PHYSICAL THERAPY BEFORE SURGERY?
WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE ‘PREHABILITATION’ A PART OF YOUR RECOVERY
Physical therapy has become a common part of most post-surgery rehabilitation routines. However, did you know that going through physical therapy prior to your surgery can benefit your recovery process as well? Strange as it might sound, strengthening your muscles and joints before surgery — after which they’ll most certainly be weaker — can ensure that you recover faster. This is called “prehabilitation,” or prehab, and it’s a great way to help you get back to doing what you love after an operation. In general, the healthier you are going into a surgery, the better poised you will be to have a speedy recovery. When you visit our office for prehab appointments, one of our physical therapists can walk you through a series of stretches and exercises focused on strengthening the body part prior to surgery. Prehab exercises
benefit your overall health and help reduce post- surgery symptoms, like swelling and muscular atrophy. This can also help shorten your hospital stay and decrease the time you spend doing post- surgery rehab. During prehab, our physical therapists can help you prepare to do daily activities post-surgery, such as maneuvering out of bed, using the toilet, walking down stairs, and using crutches. Since your PT will know your current range of motion, they can also help you create goals to get back to it during your recovery. The recovery process can be tedious and frustrating, so it’s helpful to have some goals in mind. Doing so will help you track your progress and stay motivated in your recovery.
that it eliminates the need for surgery altogether. As physical therapists, it’s our goal to help our patients get back to doing what they love by any noninvasive means possible. Sometimes surgery is necessary, and that’s okay — but if you could recover without surgery, wouldn’t you try? In order to get the most out of your prehabilitation routine, most health experts recommend starting prehab appointments with a physical therapist at least six weeks before your scheduled surgery. However, starting a prehab routine even two weeks before your surgery can benefit you in recovery. While prehab is beneficial, it’s important to know that not every insurance program will cover it. So, check with your insurance provider before you start. Nevertheless, the benefits of prehabilitation make it an option worth seriously considering.
It should also be noted that, while not incredibly common, sometimes prehab can be so effective
TAKE A BREAK
Nothing pulls together a salad quite like a delicious Caesar dressing. This
easy vegan recipe takes just five minutes to make and keeps for 5–7 days in the fridge.
INGREDIENTS
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2 tsp capers, minced
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1/4 cup hummus
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3 tsp caper brining juice
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp spicy mustard
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Hot water, as needed
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1/2 tsp lemon zest
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, add all ingredients and whisk to combine. 2. If needed, add a bit of hot water to thin the dressing until it will pour. 3. Serve with salad or refrigerate for later!
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