In previous articles, we’ve talked generally about the benefits of prehab before knee surgery, but we haven’t yet talked about the benefits of prehab before a knee procedure. In this physical therapy education article, we are going to discuss the importance of prehabilitation before undergoing knee surgery.
What is Prehab?
Prehabilitation (“prehab” for short) is a term used to describe physical therapy that a patient undergoes prior to a surgical procedure. Many surgical procedures will require patients to engage in some level of physical therapy as part of their recovery. Prehab is a great way to prepare your body for a particular surgical procedure, and also improves your recovery speed after surgery. When you undergo a prehabilitation program prior to your procedure, you will strengthen your knee in preparation for the surgical trauma and also be ready to tackle your post-op rehabilitation.
What Does Prehab Entail?
So what exactly does prehab entail? Prehabilitation routines are quite similar to post-operative rehabilitation programs. Depending on your particular situation, your knee surgery prehab program may include any or all of the following:
- Stretches
- Exercises
- Massage Therapy
- And More
It is important to remember that each patient is different and requires a unique approach to ensure that treatment is as effective as possible.
Recovering with Physical Therapy
At OrthoRehab Specialists, our experienced physical therapists can help you regain your mobility and range-of-motion after an injury or surgical procedure. We offer direct access to physical therapy for patients in Minnesota, and also have referral relationships with more than 600 local providers who continue to refer their patients to us on a regular basis. Reach out to us today to learn more about our physical therapy services or to set up an appointment at our Edina or Minneapolis physical therapy clinics.