Physio Prehab and why is it important

If youre thinking about having surgery, you have no doubt come to a point where conservative management has not provided the results you need or is unable to address the deficits.

We would hope that you have had a progressive and evidence based physiotherapy and exercise management program for many of these conditions. In which case you will have done your best ( we hope) to strengthen and thus also prepare for possible surgery.

But what if you haven’t done your best or it just wasnt possible to have a rehab program for your condition, or physio wasn’t even suggested – “ you’ve got Bone on Bone so off to a knee replacement ! ”

Its not too late to get some prehab going.

So..What is Prehab

A pre-habilitation program is a physiotherapy and exercise-based program that is specifically designed for people who are about to undergo surgery in the near future. These pre-habilitation programs can help prevent complications that may arise, reduce post operative stay, improve functional outcomes, enhance post operative mobility and reduce pain.

In general - by undertaking the right exercises and receiving valuable education, patients can optimise their physical function, improve surgical outcomes, and therefore enhance their overall recovery.

For example a study reported in the American Journal of orthopaedics demonstrated that Physiotherapy prehabilitation,” before joint replacement surgery, can reduce the need for post-operative care by nearly 30%. This translates into significant cost and time savings!

Pre-operative physiotherapy can reduce your hospitalisation time

All patients can benefit, but especially people who are prone to difficulties following surgery or who are at high risk of being transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

Low-intensity exercise under the supervision of a physiotherapist enhances blood circulation, which in turn speeds the body’s healing process, from joint replacement to cardiothoracic surgery.

Similarly, patients who strengthen their core, arms, legs, and back are less likely to develop significant muscle atrophy during their rehabilitation. Muscle atrophy frequently delays a patient’s return home, even if they are recovering well.

Even a patient’s balance can be improved before surgery, reducing the likelihood of a subsequent fall, which could result in a lengthier hospital stay.

What types of surgery are we talking about

Knees, shoulders, spinal and hip surgery are the most common prehab patients we see at Hindmarsh Physio and Sports. It is an unfortunate fact that the age demographic is often older in these patients and they can be generally unconditioned and weak due to persistent pain, inactivity and age.

Repairing the underlying issues with surgery can make an impactful difference but the nerve and muscular system remains unchanged or severely challenged despite the new joints.

It makes sense that if you are stronger around the area involved, the core and other supporting structures you will be in a better position to cope with the surgery and the rehab program post surgery.

What do our Prehab programmes involve

Our programmes are specific to the person, the surgery, your pre existing fitness and assessment findings, the recommendations of your surgeon and your lifestyle requirements.

We begin with a physiotherapy assessment of your strength, muscular control, range of movement and general level of function and balance. A program is then developed that is achievable, specific, measurable, relevant and time possible.

We can tailor this for you to do individually in the clinic with one to one or group supervision, at home or you can do in your own or our gym unsupervised when convenient. It all depends on knowing yourself and how accountable you need to be.

It can be as simple or as extensive as you need or want- anything is better than nothing !.

So why wouldn’t you want to:

• Restore any altered movement patterns induced by an injury.
• Start a tailored home-based exercise program that helps prepare for post-surgery rehab
• Get help with mental preparation for what will happen after your surgery.
• Set SMART goals and practical tasks for returning to your normal activities after surgery.
• Have the ability to reduce your post-operative length of stay and long-term rehabilitation costs.
• Achieve ongoing support and guidance from our physiotherapists.

Remember- what you do today can improve all your tomorrows

If we can help you with more information please CLICK HERE or below and we will get back in touch