Do you have an orthopedic surgery coming up? Imagine heading into your procedure with reduced pain and a stronger body already primed for recovery. Sound impossible? It’s not. Instead, it’s the power of pre-surgical rehab, aka “pre-hab.”
Whether you’re undergoing a total joint replacement or repairing a torn ACL, working with one of the Newcastle Physiotherapy physiotherapists before your operation helps prepare your muscles, improve your mobility, and boost your overall health. This proactive approach can make a world of difference in your recovery process, reducing pain and optimizing your recovery.
Don’t wait until after surgery to start caring for your body. Contact our Ontario clinic today to learn how pre-surgical rehab can benefit you. Ready to dive deeper? Keep reading to discover more ways physiotherapy can pave the path to improved surgical outcomes.
Five Benefits of Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation
Prehab offers several surprising benefits. Here are five of our favorites:
Enhanced Strength and Mobility
- We’ll show you targeted exercises to help build muscle strength and improve flexibility. For example, if you are undergoing knee surgery, strengthening the muscles around your knee can lead to a more stable joint post-operation.
Reduced Post-Operative Pain
- Studies have shown that patients who engage in pre-surgical physiotherapy experience a significant decrease in post-operative pain compared to those who do not. This is likely because stronger muscles better support the surgical area, reducing strain and discomfort.
Faster Recovery Times
- Preparing your body through physiotherapy may lead to quicker recovery times. By maintaining and even improving your physical condition before surgery, you create a solid foundation for healing.
Improved Surgical Outcomes
Pre-hab can also help improve the overall outcomes of your surgery. Physically prepared patients tend to have fewer complications and a better overall recovery experience.
Mental Preparedness
- Knowing you have done everything possible to prepare for surgery can provide immense peace of mind. Furthermore, pre-hab generally involves the same exercises you’ll do during rehab, so you know what to expect. We can train you on slings and mobility aids beforehand, too.
What To Expect During Pre-Surgical Rehab
Pre-surgical rehab starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your current strength, mobility, and pain levels. We’ll use this information, along with any guidance from your surgical team, to create a tailored treatment program.
Every prehab plan is different. However, they all include a variety of interventions and strategies to prepare your body for surgery. For example, you might use strength training exercises to build muscle around the surgical area or mobility exercises to increase your range of motion.
We also often incorporate aerobic conditioning. Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking or cycling, improve heart and lung function, helping to facilitate a smoother recovery overall.
We can offer drug-free pain management techniques to help you manage any discomfort as you prepare for surgery. Manual therapy techniques–in which we use our hands to promote mobility and blood circulation–and modalities such as ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation can help reduce pain so you can exercise more easily.
Ready To Take Control of Your Health and Recovery?
The ultimate goal of pre-surgical rehab is to ensure you enter surgery in the best possible shape. By strengthening your body, improving mobility, and enhancing overall physical function, you create the best possible environment for your surgery and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Ready to get started? Call Newcastle Physiotherapy today to schedule your evaluation and find out how our personalized treatment plans can benefit you.
