Prehabilitation

• Assessing Baseline Functionality:
  Pre-surgery physical therapy begins with an assessment of the patient's baseline functionality. This evaluation helps the physical therapist understand the patient's current physical condition, range of motion, strength, and any areas of weakness or imbalance. By establishing a baseline, the therapist can tailor the prehabilitation program to address the specific needs of the individual patient. Understanding a patient’s concerns and difficulties prior to surgery and their lifestyle allows therapists to provide education to help reduce complications after the surgery. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Monroeville, employs the Safety Overhead System which is a body harness suspended from a rail system attached to the upper structure of the building. The System allows therapists to assess current level of function within a safe environment without fear of the patient falling or being injured.  
• Improving Strength and Mobility:
  One of the primary goals of pre-surgery physical therapy is to improve strength and mobility in the affected area, as able and guided by pain levels. Through targeted exercises and stretches, patients can increase muscle strength, improve joint flexibility, and enhance overall mobility. This is particularly important for the joints around the affected area. Improving strength and muscle stability prior to surgery not only prepares the body for the demands of surgery but also facilitates a smoother recovery process post-surgery, and increased return to function. Additionally, overall body conditioning is vital to prepare for surgical procedures and can help reduce post-surgical side effects and complications. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Monroeville Physical Therapists will develop an individualized treatment plan that focuses on whole body wellness to optimally prepare for surgery. 
• Reducing Pain and Inflammation:
  Many patients scheduled for surgery experience pain and inflammation in the affected area. Pre-surgery physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms through techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and modalities. By reducing pain and inflammation before surgery, patients may experience a more comfortable recovery and require less post-operative pain medication. Participating in prehab can reduce the number of pain medications during recovery. With overall reduced inflammation, recovery times improve, and patients return to function significantly faster.  
• Enhancing Surgical Outcomes:
  Research has shown that patients who undergo prehabilitation before surgery tend to have better surgical outcomes (Durrand J, Singh SJ, Danjoux G., 2019). Any surgical procedure exerts high demand on the body and requires additional nutrient and oxygen support. Prehabilitation can help to prepare the body for surgery to improve the body’s ability to heal post-surgery. By optimizing physical function prior to surgery, patients may experience shorter hospital stays, reduced risk of complications, and faster return to normal activities, while taking less pain medication. Preparing for surgery both mentally and emotionally is vital for a successful outcome. Prehabilitation can assist patients to prepare for the mental and emotional challenges of surgery, leading to improved quality of life.   
• Facilitating Post-Surgery Recovery:
  Perhaps the most significant benefit of pre-surgery physical therapy is its role in facilitating post-operative recovery. By laying the foundation for rehabilitation before surgery, patients can transition more smoothly into post-surgery rehabilitation programs. The benefits of pre-surgery physical therapy include building a rapport with your physical therapist, having an established home exercise program, and being scheduled for therapy as soon as medically cleared. The result will be overall improved continuity of care to promote faster recovery, improved functional outcomes, and reduced risk of post-surgery complications. The Physical Therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Monroeville therapists will ensure a seamless transition and can assist with post-surgery pain and inflammation within days of surgery!  

CONCLUSION

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Monroeville