04 Aug Having Surgery soon? The benefits of starting Physical Therapy before.

Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation

Some people may not think of pursuing physical therapy before they have a surgery, but it can be very helpful for you and your healing process. Of course everyone has heard of physical therapy to help you get back on your feet after a surgery, but doing it before surgery can have a very big effect on how your body heals and how fast.

In the first 24 hours after getting surgery, you will see the results of physical therapy before-hand, also known as prehab. For example, someone getting knee replacement surgery is expected to be up and walking using crutches or a walker to the bathroom or out in the halls just one day after their surgery. The strength that is gained from prehab can help you accomplish those milestones quicker and with less strain to your body. Patients who are more fit before getting surgery are more likely to be discharged sooner and sent to an outpatient rehab instead of a facility with inpatient therapy. It is also very beneficial to have prehab before a surgery where a patient will need to use crutches during their recovery because building upper strength can make using those crutches much easier for the body.

Research has proven that physical therapy before surgery can make a significant difference in your recovery after surgery by speeding up the healing process and helping the patient reach a full recovery with full-range of motion. Having therapy before the surgery can also help avoid postoperative complications. It is recommended that physical therapy begin about 6 weeks before the surgery, but can be for shorter durations if necessary.

People that take part in pre-surgical physical therapy tend to regain function and return to their lives faster than people who don’t. Lake Country Physical Therapy and Sportscare, PC understands that surgery shouldn’t push you back and our physical therapists are here to make surgery easier on you before, during, and afterwards.