We are in the post-COVID world that has painfully learnt the age-old lesson that prevention is better than cure. But when it comes to major surgeries that involve gruelling months of post-surgery physical therapy, we would all be equally helpless… not!
If you finish today's blog, you'll be armed enough against the inevitable post-surgery blues. It might sound unbelievable, but trust us when we say there are prehab exercises specifically for surgery recovery.
And we can hear you asking just what is this mystery prehab? No biggie, just a neat little approach to getting your body in tip-top shape BEFORE surgery so that you can bounce back faster and stronger afterwards. No, we don't suggest you chug Horlicks before going under anaesthesia. It's way more interesting than that!
Prehabilitation, or "prehab" as it's often called, is a program of exercises and education designed to improve your physical and mental condition before a planned surgery. It's like building a strong foundation for your recovery.
Anyone facing a scheduled surgery, from joint replacements to cardiac procedures, can benefit from prehab. It’s particularly helpful for older adults or individuals with pre-existing conditions, as it can help them better withstand the stress of surgery.
Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't that just rehab?" Not quite. The answer is in the name itself. Rehabilitation happens after surgery, focusing on regaining lost function. Prehabilitation, on the other hand, happens before surgery, aiming to optimise your current function and build reserves.
It's like preparing for a marathon by training for months beforehand versus trying to run it cold. Both are important, but they serve completely different purposes.
The Role of Prehabilitation in Healing
Imagine your body as a construction site. Surgery is like a major renovation. If the site is already well-organised and stocked with materials, the renovation (aka healing) will go much smoother and faster.
Prehab essentially prepares the "construction site" for the upcoming "renovation." It strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts mental well-being, all contributing to a smoother surgical experience and a quicker recovery. It's good old conditioning.
A prehab program is almost always tailored to your specific needs and the type of surgery you're undergoing. It usually involves:
1. Assessment:
Your trusty doctor will evaluate your current physical condition, including muscle strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular fitness. To get a feel for your condition before any intervention.
2. Personalised Exercise Plan:
Based on the assessment, you'll receive a customised exercise program focusing on the specific areas affected by the surgery. For example, a knee surgery will prioritise joint and mobility exercises more than the others.
3. Education:
You'll learn about the surgical procedure, what to expect during recovery, and how to manage pain. Knowing dispels most of the anxiety surrounding it and is a great asset to keep the motivation up.
4. Nutritional Guidance:
Following a set diet before surgery can significantly impact healing. Through the guidance of your doctors, you can make meal plans to lean towards food that supports your body's recovery process.
5. Mental Preparation:
Addressing any anxiety or stress related to the surgery can be crucial for a positive outcome. This might involve relaxation techniques or counselling.
The benefits of prehab are numerous and well-documented:
1. Reduced post-operative Pain:
Studies have shown that patients who participate in prehab programs often experience less pain after surgery.
2. Faster Recovery:
Stronger muscles and better cardiovascular fitness mean your body is better equipped to handle the stress of surgery and recover more quickly.
3. Improved Functional Outcomes:
Prehab can help you maintain or even improve your functional abilities before surgery, which translates to a quicker return to your normal activities afterwards. It can't find your missing brain cells, but it can help keep the rest of ‘em safe.
4. Decreased Complications:
Some studies suggest prehab can reduce the risk of postoperative complications, like infections or pneumonia.
5. Shorter Hospital Stay:
Faster recovery often means a shorter stay in the hospital, which can save you time and money.
As we said, any and all programs are carefully tailored to fit your situation. So, this generalised program includes categories that Kofuku considers essential. Discuss your actual routines with your doctor.
1. Cardiovascular Exercise: Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for 30 minutes most days of the week can improve your heart.
2. Strength Training: Focus on exercises that target the muscles around the surgical site. Knee surgery might include squats, lunges, and calf raises. It could be arm raises, rotations, and rows for shoulder surgery.
3. Flexibility Exercises: Stretching can improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds.
4. Balance Exercises: Improving your balance can reduce your risk of falls, especially post-surgery when you feel weak or unsteady. Try standing on one leg for short periods or using a balance board.
5. Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help improve lung function and prevent post-operative complications.
Prehabilitation is pretty powerful when you know how to use it. By preparing your body and mind before a major surgery, you turn your body into a prime ground for successful recovery. You can get back to doing the things you love faster and stronger.
So, if you ever doubt your prehab exercises for your surgery recovery, revisit this blog to remind yourself!
I'm pretty active already. Do I really need prehab?
It's awesome that you're already active! While being generally fit is a great starting point, prehab is actually more specific than your regular workouts.
It targets the exact muscles and movements involved in your surgery and recovery. Think of it like an athlete training for their sport – you wouldn't just generally work out, you'd focus on the skills and muscles needed for that sport.
Prehab also includes education and mental prep, which are irreplaceable no matter your current fitness level. So, even if you're a gym rat, prehab can give you that extra edge for a smoother surgical journey.
My surgery is a few months away. Is it too early to start prehab?
Nope, it's never too early! The sooner you start, the more time you have to build strength, improve your fitness, and learn the necessary techniques. Even a few weeks of prehab can make a difference. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to get a personalised plan set up.
I'm nervous about exercising because I don't want to hurt myself before surgery. Is prehab safe?
Prehab is designed to be safe and beneficial. It's always supervised by qualified doctors who will tailor the exercises to your specific condition and make sure you're doing them correctly.
They'll also monitor your progress and adjust the program as needed. It helps you build strength and resilience in a controlled and safe way.
My doctor mentioned "post-op complications." Can prehab really help reduce those?
While prehab can't guarantee a complication-free surgery (nothing can!), it can significantly reduce your risk. For example, improved lung function through breathing exercises can lessen the chance of pneumonia after surgery.
Stronger muscles can help prevent blood clots and improve circulation. And better overall fitness makes your body more resilient to the stress of surgery, reducing the likelihood of other complications. Having the added support of prehab ensures a smooth transition into rehab as well.
