There’s a growing trend in the world of physical therapy. Many patients that are soon to undergo surgery are opting for a pre-surgical healthcare intervention intended to reduce complications and enhance post-surgical recovery. This intervention is known as preoperative rehabilitation, or prehabilitation (prehab if you’re really into brevity). The proponents of prehabilitation cite its many perceived benefits and low risk (for most people), and it is becoming a popular option for many people facing an upcoming surgery.
The Benefits of Prehabilitation
For the many people choosing to “prehab” before surgery, there are several possible benefits expected both before and after the surgery. Outcomes will vary from one person to another, and several factors like age and current health status can affect your results, but some of the potential benefits include:
- Improved Physical Condition: Better physical fitness and functional capability pre-surgery can lead to better surgical outcomes.
- Reduced Complications: Your improved physical condition can also reduce the risk of surgical and post-surgical complications.
- Faster Recovery Times: Improving your strength and mobility before surgery may help you recover from surgery more quickly and return to your normal activities.
- Shorter Hospital Stays: Faster recovery often also means getting out of the hospital and back to your normal life more quickly.
- Reduced Health Care Costs: This may seem obvious, but shorter hospital stays and fewer complications means less cost to you and/or your insurance.
Beyond these physical benefits, many patients who undergo prehabilitation also cite improvements to their mental health and emotional well-being. This is understandable, of course, as feeling better about your body is very likely to have a positive psychological impact as well.
When to Consider Prehabilitation
Prehabilitation can be a great choice for you if you are facing a planned surgery, especially a major surgery. It is often used before joint replacements, major orthopedic surgeries, or cancer treatments (both surgical and non-surgical). It can also be employed by athletes preparing for sports-related surgeries. Typically, a prehabilitation program will take place between 4-8 weeks prior to the planned surgery or treatment.
Prehab can be especially helpful for people who are elderly, have poor fitness, or are experiencing one or more health conditions. Of course, you should talk to your physical therapist about whether prehabilitation is right for you, and to get a prehab program that is tailored to your needs. Prehab programs can vary based on an individual’s health and surgery type.
What to Expect During Prehabilitation
While your prehab program should be personalized for you by a trained professional like a physical therapist, there are some typical aspects that apply to most prehab programs. Most programs will include:
- Initial Assessment: Your current physical condition, mobility and strength are taken into consideration.
- Exercises: Strengthening, stretching, and functional movements will be tailored to your current needs and the demands of your surgery.
- Education: Your therapist can teach you proper techniques, expectations for surgery, and post-operative care.
- Progress Tracking: As your surgery date approaches, your therapist can monitor your progress and adapt the program as needed.
Prehabilitation can be a great option if you are planning an upcoming surgery, but you should always consult with a professional to ensure that you are working appropriately for your current health and type of surgery or treatment. If you have a surgery planned or know that you will in the future, talk to a qualified physical therapist to learn more about prehabilitation and what it can do for you.
