Pre-Habilitation to Surgery
The decision to undergo an elective surgery is a daunting one. Far too often there are more questions than answers that arise, such as: Will the surgery fix my pain? Will I be able to move around my house without significant pain? Will I be able to take care of myself after surgery? When will I feel fully recovered from surgery?
No matter what type of procedure or surgery that is performed, being prepared and informed about the surgery can make your recovery that much easier and quicker. Elective orthopedic surgeries, i.e. a total knee replacement or a total hip replacement, are becoming more common each year. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. Although the surgery is becoming more common, the road to recovery from surgery is still a challenge. A person who has more knowledge about their surgery will know what to expect and have an easier recovery. Furthermore, preparing specific muscle groups (by increasing their power and strength) will only help the recovery process.
An article published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that the use of pre-operative physical therapy with patients undergoing a total hip replacement or total knee replacement surgery was associated with a 29% decrease in post-acute care services. Post-acute care services include inpatient care, short term rehabilitation and home health services. Therefore, participating in Pre-habilitation can not only help postoperative recovery, it can lower overall health care costs.
A pre-habilitation therapy program is recommended for anyone who is undergoing an elective orthopedic surgery. Some examples of surgeries are total knee and hip replacements, ACL reconstruction, shoulder reconstruction surgery, and back fusion surgeries. A pre-habilitation program is designed to provide the client with education regarding the specific surgical procedure planned, any precautions/activity limitations that need to be followed after surgery, and education regarding the normal timeline of post-operative rehabilitation. The other important part of a pre-habilitation program is for mobility and strength training. How one transitions from a sitting position to a standing position or transfers in and out bed, can change after they have surgery. Learning and practicing the recommended mobility techniques prior to surgery will only help one move safely after surgery.
Strength training is vital prior to surgery. A key component of pre-habilitation is a focused strength training program to improve the power of the muscles that support and move the injured joint. Furthermore, pre-habilitation will help to improve the strength in the non-surgical leg, core and trunk muscles, which will help someone be able to move safely after surgery. In many cases, there will be a specific exercise program that will need to be initiated as soon as possible after surgery. Learning the proper techniques and practicing the program prior to surgery can help reduce the fear of the unknown that accompanies many surgeries. Increased muscle mass, improved ability to move, education on healthy eating habits and importance of routine exercise are key components to a successful recovery.
Pre-habilitation programs can be as little as 1-2 visits, or in some cases depending on the specific surgery, the program can last for 6 weeks. A specific program will be designed by the treating physical therapist and will depend on the client’s current condition, ROM and mobility limitations, and the specific surgical procedure that is planned. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine compared knee function scores with patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. One group received only post-operative physical therapy and the other group received 6 weeks of pre-operative physical therapy along with standard post-op physical therapy treatments. Their conclusion was participating in a 6 week pre-op PT program for ACL reconstruction led to improved knee function outcomes at 12 weeks post-op. It also showed significant improvements and superior knee function preoperatively and postoperatively at the 2 year follow-up date.
Pre-habilitation can be a crucial part to your post surgical rehabilitation. The AVORA team is equipped to prepare you with the education and strengthening program you need before surgery for optimal recovery. We work closely with your surgeon, understanding their expectations of joint ROM, muscle strength and/or joint swelling measurements that should be achieved prior to surgery. Being prepared physically and mentally prior to surgery can make your recovery and rehabilitation process that much easier and quicker.
No matter what type of procedure or surgery that is performed, being prepared and informed about the surgery can make your recovery that much easier and quicker. Elective orthopedic surgeries, i.e. a total knee replacement or a total hip replacement, are becoming more common each year. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. Although the surgery is becoming more common, the road to recovery from surgery is still a challenge. A person who has more knowledge about their surgery will know what to expect and have an easier recovery. Furthermore, preparing specific muscle groups (by increasing their power and strength) will only help the recovery process.
An article published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that the use of pre-operative physical therapy with patients undergoing a total hip replacement or total knee replacement surgery was associated with a 29% decrease in post-acute care services. Post-acute care services include inpatient care, short term rehabilitation and home health services. Therefore, participating in Pre-habilitation can not only help postoperative recovery, it can lower overall health care costs.
A pre-habilitation therapy program is recommended for anyone who is undergoing an elective orthopedic surgery. Some examples of surgeries are total knee and hip replacements, ACL reconstruction, shoulder reconstruction surgery, and back fusion surgeries. A pre-habilitation program is designed to provide the client with education regarding the specific surgical procedure planned, any precautions/activity limitations that need to be followed after surgery, and education regarding the normal timeline of post-operative rehabilitation. The other important part of a pre-habilitation program is for mobility and strength training. How one transitions from a sitting position to a standing position or transfers in and out bed, can change after they have surgery. Learning and practicing the recommended mobility techniques prior to surgery will only help one move safely after surgery.
Strength training is vital prior to surgery. A key component of pre-habilitation is a focused strength training program to improve the power of the muscles that support and move the injured joint. Furthermore, pre-habilitation will help to improve the strength in the non-surgical leg, core and trunk muscles, which will help someone be able to move safely after surgery. In many cases, there will be a specific exercise program that will need to be initiated as soon as possible after surgery. Learning the proper techniques and practicing the program prior to surgery can help reduce the fear of the unknown that accompanies many surgeries. Increased muscle mass, improved ability to move, education on healthy eating habits and importance of routine exercise are key components to a successful recovery.
Pre-habilitation programs can be as little as 1-2 visits, or in some cases depending on the specific surgery, the program can last for 6 weeks. A specific program will be designed by the treating physical therapist and will depend on the client’s current condition, ROM and mobility limitations, and the specific surgical procedure that is planned. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine compared knee function scores with patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. One group received only post-operative physical therapy and the other group received 6 weeks of pre-operative physical therapy along with standard post-op physical therapy treatments. Their conclusion was participating in a 6 week pre-op PT program for ACL reconstruction led to improved knee function outcomes at 12 weeks post-op. It also showed significant improvements and superior knee function preoperatively and postoperatively at the 2 year follow-up date.
Pre-habilitation can be a crucial part to your post surgical rehabilitation. The AVORA team is equipped to prepare you with the education and strengthening program you need before surgery for optimal recovery. We work closely with your surgeon, understanding their expectations of joint ROM, muscle strength and/or joint swelling measurements that should be achieved prior to surgery. Being prepared physically and mentally prior to surgery can make your recovery and rehabilitation process that much easier and quicker.