Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy
Should You Have Physiotherapy Before Surgery?
Why It’s A Good Idea To Have Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation
Do you have surgery coming up shortly? You might be worried about how it’ll go, or how long and painful your recovery period might be. It is very common for people to have physiotherapy after surgery. This is a part of their recovery plan because it is so helpful with post-op healing processes. However, did you know that there are tons of benefits to having physiotherapy before your surgery as well? It’s true! Pre-surgical rehabilitation greatly helps the body to heal. Our physiotherapists in Edmonton, AB at ProActive Physiotherapy are ready to assist you with your pre-hab program!
Pre-surgical rehabilitation defined
Pre-surgical rehabilitation, also coined “pre-hab” is becoming a frequently recommended practice by surgeons. This is because it has been found to improve patient outcomes and recovery processes. Studies also show that starting physiotherapy about a month before a scheduled surgery can seriously speed up your recovery time as well!
Anyone who has undergone surgery before can relate to the fact that surgery preparation can leave you feeling anxious. Pre-habilitation programs might be able to put your worries to rest. A pre-surgical rehabilitation program can help to not only become physically prepared but also mentally prepared for your imminent procedure. It’s a win-win situation!
How is a pre-hab program beneficial to me?
It’s no secret that surgery can be extremely stressful and traumatic for your body to go through, therefore, it’s normally only done when there are absolutely no other options available. According to the National Institutes of Health, participating in exercise therapies before surgery can exceptionally improve your post-operative outcomes and reduce your recovery time. A pre-hab program will improve your strength and promote pain relief before the procedure as it is gearing your body up to undergo surgery. As previously stated, pre-hab plans can also help improve your mental state beforehand by encouraging an overall sense of safety and wellbeing.
Physiotherapy in Edmonton, AB can help you in numerous ways to improve your physical health and promote overall wellness, but here are six ways that pre-hab can be beneficial to you before undoing a surgical procedure:
6 ways pre-hab improves surgical outcomes
There are six key aspects to pre-surgical rehabilitation and how it can help you to feel better about going into surgery, and have a shorter recovery period after your surgery is over.
1. Pre-hab reduces overall pain
Regardless of what kind of surgery you’re having, our physiotherapists at ProActive Physiotherapy can help decrease your overall pain levels through a pre-rehabilitation plan. You will use a variety of methods (exercises, ice and heat therapies, and massage).
2. Stamina levels increase
No matter what kind of surgery you are having, you will feel a bit weaker after the procedure. Pre-hab can help with your decreased amount of strength by upping your stamina levels before the surgery! Settling into a physical routine of exercises before your procedure happens can improve your overall stamina levels and make sure that your surgery is that much smoother.
3. Recovery time could be cut in half!
If you take part in a pre-hab program before your surgery takes place, there are high chances your recovery experience will be much smoother than it would have been without physiotherapy. Toned and strengthened muscles will help you snap back into your regular everyday activities much faster.
4. Surgery outcomes improve
The American Physiotherapy Association (APTA) states that pre-hab can improve the overall outcomes of surgery. It also says that pre-hab saves money if everything with the surgery goes as planned. As you read before, the stronger you are going into surgery, the stronger you are coming out, and the more likely it is that the surgery will be successful.
5. Decreased chance of complications
With any surgery, you run the risk of unforeseen complications. However, having physiotherapy treatments before your surgery, especially those incorporating exercise programs, can help increase your endurance and strength levels. Your chance of developing a post-surgical infection will be lower. Your immunity will be better.
6. You might be able to avoid surgery altogether
Surprise! If your pre-hab treatments work well as far as improving your pain levels and overall health conditions, you might not even need surgery after all. This isn’t a common case, but it’s not impossible. Some patients found that their pre-hab treatments worked well enough for them with reducing their pain. They were able to cancel their scheduled surgery altogether! So if your condition begins to improve during your pre-hab program, definitely plan to speak with your physician or surgeon about the necessity of your surgery, as well as future treatment options.
Consider pre-surgical rehabilitation today:
Pre-surgical rehab offers amazing benefits for its recipients. If you decide to consult with one of our Edmonton, AB physiotherapists, you’ll be able to easily find out which treatment plan will best suit you and your needs for optimum results. Remember, the stronger, healthier, and more flexible you are going into surgery, the better off you can be coming out. This is important when we consider regaining normal functions after surgery is over.
Establishing a pre-hab program also entails that you will have a positive routine for training. You will be in better shape before your surgery. Again, all of these factors flow together to ensure the smoothest and most successful recovery possible.
If you have any questions, are planning on having surgery soon, or scheduling one for yourself to deal with a painful condition, contact ProActive Physiotherapy today to speak with one of our qualified team members. Our Edmonton, AB physiotherapy practice is dedicated to giving you all the necessary options for treatment. We want to get you started on your pre-hab program as soon as possible, so schedule your appointment today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for your surgical procedure and recovery!
