Pre-surgical rehabilitation, also called pre-hab, addresses muscle weakness, limited range of motion, and chronic pain before surgery. Starting physical therapy a month or so before surgery can help you enter your procedure stronger and more resilient, supporting better post-operative outcomes and a smoother recovery.
Planned strength training, mobility work, and cardiovascular conditioning help improve physical function and prepare your body for the demands of surgery and recovery.
Targeted activities can improve coordination, balance, proprioception, and the nervous system’s ability to control movement before and after surgery.
Corrective exercises address movement imbalances, while activation work helps muscles recruit effectively to support joints and maintain strength.
Pre-hab can promote pain relief, improve range of motion and movement patterns, increase stamina, and help reduce the amount of strength lost after a procedure. By learning exercises and strategies before surgery, you can establish a positive routine to carry into post-surgical rehabilitation. In some cases, meaningful improvement in pain and function may prompt a conversation with your physician about future treatment options.
A Knox Physical Therapy clinician can complete a thorough evaluation and create a plan focused on your needs, procedure, and goals. We will help you improve strength, flexibility, movement quality, and confidence so you are as healthy as possible going into surgery—and ready to regain normal function afterward.