Prehabilitation: Why Starting Physical Therapy Before Surgery is Key

Surgery can be a daunting experience, especially if you have to undergo joint replacement or back surgery. There's a lot of preparation involved, like scheduling the procedure and gathering support from friends and family. But did you know that starting physical therapy before the operation is just as important as everything else? This process is called prehabilitation, and it's gaining popularity among medical professionals for its numerous benefits. In this article, we'll discuss why starting physical therapy before surgery is key and how it can help you prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming procedure.

1. Prehabilitation can reduce the risk of complications

The prehabilitation concept revolves around preparing the body for surgery physically and mentally. Starting physical therapy before surgery can help you maintain and improve muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility. These three factors play a critical role in recovery and can also minimize the risk of complications and shorten hospital stays. By participating in a prehabilitation program, you have a higher chance of bouncing back from the operation successfully.

2. Prehabilitation can reduce pain and improve outcomes

Prehabilitation can improve pain scores before and after surgery, allowing patients to participate in their rehabilitation more effectively. It can also help them return to their previous level of function and activity sooner than patients who didn't participate in prehabilitation. Additionally, studies show that prehabilitation significantly improves patient outcomes, such as reduced hospital readmissions and lower rates of complications.

3. Prehabilitation can help you mentally prepare for surgery

Surgery can be a stressful experience for many people. Prehabilitation can help reduce stress by preparing the patient mentally for the upcoming procedure. During sessions, physicians discuss with patients what to expect during surgery and recovery, which can significantly reduce anxiety and stress. Prehabilitation can also help patients set realistic expectations about their rehabilitation.

4. Prehabilitation can help you create a long-term rehabilitation plan

Prehabilitation is not only useful in the short-term but can also help patients create long-term rehabilitation plans. Working with a physical therapist before surgery can provide insight into what will be necessary for a successful post-operative recovery. The therapist can help you assess your home environment and suggest modifications to create a more optimal living space for rehabilitation. Additionally, patients can gain knowledge on exercise programs that will help them maintain the gains made during prehabilitation and keep improving their health post-surgery.

5. Prehabilitation can be customized to your needs

Prehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it is catered to fit each patient's unique needs. Physical therapists can tailor sessions to specific conditions, from arthritis to joint replacement surgery or back surgery, making the program highly beneficial. Customization ensures that each patient receives the appropriate amount of care tailored to their circumstances.

Conclusion:

Prehabilitation is an essential aspect of any surgery, and starting physical therapy before an operation can provide numerous benefits for patients. It can prepare patients mentally and physically for surgery, reduce the risk of complications, minimize pain, improve outcomes, and create a long-term rehabilitation plan. Prehabilitation provides an enormous opportunity for patients to take an active role in their recovery and improve their quality of life post-surgery. So, if you are preparing for joint replacement surgery or back surgery, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about prehabilitation. It could be the key to a successful outcome.