The Benefits of Pre-Rehab for Total Joint Replacement

Rehabilitation is typically received after the surgery is done however some doctors are now recommending “prehab.” Prehab is a fairly new concept to many that start therapy programs at least six weeks before surgery begins. Starting on rehab sooner can help patients to recover sooner and improve their outcome. The benefits of utilizing rehab techniques prior to surgery can sometimes be seen 24 hours after surgery.

Park Physical Therapy located in Massapequa treats a variety of orthotic injuries including total joint replacement. Therapists at Park Physical Therapy recommend patients receiving rehabilitation before surgery is performed. Patients benefit from education and one-on-one sessions prior to surgery. This makes them feel better as they prepare surgery and the post-rehab they will be receiving. Most patients who receive rehab go into surgery feeling more equipped and aware of the recovery ahead.

If a patient receives pre-rehabilitation care, the length of hospital stay can also be reduced from 7 days to 5 days. This suggests that pre-rehab is the safest way to reduce the length of a patient’s stay at the hospital which can also save money when it comes to your hospital stay.  

Doctors also suggest patients who are fitter and exercise regularly may be discharged sooner and respond to prehab treatment better. They will also need fewer outpatient rehab sessions after surgery and heal faster. Patients are recommended to exercises at home and always attend their PT at Park Physical Therapy and follow-ups on an as-needed basis.