Is Prehab Important Before Surgery?
Prehabilitation, or prehab for short, has been gaining popularity in the medical field as a crucial component of patient care before undergoing surgery. While traditional rehabilitation is focused on the recovery process post-surgery, prehabilitation takes a proactive approach by preparing the body for the surgical procedure to optimise outcomes and improve recovery. But is prehab really important before surgery? Let's explore this topic further.
Prehabilitation involves a combination of exercise, physiotherapy, and education in the weeks or months leading up to a scheduled surgery. The primary goal is to enhance the patient's physical and mental well-being, increase functional capacity, and improve overall health. It focuses on specific exercises and interventions aimed at strengthening muscles, improving cardiovascular fitness, enhancing joint flexibility, and addressing any underlying health issues. It also involves a physiotherapist or OT completing a home assessment to establish whether you need any equipment. Being prepared mentally is also important, knowing how you might feel and what to expect post-surgery will help to reassure you following your procedure. Who likes the unknown?
Punnoose and Colleagues (2023) completed a systematic review and meta-analysis reviewing 46 studies exploring the benefits of prehabilitation for Orthopaedic Surgeries. They found that Prehabilitation can significantly improve patient outcomes (strength and fitness) following hip and knee replacement surgeries.
So why is prehab considered important? Here are several key reasons:
Improved surgical outcomes: Engaging in prehab can lead to better surgical outcomes. By increasing physical fitness and overall health, patients may experience reduced complications after surgery. Prehab helps optimise lung function, cardiovascular health, and muscle strength, which can minimise post-operative complications such as infections and blood clots.
Enhanced recovery: Through prehab, patients can go into surgery in the best possible shape, physically and mentally. Strengthened muscles and improved cardiovascular fitness can speed up recovery post-surgery. Moreover, prehabilitation helps patients understand what to expect during the recovery phase, improving their ability to cope with pain, manage stress, and adhere to rehabilitation protocols.
Increased resilience: Surgery can be physically and emotionally demanding, and prehab aims to increase a patient's resilience. By engaging in exercises that mimic post-operative movements or challenges, patients can build physical and mental resilience, making them better prepared for the challenges ahead. This can lead to a smoother recovery process and a quicker return to normal activities.
Personalised care: Each patient is unique, and prehabilitation allows for a personalised approach to address individual needs. Prehab programs are tailored to each patient's specific condition, taking into account their overall health, medical history, and surgical requirements. This personalised care ensures that patients receive the most appropriate interventions and exercise regimes to optimise their pre-surgery fitness.
Increased patient motivation: Engaging in prehab can empower patients and make them active participants in their own healthcare journey. It gives them a sense of control and ownership over their health, which can enhance motivation and adherence to the prehab program. This proactive approach can positively impact the patient experience and overall satisfaction with their surgical outcome.
But not for everyone: It's important to note that prehabilitation is not suitable for every surgery or every patient. The decision to engage in prehab should be made in consultation with a specialist physiotherapist or your surgeon, taking into account individual circumstances, the type of surgery, and the patient's overall health.
In summary, prehabilitation is becoming increasingly recognised as an important component of patient care before undergoing surgery. By improving physical fitness, addressing underlying health issues, and providing education and support, prehab significantly contributes to better surgical outcomes, enhanced recovery, increased resilience, and personalised care. It empowers patients and promotes an active approach to their own healthcare. However, it is essential to consult with a specialist physiotherapist to determine if prehab is suitable for a particular surgery and individual circumstances.
At Home Physio Company we provide pre-surgery rehabilitation and home assessments. Many of our clients have benefitted hugely from increasing their fitness and going through the surgery and the rehabilitation required along with some rough timelines. It’s also great to build a trusting relationship with your physiotherapist who will be your greatest motivator post-surgery!
For more information on our services or to book an appointment contact our friendly team today
