Preparing for Success: Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy Exercises and Guidelines
What you can expect from a dedicated pre-surgical physiotherapy or athletic therapy program
Most people understand that they’ll need to spend time rehabilitating after surgery. They know that rehabilitation is crucial to restoring mobility and strength even after the surgical site has healed. But have you ever considered rehabilitation before surgery? Sometimes called “prehabilitation” or “prehab,” pre-surgical physiotherapy or athletic therapy allows you to get a jumpstart on your recovery from surgery–before you ever step foot in a hospital!
In addition to our post-surgical rehabilitation programs, Leaps and Bounds Performance Rehab can help you fully prepare for an upcoming surgery with several different preventative approaches, from assessing your strengths and impairments to providing exercises designed to maximize your body’s potential for recovery.
Curious to learn more about what to expect from pre-surgical rehabilitation? Keep reading! You can also schedule an appointment at our Oakville practice, where our friendly staff can answer any questions.
Why is Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy or Athletic Therapy So Important?
You might be wondering why pre-surgical physiotherapy or athletic therapy is such a crucial step in the process. Well, think of it as laying the groundwork for a successful outcome. By strengthening your body and addressing any pre-existing issues before surgery, you’re essentially setting yourself up for a smoother recovery and better long-term results.
Let’s break down some of the key benefits of prehab. First and foremost, pre-surgical physiotherapy or athletic therapy can help improve your physical fitness and functional capacity, which is especially important if you have any existing mobility issues or muscle weaknesses. By working with a physiotherapist or athletic therapist to target specific areas of weakness or dysfunction, you can optimize your body’s ability to recover post-surgery.
Additionally, prehab can also help reduce the risk of post-operative complications, such as infections or blood clots. By improving circulation, enhancing lung function, and promoting overall cardiovascular health, pre-surgical physiotherapy can help prepare your body to withstand the stress of surgery and reduce the likelihood of complications during recovery.
Finally, prehab can help lower anxiety about an upcoming surgical procedure. Our physiotherapists and athletic therapists won’t just guide you through a set of exercises; they’ll help you understand your impairments so you have a clearer picture of what surgery can help address. It’ll also let you know what you can expect from rehabilitation afterward.
Common Orthopedic Surgeries–and General Recommedations
Orthopedic surgeries, such as knee replacements or rotator cuff repairs, often require specific prehabilitation approaches. Depending on the type of surgery you’re facing, your practitioner may recommend targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and overall function in the affected area. These exercises are designed to optimize your body’s ability to heal post-surgery.
For example, if you’re scheduled for a knee replacement surgery, your physiotherapist or athletic therapist may focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint, improving range of motion, and teaching you proper techniques for walking and stair climbing. Similarly, if you’re undergoing a shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair, your prehab program may include exercises to strengthen the muscles of the shoulder girdle, improve shoulder mobility, and enhance stability in the joint.
Every surgery–and every patient–is different, and when it comes to pre-surgical rehabilitation, it’s vital that the program be tailored to your ability level and specific surgery.
Other Pre-Surgical Considerations
Aside from exercises, pre-surgical physiotherapy or athletic therapy may also involve education about the surgical process, pain management strategies, and guidance on how to prepare mentally and emotionally for the procedure. This holistic approach ensures that you’re not only physically ready for surgery but also mentally equipped to handle the challenges that may arise during recovery.
Furthermore, prehab can also help you establish a baseline of function against which to measure your progress post-surgery. By assessing your strength, flexibility, and functional abilities before surgery, your physiotherapist can track your recovery and make adjustments to your rehabilitation program as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
Aside from these things, some surgeries may require using a mobility aid during your rehabilitation – like a walker, or crutches. Pre-surgical physiotherapy or athletic therapy visits will help you get comfortable with the aid before surgery so you can focus on your rehabilitation rather than worrying about incorrectly using a walker or cane.
Finally, your practitioner can suggest how you might set up your home to minimize movement obstacles or ensure you can safely reach what you need. They can give you a list of movement modifications so you can start practicing them ahead of time.
Scheduled for Surgery? Give Us a Call!
If you’re in the Town of Oakville, or surrounding areas, and you are scheduled for surgery and haven’t yet considered prehab, now is the time to act. Reach out to us at Leaps and Bounds: Performance Rehab to discuss your options. Remember, investing in your pre-surgical preparation can lead to a smoother recovery and better long-term outcomes. Don’t wait until after surgery to start your journey toward success—start prehabilitating today!
