What is prehab?

Published 08 May 2023

We’ve all heard of rehabilitation – physical support or intervention to optimise your ability and function, often in the context of post injury or operation. But what is prehabilitation? Geelong Physiotherapy’s Rachel Payne BHlthSc. M.Physio Prac explains.

We’ve all heard of rehabilitation – physical support or intervention to optimise your ability and function, often in the context of post injury or operation. But what is prehabilitation? Geelong Physiotherapy’s Rachel Payne BHlthSc. M.Physio Prac explains.

Prehabilitation or Prehab is rehabilitation prior to surgery to improve strength and fitness in preparation for the surgery. This enhances the ability to achieve a good surgical outcome and can reduce the length of recovery needed afterwards.

What are the benefits of prehab?
Prehab can reduce your hospital stay, or the length of your rehabilitation post-surgery, and optimise surgical outcomes.

Many patients tell me how much easier their rehabilitation is after surgery when they have completed a period of prehab. For one, it familiarises you with similar exercises that will be needed afterwards - everyone wants the shortest recovery time possible!

Although prehab won’t always mean that your post- surgery journey is smooth or short, as with any surgery complications can happen, it can give you the best chance for the greatest outcome.

Who is prehab recommended for?
Common surgeries where prehab will often be encouraged are total or partial knee replacements or hip and shoulder replacement surgeries.

These surgeries are usually associated with a loss of strength and functional capacity afterwards and involve long periods of rehabilitation. The theory behind prehab is that the stronger and fitter you are prior to surgery, the better your recovery will be.

How do I know if prehab is suitable?
It’s best to get the advice from a therapist trained in exercise prescription. Prehab may involve a home exercise program prescribed by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, trained to guide you in exercises tailored to your specific needs. It could also include hydrotherapy – exercises in warm water. Hydrotherapy is a great option if exercising on land is difficult or causes pain, as the warm water can help you to move more easily.

It’s best to start prehab a few months before any prospective surgery to allow time to build strength but it can be started any time leading up to surgery.

Exercises used in prehab may involve a combination of:

• Strength based exercises
• Exercises to improve balance or flexibility
• Functional activities such as standing from a sitting position
• Cardiovascular/ aerobic exercise aimed at increasing general fitness like walking.

Learn more:

• Get the advice of a health professional trained in exercise prescription, such as a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, or speak to your specialist
• Any exercise is better than nothing and can prepare you for upcoming post-surgery rehab
• GMHBA’s Going to Hospital guide provides step by step information on what to expect from specialists, how to avoid unexpected out of pockets if you go to hospital and the right questions to ask about your care.

Cover for prehabilitation
Eligible GMHBA members have access to physiotherapy, exercise physiology and hydrotherapy in their extras. Log in to member area to view your cover.