Prehab can aid recovery after surgery

Most people have heard of physical therapy, also referred to as rehab. But how about prehab?

Prehab, or prehabilitation, refers to a therapy program designed to prepare an individual for surgery or to prevent injury from occurring in the first place. The goal of prehab is to reduce post-surgical recovery time or to maintain physical health for daily living, work, or sport.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a study showed that prehab used for joint replacements reduced the need for post-surgical rehabilitation services by 29 percent.

A general prehab program incorporates a warm-up component, cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, stretching, and functional activities related to daily living.

The concept behind prehab is the development of muscle memory, which enhances communication between the brain and muscles. Improving this communication prior to surgery aids recovery and helps restore normal movement patterns following the procedure.

Examples of muscle memory are present in everyday activities that become automatic with practice, such as riding a bicycle, typing on a keyboard, or playing a musical instrument.

One risk associated with muscle memory is that learning or practicing a skill incorrectly—such as using poor form or technique—can be difficult to unlearn. This is why it is important to seek skilled guidance when first learning a new task to ensure proper technique and muscle recruitment.

Physical therapists develop customized prehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs. These programs may be continued into rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of muscle memory and support optimal recovery.