Why Prehab Before Surgery is Essential for Faster Recovery

At Active Back Care, there is a dedicated group of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists who operate independently under the one roof making it easy and convenient for you to access the musculoskeletal care you need. They understand that preparing for surgery is about more than just scheduling the operation. One of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcome is through prehabilitation (prehab) – a proactive approach to physical preparation before undergoing surgery.

What Is Prehab?

Prehab involves targeted exercises, treatments, and education designed to improve your physical condition before an operation. It’s like training for an athletic event – by strengthening your body and optimising its function ahead of time, you’ll be better equipped to handle the stresses of surgery and recover more quickly afterward.

Why Prehab Matters

1. Improved Surgical Outcomes Prehab strengthens the muscles, enhances joint mobility, and improves cardiovascular health, which can reduce complications during and after surgery. Research shows that patients who undergo prehab experience shorter hospital stays, lower pain levels, and faster recovery times.
2. Faster Recovery A well-prepared body heals more efficiently. By building strength and improving flexibility before surgery, you’ll have a stronger foundation to regain mobility and function post-operatively.
3. Reduced Risk of Complications Prehab can help reduce the risk of post-surgical complications such as infections, blood clots, and muscle atrophy. It also improves your balance and coordination, which may decrease the likelihood of falls during recovery.
4. Pain Management Strengthening your body and learning proper movement patterns before surgery can help reduce post-operative pain. Prehab also incorporates strategies to manage discomfort effectively, such as breathing techniques and education on posture and ergonomics.
5. Psychological Benefits Surgery can be stressful, but prehab provides a sense of control and confidence. Knowing you’ve prepared your body and mind for the journey ahead can significantly reduce anxiety and boost your mental well-being.

What Does Prehab Involve?

The independent practitioners at Active Back Care tailor prehab programs to your specific needs and surgery type. A comprehensive prehab plan may include:

Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists focus on preparing your body through targeted exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and joint stability. Specific components include:

• Strength Training: Building muscle groups around the surgical site to ensure post-operative support and reduce atrophy.
• Range of Motion Exercises: Enhancing joint mobility to improve surgical outcomes and functional recovery.
• Balance and Proprioception Training: Reducing the risk of falls and improving neuromuscular control during recovery.
• Posture and Gait Training: Ensuring proper movement patterns to prevent compensatory issues after surgery.
• Pain Management Techniques: Introducing methods like gentle stretching, therapeutic taping, and heat or cold application for pre-operative discomfort.

Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors work to optimise alignment and mobility through:

• Spinal and Joint Adjustments: Ensuring proper biomechanics and reducing strain on the nervous system to enhance recovery capacity.
• Nerve Function Optimisation: Addressing areas of nerve irritation to improve communication between the brain and body.
• Postural Assessments and Corrections: Guiding proper alignment to reduce stress on muscles and joints during both pre- and post-operative periods.
• Manual Therapy Techniques: Relieving tension and improving flexibility in soft tissues surrounding the surgical site.

Massage Therapy: Massage therapists play a crucial role in prehab by focusing on:

• Muscle Relaxation: Reducing tension in overworked or stressed muscles, which can improve flexibility and reduce pre-surgical discomfort.
• Improved Circulation: Enhancing blood flow to promote healing and prepare tissues for surgery.
• Lymphatic Drainage: Supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Stress Reduction: Using calming techniques to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being before surgery.

When Should You Start Prehab?

Ideally, prehab should begin as soon as surgery is scheduled. Even a few weeks of preparation can make a significant difference, but the earlier you start, the greater the benefits. Your practitioner will work with you to create a realistic and effective plan, even if time is limited.

Take the First Step

If you’re planning for surgery, don’t wait until after the operation to think about recovery. The practitioners at Active Back Care can guide you through every stage of your surgical journey, starting with prehab. Their professional approach ensures that you receive personalised care from each physiotherapist, chiropractor or massage therapist to prepare your body and mind for success.

Each independent practitioner is experienced and skilled in their own discipline of physiotherapy, chiropractic or massage therapy. With being co-located on the one premise they can effectively co-ordinate and refer out to the other complementary practitioners on site to enhance your treatment and care.  Each practitioner operates independently and takes individual responsibility for their own care and treatment. 

Aim to feel stronger and more confident going into an operation, leading to a quicker recovery and the ability to return to your favourite activities sooner.

Contact Active Back Care today to be connected with one of the independent Physiotherapists, Chiropractors or Massage Therapists operating there who can show you how prehab can make a difference for your surgical experience. They can help you take charge of your health and recovery.