Fit for Surgery: The Benefits of Prehabilitation
If you're scheduled for surgery, it’s likely that like most people you’re focused on the procedure itself and what to expect afterwards. But what about the before? Did you know that prehabilitation, or exercise before surgery, can offer benefits for your recovery?
What is Prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation, or ‘prehab’, is a program of individualised exercises designed to improve your physical fitness, function and overall health prior to surgery. This typically involves a combination of cardiovascular exercises to strengthen your heart and lungs, resistance training to build strength, and/or flexibility exercises to improve range of motion.
What are the benefits of Prehabilitation?
There are numerous benefits associated with prehabilitation, these include:
Faster Recovery: Studies have shown prehabilitation programs can reduce the length of hospital stays and recovery times following surgery. This means you can get back to your daily activities and achieve your goals sooner.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Prehabilitation can help to reduce your risk of developing post-surgical complications, such as infections, blood clots, and pneumonia. It does this by improving overall health prior to an admission and by reducing the length of hospital stays.
Reduced Pain: Prehabilitation can help to reduce pain levels following surgery and consequently reduce reliance on pain medication.
Improved Mental Health: Exercise can help to reduce anxiety and depression before and after surgery.
Increased Confidence: Prehabilitation can help you feel better prepared for your upcoming surgery and provide increased readiness and confidence to commence rehabilitation following surgery.
Who Can Benefit from Prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation can benefit almost everyone who is scheduled for surgery, regardless of their age or fitness level. However, it is especially beneficial for those who:
Are overweight or obese.
Have a chronic health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Experience chronic pain.
Are having major surgery, including joint replacements.
Are concerned about their recovery.
Getting Started with Prehabilitation
If you're interested in prehabilitation, talk to your healthcare team. With input from your surgeon, your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a safe and effective program tailored to you and your specific needs.
Some tips for getting started with prehabilitation:
Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Choose activities you enjoy and that are appropriate for your fitness level and symptoms.
Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Be sure to stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Prehabilitation is a smart investment in your health and recovery, and can improve your chances of a successful outcome, getting you back to the things you love doing sooner.
Additional helpful resources:
American College of Sports Medicine: https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/
National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/basics/fitness-basics/hlv-20049447
Remember, while it's never too late to start prehabilitation, the sooner you start the better. Talk to your surgeon and healthcare team about the best exercises for your needs.
Stronger Healthcare; Physiotherapy Richmond, Osteopathy Richmond, Sports Medicine Melbourne, Orthopaedics Melbourne. Alleviate neck pain, back pain, sports injuries and body aches.