Physical therapy is a well established and effective means for recovery but did you know there is a growing body of evidence for “PreHab”?  Prehab is a course of therapy prior to a surgical procedure that helps improve surgical outcomes.  The concept isn’t new but the proof of effectiveness has started to pile in. 

Prehab improves knee function before and after Total Knee Replacement. 

In 2022, the Journal of Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy released a review study that focused on knee function after total knee replacement, with and without preoperative PT.  They found significant improvement in knee range of motion, and in turn, general function in the first 3 months of recovery from TKA when participants underwent prehab prior to surgery.  For those who have not endured the recovery of a joint replacement, the first few months of recovery are critical to long term success of the operation. The study suggests the benefits of prehab are:

1. Improved Function
2. Improved range of motion
3. Improved muscle strength 
4. Reduced post surgical pain
5. Improved short-mid term recovery after surgery

What Does Altius Think? 

We’re thrilled proof on concept is building and therapists have advocated for prehab programs for years. While further study needs to continue looking at long term benefits and specific protocols, we already push for as much pre-operative PT as possible. Why?  The stronger you go in, the better you come out.  Having major joint surgery on an area that is already significantly limited and weak starts your recovery from a higher point of disability. In the case of joint replacement, it could be weeks or months before the surgery takes place and in that time, the muscles around the joint weaken further and function decreases. 

How would PreHab work?

As with all things medical, individualized programs are very important here. A prehab program has to consider the general health of the individual, pain levels, irritability of the joint and post surgical goals. A pre-operative ACL reconstruction program looks vastly different than a total knee replacement. 

We’ll spend our first visit reviewing these factors, communicating with your surgeon and building a program that will help improve post operative recovery.   We’ll stay mindful of the actual injury as the goal is never to worsen pain or inflammation.  Tolerance will be a guiding factor throughout the Prehab process.  Prehab programs can last a few weeks and mostly revolve around the scheduled surgery.  

Interested a prehab program for your injury? Contact us through phone or email to discuss with a therapist