Pre-surgical rehabilitation, often referred to as “prehab,” is an increasingly recognized approach to preparing patients for orthopedic surgery. While physical therapy is often associated with recovery after surgery, preparing your body before a procedure can also be an important part of the overall process. Prehab involves targeted exercises, education, and other strategies designed to help optimize your physical condition before your procedure.
The goal of prehab is to address specific areas that may affect your recovery, such as strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. Depending on your condition and the type of surgery you are preparing for, your physical therapist may recommend exercises that target the muscles and joints surrounding the affected area. Building strength before surgery can provide you with a stronger foundation to work from during your recovery.
Another benefit of prehab is becoming familiar with the exercises and movements you may perform after surgery. Learning proper techniques before your procedure can make it easier to understand what is expected of you during rehabilitation. Your physical therapist can also educate you on movement modifications and strategies that may help you safely perform everyday activities while recovering.
One of the significant advantages of prehab is that some exercises can often be performed from the comfort of your own home. Your physical therapist can provide you with an individualized program based on your condition, abilities, and goals. However, it is important to follow the recommendations of your healthcare team and avoid exercises that cause significant pain or are not appropriate for your condition.
Prehab is becoming an important part of comprehensive orthopedic care because it allows patients to take an active role in preparing for their procedure and recovery. At Axis Spine & Orthopedics, we understand that every patient and surgery is different. If pre-surgical rehabilitation is appropriate for your situation, our team can help you prepare your body, understand what to expect, and build a foundation for your recovery. Our goal is to help you feel prepared and work toward getting BACK to It.
