The Power of PREHAB before a Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery, while often necessary for those suffering from debilitating knee pain, can be a daunting prospect. However, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that preparing your body with prehabilitation exercises before surgery can significantly improve your recovery outcomes. In this blog post, we'll explore the scientific evidence supporting the use of prehabilitation exercises prior to knee replacement surgery and how they can transform your recovery.

Prehabilitation, or "prehab," involves a series of exercises and interventions designed to optimize your physical condition before surgery. These exercises are tailored to improve muscle strength, range of motion, and overall physical function, with the goal of enhancing your body's ability to recover after surgery. Prehabilitation programs typically include a combination of strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardiovascular conditioning.

Benefit #1 - Improved Muscle Strength and Function

One of the key benefits of prehabilitation exercises is their ability to improve muscle strength and function before surgery. Research published in the Journal of Arthroplasty in 2018 found that prehabilitation exercises significantly improved quadriceps muscle strength in patients awaiting knee replacement surgery. Stronger muscles can provide better support to your knee joint, leading to improved postoperative outcomes.

Benefit #2: Reduced Pain and Disability

Prehabilitation exercises have also been shown to reduce pain and disability levels in individuals awaiting knee replacement surgery. A study published in Clinical Rehabilitation in 2019 reported reductions in pain and disability following prehabilitation interventions. By addressing these issues before surgery, prehabilitation can help improve your quality of life and overall satisfaction with the surgical outcome.

Benefit #3: Enhanced Postoperative Recovery

Several studies have demonstrated that prehabilitation programs can enhance postoperative recovery outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research in 2019 found that prehabilitation was associated with shorter hospital stays, improved functional outcomes, and reduced complication rates following knee replacement surgery. These findings highlight the importance of preparing your body for surgery to achieve better recovery outcomes.

Benefit #4: Psychological Benefits

In addition to physical benefits, prehabilitation exercises can also offer psychological benefits. Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research in 2020 found that prehabilitation interventions incorporating psychological support led to improved psychological well-being and coping strategies among patients awaiting knee replacement surgery. By addressing psychological factors before surgery, prehabilitation can help reduce preoperative anxiety and improve patient confidence and readiness for surgery.

Benefit #5: Cost-Effectiveness

Another important aspect of prehabilitation is its potential cost-effectiveness. A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in 2018 found that prehabilitation was associated with reduced healthcare costs and improved cost-effectiveness compared to standard care in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. By reducing the need for postoperative rehabilitation and medical interventions, prehabilitation can lead to cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems

Prehabilitation exercises before knee replacement surgery can have a transformative effect on your recovery. By improving muscle strength, reducing pain and disability, enhancing postoperative recovery, and offering psychological benefits, prehabilitation can help you achieve better outcomes and a faster return to your normal activities. If you're considering knee replacement surgery, talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating prehabilitation exercises into your treatment plan to optimize your recovery journey

To see all these tips in action - watch the video ⬇

Do you want to get stronger, fitter, and reduce your knee pain before surgery... then join the Total Knee Prep Course and in only 6 weeks transform your strength and confidence from the comfort of your own home.

Imagine waking up after surgery feeling relaxed but excited to get started on your knee rehab, with an inner confidence that you have all the skills and tools you ’ll need to get moving on your own, start exercising, and controlling your knee pain during your recovery

If you already know that you are going to have a knee replacement and you want to prepare to have a successful recovery after surgery, then joining the Total Knee Prep Course is the next best step you can take.

'“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase” – Martin Luther King, Jr