What Is Prehabilitation? Preparing Your Body Before Surgery

Surgery can be a daunting experience, filled with uncertainty and recovery timelines that seem to stretch on endlessly. However, there’s a proactive approach that many patients are now adopting to take control of their surgical outcomes: prehabilitation. This innovative concept involves physically and mentally preparing your body before undergoing any surgical procedure. With the right strategies in place, prehabilitation improves recovery times and boosts overall health. We take you through what prehabilitation involves and how it can significantly impact your surgical experience.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at:

• Understanding Prehabilitation
• The Physical Benefits of Prehabilitation
• Knee Surgery Prehabilitation
• Hip Surgery Prehabilitation
• The Role of Nutrition
• Mental Preparation and Support

Understanding Prehabilitation

Prehabilitation, or prehab, is a process of improving your functional capacity designed to prepare patients for surgery. Prehab prepares you for the postoperative inactivity and what happens during this before your surgery. It focuses on optimising physical function, mental well-being and overall health prior to an operation. This preparation can include various components such as exercise, nutritional guidance and even psychological support. 

Prehab doesn’t mean you go without post-op physio. However, research has shown that patients who engage in prehabilitation often experience reduced postoperative complications and shorter recovery times. By focusing on strength and conditioning before the surgery, individuals can better cope with the stresses of the procedure and the subsequent post-surgery healing period.

The Physical Benefits of Prehabilitation

Like post-surgery physio, one of the essential aspects of prehabilitation is its focus on enhancing physical strength and endurance. Our small group rehab classes include pre-operative treatment, which is tailored to each patient’s individual needs and can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. This is especially important for those undergoing major surgeries, such as orthopedic procedures or joint replacement surgery, where the body’s resilience plays a critical role in recovery. Engaging in a prehabilitation program can also help manage pain levels post-surgery, making the recovery journey smoother.

Knee Surgery Prehabilitation

Preparing for knee surgery through a dedicated prehabilitation program can significantly enhance recovery. Like rehab, prehab typically involves exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility and increasing overall lower-body strength. Activities such as leg lifts, squats and stationary cycling can help patients build the necessary strength and stability to support the knee joint post-surgery. Doing a gait analysis may also help you get the best possible result from your knee or hip surgery or even avoid the need for surgery.

When a patient is well-informed about the recovery process, understanding how to manage pain and swelling can alleviate anxiety. By investing time in prehabilitation, individuals can empower themselves to handle the demands of surgery better and enjoy a more efficient recovery, ultimately leading to improved mobility and function in the long run.

Hip Surgery Prehabilitation 

Prehabilitation before hip surgery focuses on preparing both the body and mind for the upcoming procedure, which can significantly impact postoperative outcomes. Patients are encouraged to engage in exercises that target the hip flexors, glutes and core muscles, along with activities to improve balance and stability. Movements like bridge exercises, resistance band exercises and gentle stretching are commonly incorporated into a prehab regimen. 

It’s also important to provide patients with information about the surgical process and recovery expectations. This can help demystify the experience, fostering a sense of control and preparedness. By strengthening the body and boosting confidence, prehabilitation sets the foundation for a smoother surgery and a quicker return to daily activities after hip replacement or repair.

The Role of Nutrition

Nutrition is a cornerstone of effective prehabilitation. Fuelling your body with the proper nutrients can help enhance recovery, support immune function and improve overall health. A diet rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals is essential for tissue healing and energy levels. Prehabilitation often includes nutritional assessments and advice tailored to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring that the body is primed for surgery.

Mental Preparation and Support

While physical readiness is critical, mental preparedness is equally vital in prehabilitation. Emotional support and stress-reduction techniques play a significant role in preparing patients for the psychological challenges of surgery and recovery. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation and visualisation can minimise anxiety and improve outcomes. Acknowledging the mental aspect of recovery is important, and prehabilitation programs often integrate these mental wellness strategies.

Incorporating prehabilitation into your pre-surgery routine can be transformative. It offers a pathway to improving surgical outcomes and enhancing your overall well-being. With the right focus on physical conditioning, nutritional support and mental readiness, you can approach your surgery with confidence and a proactive mindset. 

Book Your Appointment

If you’re considering surgery, discuss prehabilitation with the team at MGS Physio. Book an appointment with us and take charge of your health today.