Pre surgical rehab Redmond, WA

Pre-Surgical Rehab

Ingrid M.

Because of the excellent care I’m receiving at Bridle Physical Therapy, I am getting stronger and can now walk. When I first came here I was warmly greeted by Teri who encourage an appointment with Cole before surgery. This was great. I got a list of strengthening exercises for my knee which I think helped speed up post operation recovery time.

Why am I hearing so much about “prehab”?

Pre-surgical rehabilitation, or “prehab,” is increasingly popular in the surgical and physical therapy communities. Just as “rehab” generally refers to work that patients do to recover AFTER surgery or intense medical treatment, “prehab” is designed to be undertaken PRIOR to that procedure.

What does pre-surgical rehab accomplish?

To put it succinctly, prehab shortens rehab. For patients who have pre-planned joint replacements or other reparative operations, pre-surgical rehabilitation helps reduce the time and challenges of post-surgery rehabilitation.

After surgery, patients must re-learn how to move again. Much of that need comes from the lack of muscle mass and flexibility that their existing condition caused. In addition, the surgery itself often involves some pain and stiffness in the following days and weeks.

Pre-surgical rehab is designed to help you regain some of your lost strength and flexibility before your surgery, as well as improve your ability to heal faster after your operation. When done correctly, prehab can dramatically decrease the time and pain associated with post-surgical recovery.

What happens in “prehab”?

Pre-surgical rehabilitation sessions typically start about six weeks before your operation, depending on what your doctor advises. Our physical therapist will also help you evaluate your goals and your concerns. For example, many patients worry about climbing stairs after surgery or even that first walk to the hospital bathroom.

During your sessions, you’ll be working on building your overall strength and endurance, so your body bounces back from the surgical trauma. In addition, your physical therapist will help structure a plan that meets the challenges of your particular surgery, such as building upper body strength if you’re going to be getting around on crutches.

What can I expect from pre-surgical rehabilitation?

Studies show that patients who participate in pre-surgical rehabilitation experience these specific benefits:

  • Increased stamina and confidence. This will give you aerobic endurance and muscle strength to take on postoperative routines. You’ll also have confidence in strategies you and your physical therapist prepared for your post-rehab treatment.
  • Increased mobility. Prehab gives you the physical flexibility you’ll need to work through post-surgical stiffness. Our physical therapists also coach you on techniques for maintaining your balance, and compensating for limbs you can’t fully use while you are recovering.

With pre-surgical rehabilitation, our goal is to ensure that your post-surgical rehabilitation is as brief and painless as possible. Contact us for a consultation in Redmond, WA, or make an appointment online.

Be sure to check out our Health Blog for tips on managing pain and living a healthy life!