Most people planning to undergo joint replacement or ligament repair surgery know they’ll need to participate in a physical therapy program as part of the recovery process. But did you know that physical therapy is also highly beneficial in the weeks leading up to orthopedic surgery? 

Affectionately known as “prehab”, pre-operative rehabilitation is the process of improving fitness, functionality, and preparedness prior to surgery. The general idea of prehab physical therapy is to strengthen the relevant muscles and maximize the range of motion so that any decline that takes place as a result of the surgery will not set you back as far as it would have otherwise. But the benefits don’t stop there. Read on for more reasons why seniors should have physical therapy before surgery. 

Why seniors should have physical therapy before rehab

Recovery after surgery is challenging. But the better prepared you are physically and mentally, the higher the likelihood you’ll have a speedy and successful recovery. Although a general exercise program is certainly beneficial, a customized physical therapy program helps target the treatment area: reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, strengthening the muscles, and restoring range of motion. Typically, six weeks of physical therapy prior to joint-replacement surgery can provide a number of wonderful benefits, including:

Mental preparation

Prehab does more than just prepare the muscles and joints for surgery. It also prepares the mind. Seniors who worry about their ability to recover often find that prehab gives them a clearer picture of what to expect after surgery as well a sense of confidence about their ability to pull through. 

Faster recovery

Surgery creates a deficit. During the recovery period, strength and range of motion are lost. Without prehab, the senior will come out of surgery with a long way to go to get “back to normal.” By building up strength ahead of time, however, the deficit created by surgery might find the individual just a few steps away from “normal.” 

Saves money

A faster recovery means a shorter hospital stay and less money spent on rehabilitation. One study found that patients who exercise prior to surgery are 73% less likely to be discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility following surgery. Prehab can help increase the likelihood of the senior being discharged directly to home.

Less pain

The targeted treatment of pre-surgical physical therapy creates strength and health in the treatment area and supports a faster recovery. The sooner the joint gets moving again, the less pain, swelling, and stiffness the senior will experience.  

Reduced atrophy

When the muscles aren’t used, they lose mass. Two weeks in bed can diminish the quadriceps by 20% in a healthy young person. The process happens even more quickly in older patients. Because prehab results in less pain and faster recovery after surgery, it allows seniors to get up and move those muscles sooner, potentially reducing the amount of muscle atrophy. 

Improves surgical outcomes

In most cases, pre-surgical preparedness improves more than just the functional capabilities of the muscles and joints. It also promotes and facilitates healthy behavior changes that often last through the postoperative period. Patients who follow through with their prehab physical therapy are more likely to follow through with their post-operative rehabilitation as well, improving the overall outcome of their treatment.

Whether you or your loved one is planning a joint-replacement or ligament repair surgery, Bella Vista physical therapists offer customized pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation programs designed to optimize strength, functionality, and independence.  

Physical therapy (Prehab) in Lemon Grove | Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista, we offer short- and long-term physical therapy programs as well as essential services, social opportunities, and round-the-clock care from a compassionate staff committed to providing a nurturing environment for all residents. For more information or to schedule a tour, call us at (619) 644-1000.