Do you have a surgical operation planned in the near future? It is understandable to be a little worried about how well the surgery will go and it is highly beneficial to have a plan for your recovery period. The vast majority of surgeons encourage their patients to participate in physiotherapy treatments after surgery as part of their recovery. The better surgeons have specific research-based Protocols which are “Care Maps” to allow their patients to progress safely back into their pre-surgery activities.
However, there are also several benefits to participating in a pre-surgical rehabilitation plan prior to the surgery itself. Studies have shown that beginning physiotherapy in the weeks or months leading up to a pending surgery can significantly improve your ability to recover quickly following your surgery.
There are many good reasons to participate in a pre-surgical preparatory rehabilitation or “Pre-Hab” program:
Pre-Hab can improve surgical outcomes.
The American Physiotherapy Association (APTA) states that Pre-Hab can improve the overall outcomes of surgery. The stronger you are before the surgery, the more likely the surgery will be successful.
Pre-Hab can help reduce pain.
No matter what your surgery may be for, our physiotherapist can help reduce your pain through pre-hab. This can be done through a variety of methods, including manual therapy, exercise, acupuncture, therapeutic modalities or ice and heat therapies.
Pre-Hab can help improve strength and stamina.
Whatever surgery you may need, there will always be a period of rest and relative immobility which can cause a loss of strength and Range of Motion following the procedure. By engaging in a pre-hab program you will have the opportunity to proactively increase your Range of Motion, strength and stamina before even having the surgery. Participating in a directed exercise program prior to surgery will improve your overall strength and stamina and making the recovery from surgery much easier.
Pre-Hab shortens recovery.
By completing a program before your surgery, your recovery should go more smoothly than it would without the benefits of a pre-surgical program. Maximizing muscle strength and Range of Motion before surgery helps you get back to your regular routine much more quickly.
Pre-Hab may even help you avoid surgery.
If your pre-hab treatments work well enough in reducing your pain and improving your overall condition, it may be possible to avoid surgery altogether. While it is not typical, some patients made physical progress that they deemed sufficient enough in reducing their pain and improving their function that they canceled their surgery. We feel it is best to consult with your physician regarding future treatment options and potentially explore the possibility of avoiding surgery.
Proper Rehabilitation after your surgery.
Our physiotherapy approach at Newcastle Village Physiotherapy involves a comprehensive physical assessment by the most experienced team of Physiotherapists in the Newcastle area. We are very familiar with most post-surgical rehabilitation protocols and have worked with the vast majority of orthopedic surgeons in the area.
Once assessed your surgical protocol will be reviewed with you or in the rare event one is not supplied to you, we will research an appropriate evidence-based rehabilitation protocol and create an individualized plan just for you. Together we will work as a team to rebuild your body post surgery.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to book an appointment today.