Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” is a proactive approach to preparing you for surgery through targeted interventions before the actual procedure. Prehab is commonly used in the context of joint replacement surgeries, such as total knee or hip replacements. The goal of prehab at The Total Joint is to optimize your physical and mental condition prior to the operation, which has been shown to contribute to better postoperative outcomes and a smoother recovery.
Key Components of Your Prehab Program
-
-
- Education and Counseling: Providing you with information about your upcoming surgery, expectations for recovery, and strategies for managing postoperative pain and discomfort can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental readiness.
- Flexibility and Range of Motion (ROM) Movements: Stretching and flexibility exercises help improve joint mobility and can be beneficial for maintaining or increasing the range of motion in the affected joint prior to surgery. Better pre-surgical ROM is an indicator of post-surgical ROM recovery.
- Strengthening Exercises: Exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joint. This can improve joint stability, enhance range of motion, and build overall strength.
- Balance and Coordination Training: Balance exercises are included to reduce the risk of falls and improve overall stability. This is particularly important for individuals who may have difficulty with balance due to joint issues.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: Improving cardiovascular fitness can enhance overall endurance and promote better recovery. Low-impact exercises such as cycling or walking may be included.
The specific components of your prehabilitation program will vary based on your individual needs and the type of joint replacement surgery planned. That’s why at The Total Joint, we listen to your plans and make a program specifically for you. If you want to learn more, give us a call to speak to one of our physical therapists about how to best be prepared for your upcoming surgery.
Download Our FREE Prehab Guide
Download our FREE prehabilitation guide HERE! All of the information you need to successfully prepare for your total joint replacement in one easy to read booklet, complete with links to our YouTube videos that dive further into the information. Inside you’ll find:
-
-
- Our “Top Tips” to prepare for your procedure
- Exercises to perform before surgery
- How to navigate stairs after surgery
- Movement precautions following a hip replacement
- Items you may need after surgery to improve independence at home
-
Check Out Our YouTube Prehab Series
Follow along with Patrick Miller, PT, DPT, OCS, as he walks you through all the information you need to be as prepared as possible for your total joint replacement. Check out the series below: