The Importance of Prehab

Prepare your Body for Surgery

When facing surgery, most of us focus on the procedure itself and the recovery that follows. However, there is an often-overlooked phase that can significantly impact your surgical outcomes: pre-habilitation or prehab. Think of it as training for your body before it undergoes the big event. Just as athletes prepare rigorously for competitions, preparing your body for surgery can set you up for a smoother recovery and better long-term results.

What is Prehab?

Prehabilitation is a proactive approach to enhance your physical and mental condition before surgery. It typically involves a tailored exercise programme and strategies to optimise your health and mindset. The aim is to strengthen the body, improve resilience and outcomes, and reduce post-operative complications. The concept is grounded in evidence-based medicine. Research shows that prehab can reduce hospital stays, lower the risk of complications, and speed up recovery. It’s particularly beneficial for orthopaedic surgeries, such as joint replacements or ACL repairs, and procedures requiring significant downtime. At BodySmart, we specialise in guiding you through personalised prehab programs to help you achieve the best possible surgical outcomes. We offer additional services such as clinical Pilates, gait analysis, and massage therapy to further enhance your readiness and recovery.

Why is Prehab Important?

1. Improved Recovery Times
Studies indicate that patients who engage in prehab recover faster and regain mobility sooner. For example, a systematic review in the Journal of Physiotherapy found that pre-operative exercises led to reduced pain and enhanced functional outcomes in patients undergoing knee and hip replacements.

2. Reduced Risk of Complications
Building strength and improving cardiovascular fitness before surgery can lower the risk of complications like blood clots or infections. Stronger muscles also mean less atrophy during periods of immobility post-surgery.

3. Enhanced Mental Preparedness
Prehab isn’t just physical; it’s also about preparing mentally. Surgery can be daunting, but focusing on your physical preparation gives you a sense of control and optimism, which can positively impact recovery.

Key Components of Prehab

1. Exercise

Prehab exercise programs are customised to target the area undergoing surgery while
improving overall fitness.

• Strength Training: Focuses on building muscle around the surgical site to support recovery.
• Cardio Workouts: Boosts heart and lung efficiency, essential for handling
  anaesthesia and post-op recovery.
• Flexibility and Balance
• Helps maintain joint range of motion, optimum function and reduces the risk of injuries and falls after surgery.
• Massage Therapy
  Regular massage sessions can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote
  relaxation, all of which contribute to better surgical outcomes and recovery.
• Gait Analysis
  For those undergoing lower-limb surgeries, gait analysis can identify movement patterns and
  imbalances that may need correction before surgery. Addressing these issues can enhance
  post-operative mobility and reduce the risk of further injury.
• Clinical Pilates
  Clinical Pilates offers a low-impact way to strengthen, improve posture, and increase
  stability, making it an excellent addition to your prehab plan. Our certified instructors at
  BodySmart tailor each session to your specific needs and goals.

Fun Facts About Prehab

• Faster than the Tortoise: Patients who engage in prehab can reduce hospital stays by up to 2 days compared to those who don’t.
  Silver, J.K., et al. (2022)Prehabilitation and its impact on hospital length of stay: A prospective cohort study
• A Boost to Brainpower: Exercise before surgery has been shown to reduce post-operative cognitive decline, especially in older adults. Sharma, R., et al. (2021)Prehabilitation and its role in preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction: Insights from clinical studies." The Lancet Healthy Longevity.
• Athletes’ Secret Weapon: Elite athletes often use prehab techniques to prevent injuries, highlighting its importance beyond surgery. Van Dijk, W., et al. (2023)Injury prevention and recovery: The emerging role of prehabilitation in sports medicine; The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Final Thoughts

Prehab is about setting the stage for success. Whether you’re an athlete or someone preparing for a major procedure, investing in prehab can yield significant dividends in recovery and overall well-being. It’s not just preparation; it’s a performance plan for your health. At BodySmart, we are dedicated to helping you navigate this critical phase with expertise and care. Visit BodySmart to learn more and start your journey to recovery today.