Briana Wasielewski, PTA, CCCE, BS
Having the best rehab after surgery is one of the top priorities of all surgical candidates. Many spend a lot of time getting the best surgeon in place, getting their place to rest in order, and thinking about who can help them with daily life and getting to and from appointments once the surgery is done. While these are all things one should think about prior to surgery, many are not thinking about what they can do to ultimately increase their chances of having a better surgical outcome: exercise prior to surgery. Exercise comes in many forms and is something everyone can do prior to surgery. If done appropriately, exercise before surgery will likely make recovery better. Who better to help figure out your unique pre-op exercise plan than a physical therapist!
First, a physical therapist will discuss and evaluate your reason for surgery. Many times the reason a patient is thinking about having surgery is that they have pain or their movement is affected. Exercise is usually not something surgical candidates think they can or should do before considering surgery. Prehab exercise is specifically designed by physical therapists to improve the outcome of patients’ post-surgical rehab. The idea here is “the better going into the surgery, the better coming out”. Whether that means breathing exercises, simple strengthening, flexibility work, or practicing how to use crutches, seeing a physical therapist before surgery can help the healing process in the long run.
A physical therapist prehab visit also gives the opportunity for surgical candidates to ask questions specifically about the most dreaded part of having surgery: the recovery. Physical therapists are experts in rehabilitation and can tell you exactly what to expect in recovery, and how to prepare yourself with pain management tools.
If you are thinking about having surgery or know someone who is, make sure you prepare yourself and your body by seeing one of our physical/occupational therapists.
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