Stronger Before & After Surgery
What is Prehab?
Preventative Rehabilitation, or “Prehab,” is like a training camp before a major scheduled surgery such as Total Knee Replacement, ACL Tear Repair, or Rotator Cuff Repair. Its goal is to prepare your body for the physical demands of surgery and recovery, so you’re stronger and more confident going in. Many people fear a long, difficult healing process, but starting physical therapy beforehand can give you a clear advantage. A typical prehab program includes a warm-up, cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and functional movements designed to support everyday activities post-surgery.
Types of Surgeries that Benefit from Prehab
Prehab can benefit individuals undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures, including:
- Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (Shoulder Replacement)
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Spinal Surgery
- Total Hip Arthroplasty (Hip Replacement)
- Total Knee Arthroplasty (Knee Replacement)
- ACL reconstruction
What are the Benefits of Prehab?
A stronger, healthier body is better equipped to handle the physical stress of surgery. Growing research suggests that prehabilitation can improve both immediate recovery and long-term results across a wide range of medical situations.
Short-term benefits of Prehab:
- Reduced Post-Operative Complications
Patients who complete prehab often have fewer complications, such as stiffness, infection, or prolonged immobility. How you move before surgery directly impacts how you recover after.
- Faster Recovery Time
During prehab, your PT evaluates your current function, pinpoints anything that could slow your recovery, and creates a targeted plan to strengthen those areas so you head into surgery better prepared instead of losing ground by staying inactive.
- Shorter hospital stays
Getting physical therapy before surgery can cut your chances of needing inpatient rehab by 73 percent. Patients who are stronger before surgery achieve physical milestones more quickly than those who are not.
- Boosts Confidence and Mental Readiness
A growing body of evidence suggests prehab programs can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety. Knowing what to expect and how to move safely eases fear and builds confidence before surgery.
Long-term benefits of Prehab:
- Reduce Medical Costs
One study followed 61 patients throughout their surgery journey. A year after surgery, the group that went through prehabilitation spent about 45% less on healthcare than the group that received usual care. The usual care group also needed many more X-rays (47 compared to 17) and far more physical therapy visits (394 compared to 113), which added to their overall costs.
- Improved Circulation
Improved circulation not only facilitates faster healing but also reduces the risk of blood clots forming. Many types of basic exercises and simple movements prescribed by a physical therapist can promote increased blood circulation.
- Build endurance & strength to withstand surgical stress
Strong muscles recover faster. Prehab helps build the muscle support you’ll need post-surgery, especially in areas that may weaken during recovery.
Physical therapy is a key part of both preparing for and recovering from surgery. If you have a procedure scheduled, talk with your physical therapist about starting a strengthening program ahead of time to build up the muscles around the joint and help shorten your recovery. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
