learn the history of your condition or injury.
- Build a plan based on your surgery date and complexity of the procedure.
- Set goals based on what you want or need to do after surgery—lifestyle, activity, interests or work is more physical in nature.
Additionally, the prehab program includes the ability to ask any questions or review any concerns about what you can expect after the procedure, helping you with surgery preparation, physically and mentally. In consumer language, you’re buying into a “bonus” package when you commit to prehab before your surgery, an upgrade that can pay off big in recovery after surgery.
Built around trust
“I’m in pain and you want me to do what?”
That may be the first thought about entering a prehab program for a condition or injury that causes you pain and already makes you feel less motivated to do anything physical.
Prehab is about trust.
Your therapist works one-on-one with you, communicating with you in real-time to understand how your body is responding to prehab exercises. The goal is to work within your ability and physical function to slowly build up the key components of physical strength.
We’re not getting you ready for a marathon, we’re getting you ready for a procedure and adjust our exercises uniquely to you. That being said, prehab is you, working with us, for the best results possible, so we may send you home with exercises to do between appointments.
These appointments also serve as a relationship.
We’re getting to know you, you’re getting to know us and together we’re creating a stronger you. That relationship is essential in achieving our common goals for your physical rehabilitation. It also helps in creating an environment where you can ask us any question comfortably, and know you are getting a reliable answer based on our expertise.
Open communication helps you to know what is normal for your condition and healing. It also makes it possible for you to alert us when you have concerns so we can either rule out a complication or get you more immediate action if something is not quite right.
We work directly with your surgeons before and after surgery to let them know where you are in your rehabilitation journey. For you, that means we’re all working toward your future of movement and life enjoyment.
Your commitment to you, our commitment to you
When you commit to a prehabilitation program prior to your orthopedic surgery, you are investing in you. You are making the choice to set the stage of success for a stronger and faster recovery through education and exercise.
Your therapists are also committing to your success — we are here to coach you through every step. On the days when you need encouragement, our experts will lift you up in knowing you are on the right path. You will feel empowered as the program gives you the tools and proper techniques you need to make crossing the finishing line of recovery feel like a victory.
We are your partner in strength, so start now by requesting an appointment with one of our movement experts.