The Benefits of Pre-Operative Physical Therapy

The benefits of post-operative physical therapy are generally well known, but many may not realize how important it is to prepare both mentally and physically for an upcoming surgery with pre-operative rehabilitation. Participating in a structured physical therapy program prior to surgery has been shown to improve your overall recovery, reduce the risk of complications, and significantly reduce the use of post-acute care services (skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation).

Pre-operative rehabilitation has been associated with better outcomes after ACL reconstruction, hip and knee replacement, hip fractures, and other major medical surgeries. Patients have been shown to benefit from as little as 1-2 sessions and up to 6 weeks of care depending on their diagnosis and functional status. We recommend starting physical therapy approximately 1 month prior to your surgery.

The goals of a pre-operative program include:

• Education regarding what to expect from surgery, how to best prepare and any precautions you may have afterwards
• Gain a good understanding of the exercises you will perform after surgery and how to properly use any assistive devices (cane, crutches, walker)
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Restore range of motion
• Improve muscular control and strength around the injury area
• Improve overall health and fitness levels

At Physical Solutions our physical therapists are specialized in helping you prepare for surgery and managing your rehabilitation afterwards. Do you have an upcoming surgery? Call us today to see how we can help you achieve a successful recovery.

References:

Hoogeboom TJ, et al. Merits of exercise therapy before and after major surgery. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2014 Apr; 27(2): 161–166

Snow R, et al. Associations Between Preoperative Physical Therapy and Post-Acute Care Utilization Patterns and Cost in Total Joint Replacement. JBJS. 2014 Oct; 96(19): e165

Grindem H, et al. How does a combined preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation programme influence the outcome of ACL reconstruction. Br J Sports Med. 2015; 49: 385–389

Rooks DS, et al. Effect of Preoperative Exercise on Measures of Functional Status in Men and Women Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Arthritis Care & Research. 2006 Oct

Moyer R, et al. The Value of Preoperative Exercise and Education for Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. JBJS. 2017 Dec; 5(12): e2

Snow R, et al. Associations Between Preoperative Physical Therapy and Post-Acute Care Utilization Patterns and Cost in Total Joint Replacement. JBJS. 2014 Oct; 96(19): e165

Swank AM, et al. Prehabilitation before total knee arthroplasty increases strength and function in older adults with severe osteoarthritis. J Strength Condition Research. 2011 Feb; 25(2): 318-25

Failla MJ, et al. Does Extended Preoperative Rehabilitation Influence Outcomes 2 Years After ACL Reconstruction? Am J Sports Med.2016 Oct: 44(10): 2608-2614