Prehab before rehab: Preparing for joint replacement surgery

As we age, the need for joint replacement surgery becomes more likely—especially for those with knee and hip arthritis. Most surgery patients know to expect rehabilitation after their procedure. But prehabilitation is important, too.

Learn how exercise and physical therapy before joint replacement surgery can help speed up the recovery process and make surgery more effective.

What is prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation—or “prehab” for short—is physical therapy that happens at least six weeks before surgery. Typically, prehab involves a physical therapist evaluating your condition and measuring your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. After understanding your body’s abilities and needs, they teach you specific exercises. These exercises prepare your body, so you can gain the most improvements after surgery.

Research shows that your range of motion before surgery is a helpful indicator of what your range of motion will be after surgery. So, the more you can get your body to move pre-surgery, the easier it will be to do things like walk and go up and down stairs post-surgery.

During prehab, you also learn about what’s causing your joint issues, such as arthritis, and how to make lifestyle changes to live a full, active life.

Benefits of prehab before a hip or knee replacement

Not only does prehab help you learn about your condition and helpful exercises, but it also improves surgery outcomes. Completing prehab can:

• Enhance your quality of life
• Improve strength and functional mobility after joint replacement
• Reduce complications after surgery
• Save money by avoiding the need for inpatient rehab
• Speed up recovery time after surgery

What to expect from prehab

Though prehab offers many benefits, it still isn’t standard care everywhere. At LCMC Health, our joint programs provide complete pre-surgery education, including a one-day prehab session for patients to attend before joint replacement.

During prehab, you meet with our physical therapists. Your therapist will:

• Answer questions about recovery
• Describe your procedure and rehabilitation
• Go over exercises you can do to prepare for surgery

If joint replacement is in your future, consider doing a few prehab sessions at least six weeks before surgery. That way, you can prepare your body and joints most effectively. Prehab before surgery also helps you get to know your therapist, so they understand your situation and goals. Ultimately, prehab prepares you for rehab.

Find orthopedic care for your joints

Whether it’s your back, neck, hips, knees, or feet—joint pain can really slow you down. The orthopedic specialists at LCMC Health understand. We treat people with painful conditions every day, right here in New Orleans. Learn about our advanced knee and hip replacements and other services.