Prehabilitation: Prepare for Surgery and Recover Faster

Yes — you read that right! We’re talking about prehabilitation, a growing concept in healthcare. Just as rehab helps you recover after surgery or injury, prehab helps you prepare for surgery. The goal is to shorten recovery time and make it less painful.

What is Prehabilitation?

Prehab ideally begins at least six weeks before your surgery. Working with a physical therapist, you will follow a tailored exercise program to put your body in the best possible condition for recovery.

A prehab program may include:

– A weight-loss regimen (especially for joint replacement surgery)

– Strengthening exercises to prepare muscles and joints for surgery

The Benefits of Prehab

Think of prehab like preparing for a test — the better prepared you are, the better your results.

Patients who undergo prehab often:

– Recover faster after surgery

– Reach mobility goals sooner, such as walking to the bathroom or down the hallway

– Reduce their odds of needing inpatient rehab

A study by New England Baptist Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School found that prehab reduced inpatient rehab needs by 73%.

Other benefits include:

– Returning home sooner

– Starting outpatient rehab earlier

– Getting back to normal life faster

– Reduced anxiety about surgery, as patients feel proactive in their recovery

Potential Drawbacks

Despite its benefits, many insurance plans cover only a limited number of physical therapy visits per surgery, often combining prehab and rehab.

This may mean:

– Paying for prehab out of pocket

– Having only one or two prehab sessions before continuing with a home program

It’s best to check with your insurance provider before starting prehab. Most physical therapy centers, including Health Plus PT, will verify your benefits and inform you of coverage.

Who Should Consider Prehab?

Who Should Consider Prehab?

Prehabilitation is most common for knee and hip replacement surgeries, but it also benefits other types of surgery.

A McGill University study tested prehab in colorectal cancer patients. Those who followed a prehab program — including aerobic and strength training plus a healthy diet — performed better before and after surgery. Two months post-surgery, the prehab group walked 23.7 meters more than before, while the control group walked 21.8 meters less.

Prehab benefits:

– Athletes: adapt easily to a specific exercise program

– Sedentary individuals: improve health and fitness before surgery, helping recovery

Take Action

If you have upcoming surgery, ask us about a prehab program. At Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, we work with you before and after surgery to ensure a faster, smoother recovery.

Schedule Your Appointment with Health Plus Physical Therapy

At Health Plus PT, our prehabilitation programs help patients prepare for surgery by improving strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. Targeted exercises and expert guidance can reduce post-surgery complications and speed up recovery. Many patients notice they regain mobility faster and return to daily life sooner.

Contact us today to get started and book your appointment!