If you are planning an orthopedic surgery soon, pre-operative rehabilitation (‘Prehab’) is proven to help patients undergoing surgical procedures and achieve better outcomes significantly.
Physical therapy before surgery can significantly impact your ability to recover faster and more thoroughly. Let’s examine what happens when you implement prehab physical therapy and how our physical therapists can use them to optimize your surgical success!
Physical therapy can significantly improve surgical outcomes
Your physical therapist can discuss your current health status and imminent surgery with you and then figure out a detailed treatment plan for pre-surgical rehabilitation. You may even begin treatments several weeks before your procedure, as recommended by your physical therapist in collaboration with your surgeon.
One essential aspect of prehab is to optimize the range of motion at the joint you are having surgery on, as well as, in the least, maintaining strength surrounding the joint. Brace fitting, training in assistive device use (crutches, walker, cane), and swelling management are also crucial, so once the surgery is complete, you’re well-versed in these strategies.
Whatever pre-surgical routine you undertake, it is worth it. A study of patients with knee reconstruction surgery found that those who underwent pre-rehabilitation healed more quickly after surgery and enjoyed better long-term outcomes (up to two years later) than those who did not participate in rehabilitation services.
If that sounds like your desired outcome, you owe it to contact a physical therapist!
“Pre-hab” can help you!
Pre-surgical rehabilitation belongs to the category of preventive care known as prehab. A study by the APTA shows that of 5,852 patients who received rehab, 52% did rehab before their surgery.
During this process, the patient will work directly with the physical therapist to improve the strength, durability, movement, and functionality in the areas and areas around where the surgery will take place. Prehab aims to make the body as ready as possible for the surgery ahead.
Get started on the best treatment plan for your needs.
We can help provide you with some peace of mind, both before and after your surgery. Contact Rose City Physical Therapy in Portland, OR, today to schedule a consultation and get started on the first steps of your treatment plan!
Sources:
- https://foothillsrehab.com/blog-why-you-should-have-therapy-before-surgery/
- http://www.apta.org/ptinmotion/news/2014/10/31/prepostrehabaclr/
- https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/joint-surgery/preparing/prehab-surgery.php
- https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/rehab-after-surgery#1
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/scar-tissue-management-2696376