3 Benefits of a Prehab Program
Physical Therapy has been known to show incredible benefits for those who are suffering from acute or chronic injuries. In some instances, physical therapy will be a staple in a patient’s journey through rehabilitation, especially if there was a surgery involved. However, did you know that starting physical therapy BEFORE surgery can lead to improved outcomes? This is what “PREHAB” is all about! Will Smith said “...if you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready”. Prehab is focused on creating a positive environment for the client leading up to a surgical procedure, to ensure a successful outcome and quicker recovery. Here are 3 benefits to completing a Prehab program:
Decreased Stiffness & Swelling
When a client has suffered an injury that requires a surgical procedure, generally that injury was significant enough to cause pain, stiffness and swelling in that region. The primary focus of prehab is to reduce swelling/stiffness, restore functional range of motion and improve daily activities. Manual therapy techniques will help to reduce swelling, which will decrease pain in return! Once the joint integrity is restored, joint mobilizations and light exercise will help to reduce daily stiffness and irritation.
Improve Strength
The next step in a successful prehab program will be strength development of the injured region. This includes the muscles directly involved but also the surrounding musculature as well. By focusing on creating strength gains before surgery, the body will respond better to the procedure, heal faster and remain strong throughout the post-surgical recovery.
Reduce Atrophy
Atrophy is the loss of muscle mass following a period of inactivity. Oftentimes, the client will lose muscle size & density following surgery due to restrictive bracing, nerve blocks, general weakness and the inability to move properly. Research has shown that atrophy is less likely to occur and will play a smaller role during recovery in clients who participate in prehab programs prior to surgery.
If you or someone you know is dealing with an injury that requires a surgical procedure, do not hesitate to inquire about our prehab programs here at Restore Physical Therapy. With our office connected to Olympia Fitness + Performance, we have all of the necessary equipment needed to prehab and rehab all types of injuries pre/post surgery.
Click the button below to fill out a form for a FREE Discovery Session to tell us more about your injury and your goals, so that we can be your source for the best recovery you can imagine!