Cut Your Recovery Time Down with Pre-hab! 

Do you have a surgical operation planned in the near future? It is natural to be a little worried about how well the surgery will go or how long your recovery period may be. Many people participate in physiotherapy treatments after surgery as part of their recovery plan, which is undeniably helpful for the healing process. However, there are also several benefits to completing a pre-surgical rehabilitation plan.

What exactly is pre-hab?

Pre-surgical rehabilitation, also referred to as pre-hab, is becoming an increasingly recommended practice by surgeons, as it can improve the outcomes for their patients. Studies have shown that beginning physiotherapy a month or so before surgery can significantly speed up your recovery time. 

It is no secret that the preparation for surgery can leave you feeling anxious, but a pre-hab program may be able to put your mind at ease. A pre-surgical rehabilitation plan will help you get physically and mentally prepared for your upcoming procedure. Take control of your recovery now and request an appointment with Nova Physiotherapy.

What can it do for me?

Surgery can take a traumatic toll on your body; therefore, it should only be performed when there are no other options available. According to the National Institutes of Health, participating in exercise therapies prior to surgery can improve your post-operative outcomes and reduce your recovery time; so why not give it a try?

Pre-hab helps improve strength and promote pain relief before surgery, as it prepares your body for the procedure. It can also help you prepare mentally, by encouraging an overall sense of well-being. Pre-hab helps to improve your range of motion and patterns of movement with exercises that you can perform before and after your surgery, in order to speed up your recovery time. In general, physiotherapy will assist you in improving your physical health and promoting general wellness. Still not convinced? Keep reading.

Why should I consider pre-hab?

There are six key aspects to pre-surgical rehabilitation and how it can help you be successful:

1. Pre-hab improves outcomes. The American Physiotherapy Association (APTA) states that pre-hab can improve the overall outcomes of surgery, and can even help in saving money if everything goes smoothly. The stronger you are before the surgery, the more likely the surgery will be successful.
2. Pre-hab reduces complications. Physiotherapy treatments, especially those incorporating exercise programs, can help increase your strength and endurance. As a result, this can improve your immunity, meaning that the chance of infection after surgery will be much less likely. 
3. Pre-hab reduces 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, massage, or ice and heat therapies. 
4. Pre-hab increases stamina. Whatever surgery you may need, there will always be a loss of strength following the procedure. However, pre-hab can help reduce the amount of strength you lose by increasing your stamina before the operation. Engaging in a physical routine before surgery will improve your overall stamina and make the surgery much easier.
5. Pre-hab shortens recovery. By completing a pre-hab program before your surgery, your recovery should go much smoother than it would without pre-surgical physiotherapy treatments. Having strong and toned muscles before surgery helps you get back to your regular routine much quicker. 
6. Pre-hab may help you avoid surgery. If your pre-hab treatments work well in improving your pain and overall condition, it may be possible to avoid surgery altogether. While it is not always a common case, some patients found that their pre-hab treatments did wonders, and were sufficient enough in reducing their pain that they canceled their procedure. If your condition begins to improve considerably after starting physiotherapy, you’ll want to consult with your physician regarding future treatment options and the possibility of avoiding surgery.

How can I get started?

Pre-surgical rehabilitation has been known to provide a number of benefits for pre-surgical patients. By consulting with one of our Timberlea, Bedford, and Dartmouth physiotherapists, you can find out what treatment plan will be best for you to achieve optimum results. When you are as strong, flexible, and healthy as possible, you are able to regain normal function much quicker, following surgery.

Starting a pre-hab program also means you’ll be able to establish a positive training routine that you will already be accustomed to before your surgery, and that you can take into your post-surgical recovery for a better outcome.

If you are planning on having surgery, Contact Us Today at Bedford, Timberlea & Dartmouth, NS Centers to speak with one of our qualified team members. For the best results, it’s important to get started as soon as possible. Schedule your appointment today to prepare for an easier procedure and recovery period.