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The Importance of Pre-Rehabilitation Before Knee Surgery: Setting Yourself Up for Success
If you’re preparing for knee surgery—whether it’s an ACL reconstruction, total knee replacement, or a meniscus repair—you may be wondering what you can do to ensure the best possible outcome. While post-surgical rehabilitation is widely recognized as essential, pre-rehabilitation (prehab) before knee surgery is just as crucial. Engaging in a structured physical therapy program before surgery can help you recover faster, regain function sooner, and improve overall surgical outcomes.
What is Pre-Rehabilitation?
Pre-rehabilitation, or “prehab,” is a targeted physical therapy program designed to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and optimize joint function before surgery. The goal is to put your body in the best possible condition to handle the stress of surgery and facilitate a smoother recovery.
Key Benefits of Prehab Before Knee Surgery
1. Improved Post-Surgical Outcomes
Studies show that patients who participate in a prehab program before knee surgery tend to have better range of motion, strength, and overall function postoperatively. Strengthening the muscles around the knee before surgery provides a solid foundation for recovery and helps prevent excessive muscle loss during the immobilization phase.
2. Faster Recovery & Reduced Pain
Surgery, by nature, causes inflammation, pain, and temporary weakness. Prehab helps you build better neuromuscular control and endurance so that your muscles and joints are more resilient after surgery. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with post-op exercises before surgery can reduce pain and swelling during the recovery process.
3. Enhanced Strength and Joint Stability
Weakness and instability in the knee can lead to compensatory movements, which may slow down your recovery or increase your risk of further injury. A prehab program focuses on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles to improve knee stability and movement mechanics.
4. Increased Confidence and Mental Preparedness
Going into surgery with an understanding of what to expect can significantly reduce anxiety. Prehab allows you to practice post-op exercises in advance, ensuring that you feel confident and prepared for your rehabilitation journey.
5. Potential to Shorten Hospital Stay
Research suggests that patients who complete prehab may require less time in the hospital after surgery due to improved mobility and pain control. This means you can get back to your daily activities sooner.
What Does a Knee Prehab Program Include?
A well-designed prehab program will be tailored to your specific condition and surgical procedure. However, some key components typically include:
• Strengthening exercises – Focused on the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hip stabilizers
• Range of motion exercises – To maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness
• Balance and proprioception training – To improve knee stability and reduce fall risk post-surgery
• Pain and swelling management – Techniques like ice, compression, and gentle movements to control inflammation
• Education on post-op mobility – Practicing walking with crutches or a walker before surgery can make the transition smoother
When Should You Start Prehab?
Ideally, prehab should begin at least 4-6 weeks before surgery, but even a few weeks of targeted exercises can make a difference. The earlier you start, the more benefits you can gain.
Knee surgery is a significant event, but with the right preparation, you can optimize your recovery and get back to doing what you love sooner. If you’re scheduled for knee surgery, talk to your physical therapist about starting a personalized pre-rehabilitation program to improve your outcomes.
Ready to get started? Contact our clinic today to schedule a prehab consultation and take the first step toward a smoother recovery!
Link to this study for more info:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10102876/
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