Most people think physical therapy begins after surgery. However, for many orthopedic procedures, starting therapy beforehand, often called “prehab”, can improve recovery and help patients return to their activities sooner.

Pre-operative therapy is a structured physical therapy program completed before a planned surgery, ideally beginning four to six weeks prior to the procedure. The goal is simple: prepare your body for the demands of surgery and recovery.

What Is Prehab?

Prehab focuses on improving strength, mobility, and overall physical readiness before surgery. Research has shown that patients who participate in pre-surgery physical therapy often experience faster functional recovery, improved strength, and fewer complications following surgery.

Just as athletes train before competition, prehab helps patients build a stronger foundation before undergoing a major procedure.

Which Surgeries Benefit Most from Prehab?

Many orthopedic surgeries can benefit from pre-operative physical therapy, including:

Total Knee Replacement (TKA)

Restoring knee range of motion, particularly knee extension, is a vital step in preparing the knee for surgery.  Building strength in the quadriceps, hips, and core before surgery can make it easier to regain mobility and function afterward.

ACL Reconstruction (ACLR)

ACL prehab focuses on 3 specific goals: reducing swelling, improving quadriceps activation/strength, and restoring knee extension range of motion.  These are the 3 most powerful predictors of success after ACL reconstruction.

Total Shoulder Replacement (TSA)

Prehab can help improve shoulder mobility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and prepare patients for post-operative movement restrictions.

Spinal Fusion

Patients undergoing spinal surgery often benefit from improving core strength, posture, and movement patterns before their procedure.

What Happens During Pre-Operative Therapy?

Every plan is individualized, but a typical prehab program may include:

• Baseline measurements of strength and range of motion
• Prehab exercises to strengthen supporting muscles
• Education about post-operative precautions
• Practice using assistive devices if needed
• Guidance on home and workplace setup
• A review of what to expect during the first weeks after surgery

Many patients find that understanding the recovery process ahead of time helps reduce anxiety and increases confidence going into surgery.

How to Coordinate Prehab With Your Surgeon

If you have a planned surgery on the calendar, ask your surgeon about beginning pre-operative physical therapy four to six weeks before your procedure. In many cases, your physician can provide a referral that allows your therapist and surgical team to coordinate care and establish recovery goals before surgery even begins.  Even if your surgeon doesn’t recommend or refer you for prehab, you have the right to refer yourself in South Carolina and give yourself the best chance for a successful outcome from surgery.  

Contact Limitless Therapy & Wellness for Prehab in South Carolina

While surgery may be necessary to address pain or restore function, the work you do beforehand can have a significant impact on your outcome. Pre-operative therapy helps patients enter surgery stronger, more prepared, and better equipped for the recovery process ahead.

To learn more about pre and post-operative physical therapy, contact Limitless Therapy & Wellness and schedule an evaluation before your upcoming procedure.