If you’re preparing for surgery, you’ve likely heard about the importance of post-op rehabilitation. But what about prehab therapy? Prehabilitation—or “prehab”—is a proactive approach to strengthening your body before surgery, helping you achieve a smoother recovery. Whether you're scheduled for ACL reconstruction, a shoulder procedure, or another orthopedic surgery, prehab therapy can set you up for success.
At Vail-Summit Physical Therapy (VSPT), we emphasize the importance of prehab to optimize your outcomes. Here are the top five reasons to incorporate prehab therapy into your surgical plan.
1. Prehab Therapy Can Speed Up Recovery
The stronger and more mobile you are before surgery, the easier it is to regain function afterward. Prehab therapy helps improve flexibility, strength, and endurance, allowing your body to bounce back more efficiently post-op. Studies show that patients who complete a structured prehab program experience shorter hospital stays and faster rehabilitation.
For those undergoing ACL surgery, ACL prehab focuses on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and core to enhance knee stability before the procedure. Similarly, shoulder prehab aims to improve mobility and rotator cuff strength, reducing post-surgical stiffness and discomfort.
2. It Helps Reduce Pain Before and After Surgery
Pain management is a significant concern for surgical patients. By engaging in prehab therapy, you can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint—all of which contribute to decreased pain levels.
For example, ACL prehab exercises, such as controlled squats and balance drills, can activate the muscles around the knee, offering greater joint support. Likewise, shoulder prehab may include resistance band exercises to reinforce the rotator cuff, minimizing discomfort and aiding recovery.
3. Prehab Therapy Improves Strength and Stability
Surgery can temporarily weaken muscles and impact joint function. Prehab therapy helps counteract this by ensuring your muscles, ligaments, and tendons are as strong as possible before the procedure.
Patients undergoing ACL prehab often focus on building leg strength through exercises like step-ups and leg presses, which enhance post-op mobility. Those preparing for shoulder surgery may benefit from shoulder prehab exercises targeting the deltoids, trapezius, and scapular stabilizers to support a successful recovery.
4. It Reduces the Risk of Post-Surgical Complications
One of the biggest challenges after surgery is regaining mobility. Prehab therapy ensures you enter surgery in the best possible condition, which can reduce the risk of complications like stiffness, muscle atrophy, and blood clots.
A structured ACL prehab program enhances neuromuscular control, teaching your body how to move efficiently before surgery. Similarly, shoulder prehab helps maintain joint mobility, preventing the development of frozen shoulder or excessive scar tissue formation.
5. You’ll Be Mentally and Physically Prepared for Surgery
Going into surgery with confidence can make a significant difference in your mindset and recovery. Prehab therapy not only conditions your body but also educates you on post-surgical expectations, preparing you for the rehabilitation process ahead.
By working with a skilled physical therapist at VSPT, you’ll develop the strength, flexibility, and mental readiness to tackle your recovery head-on. Whether you’re undergoing ACL reconstruction, a rotator cuff repair, or another procedure, a personalized prehab therapy plan can set you on the path to success.
Ready to Start Your Prehab Program?
If you have an upcoming surgery, don’t wait until after your procedure to begin physical therapy. Prehab therapy can make a world of difference in your recovery, helping you regain strength, mobility, and confidence faster.
At Vail-Summit Physical Therapy, our expert team specializes in ACL prehab, shoulder prehab, and other pre-surgical programs to help you achieve the best possible outcomes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to a stronger recovery!
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