Pre-Op

Prepare for Surgery. Recover Stronger.

Pre-operative physical therapy, often called “Prehab,” is designed to help patients physically prepare for upcoming surgery by improving strength, mobility, flexibility, and overall function before the procedure takes place.

At our clinic, we help patients enter surgery stronger, better educated, and more confident about the recovery process. Research and clinical experience have shown that patients who participate in pre-operative rehabilitation often experience smoother recoveries and improved post-surgical outcomes.

Whether you are preparing for joint replacement, spinal surgery, or an orthopedic procedure, our team creates individualized treatment plans to help optimize your recovery before surgery even begins.

What Is Prehab?

Prehab is a proactive rehabilitation program performed before surgery to help improve your physical condition and prepare your body for the demands of recovery afterward.

The goals of pre-operative therapy include:

  • Improving strength and mobility
  • Reducing pain and stiffness
  • Improving flexibility and endurance
  • Educating patients on post-operative expectations
  • Practicing safe movement strategies
  • Building confidence before surgery

Prehab can help patients feel more prepared both physically and mentally for surgery and recovery.

Why Is Pre-Operative Therapy Important?

Surgery places stress on the body, and recovery often requires rebuilding strength, mobility, and function afterward. Entering surgery with better movement, conditioning, and understanding of the rehabilitation process may help improve recovery progression.

Potential benefits of pre-operative therapy include:

  • Improved post-surgical mobility
  • Better strength before surgery
  • Faster return to functional activity
  • Improved confidence with recovery
  • Reduced stiffness and deconditioning
  • Better understanding of post-operative exercises and precautions

Surgeries Commonly Supported by Prehab

Joint Replacement Surgery

  • Total knee replacement
  • Total hip replacement
  • Shoulder replacement

Spine Surgery

  • Cervical fusion
  • Lumbar fusion
  • Discectomy
  • Laminectomy and decompression procedures

Sports & Orthopedic Procedures

  • ACL reconstruction
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Labral repair
  • Meniscus surgery
  • Tendon repair procedures

What to Expect During Pre-Operative Therapy

Your therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess:

  • Strength
  • Mobility and flexibility
  • Balance and stability
  • Walking mechanics
  • Pain levels
  • Functional limitations
  • Current activity tolerance

Based on your surgery and goals, your personalized program may include:

Strengthening Exercises

Improving muscle strength before surgery can help support post-operative recovery and function.

Mobility & Flexibility Training

Maintaining or improving joint mobility may help reduce stiffness and improve movement after surgery.

Balance & Stability Training

Balance training may improve safety and confidence before and after surgery.

Cardiovascular Conditioning

Improving overall conditioning can support endurance during recovery.

Education & Recovery Preparation

Patients learn:

  • What to expect after surgery
  • Post-operative precautions
  • Safe transfers and movement strategies
  • Use of assistive devices if needed
  • Early post-operative exercises

Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Patients preparing for knee or hip replacement often benefit from:

  • Improving leg strength
  • Practicing walking mechanics
  • Learning stair navigation techniques
  • Improving flexibility and mobility
  • Preparing the home environment for recovery

Prehab may also help patients better understand the rehabilitation timeline after surgery.

Preparing for Spine Surgery

For patients preparing for spinal procedures, therapy may focus on:

  • Core stabilization
  • Improving mobility safely
  • Postural education
  • Movement training
  • Body mechanics instruction
  • Reducing fear of movement and guarding

We also educate patients on post-operative positioning, movement precautions, and gradual return to activity.

Individualized Care for Every Patient

Every surgery and every patient are different. Your treatment plan will be customized based on:

  • Your procedure
  • Current fitness and mobility level
  • Pain and symptom severity
  • Functional goals
  • Surgeon recommendations

Our therapists work closely with patients to help them feel physically prepared and confident entering surgery.

Integrated Orthopedic Care

Our pre-operative rehabilitation programs may incorporate:

  • Orthopedic physical therapy
  • Manual therapy
  • Functional movement training
  • Balance and gait training
  • McKenzie Institute International Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) principles when appropriate
  • LightForce Class IV laser therapy to help manage pain and mobility limitations

Why Choose Our Clinic?

Personalized One-on-One Care

Every prehab program is tailored to your surgery, goals, and recovery needs.

Orthopedic & Spine Rehabilitation Expertise

We specialize in preparing patients for orthopedic and spinal procedures.

Focus on Education & Confidence

We help patients understand the recovery process so they feel more prepared and less anxious before surgery.

Goal-Oriented Recovery Planning

Our team works to help optimize your strength, mobility, and function before surgery to support successful outcomes afterward.

Prepare for a Stronger Recovery

Surgery is only one part of the recovery process. Preparing your body beforehand may help improve your confidence, mobility, and overall rehabilitation experience.

Schedule Your Pre-Operative Evaluation

Contact our office today to begin your personalized prehab program and prepare for a stronger recovery.