Pre-habilitation refers to the process of preparing your body for surgery. This can include physical exercises and other interventions aimed at improving your overall health and well-being before undergoing a surgical procedure.
The goal of pre-habilitation is to reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery, speed up recovery time, and improve overall outcomes!
We can’t avoid surgery at times!
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there were over 5 million hospitalisations in Australia in the 2017-2018 financial year, and of those, approximately 1.4 million involved a surgical procedure.
This means the stats don’t life, a huge number of us will be faced with a surgical situation, what is important is how we prepare and recover from the invasive procedures!
What are typical recovery times for surgery?
The length of recovery time following surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, the individual’s health, and other factors such as age and lifestyle. However, there are some surgeries that typically have longer recovery times than others. Here are a few examples:
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- Joint replacement surgery: Hip and knee replacement surgeries are common procedures that require a significant amount of time for recovery. On average, it can take up to six months to fully recover from joint replacement surgery, although some people may take longer.
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- Spinal surgery: Surgeries involving the spine, such as spinal fusion, can also take a long time to recover from. Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but it can take several months to a year to fully recover.
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- Open-heart surgery: Open-heart surgery is a complex procedure that requires a lengthy recovery period. Patients may spend several days in the hospital following the surgery and may need several weeks or months to fully recover.
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- Bariatric surgery: Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, can also require a lengthy recovery time. Patients may need several weeks to recover and may need to make significant lifestyle changes to support their weight loss goals.
It’s important to note that the length of recovery time can vary widely depending on the individual and the specifics of the surgery. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect during the recovery process and how to best prepare yourself for a successful recovery.
How can a physiotherapist help with pre-habilitation?
A physiotherapist can play a vital role in pre-habilitation by helping you to improve your physical health and fitness before surgery. They can work with you to develop a tailored exercise program aimed at strengthening your muscles, improving your flexibility and range of motion, and increasing your endurance.
Some of the key benefits of pre-habilitation include:
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- Improved physical health: Pre-habilitation can help to strengthen your muscles and improve your overall fitness, making it easier to cope with the physical demands of surgery and reduce the risk of post-operative complications.
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- Faster recovery time: By improving your physical health before surgery, you can reduce your recovery time and get back to your normal activities sooner.
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- Reduced risk of complications: Pre-habilitation can help to reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery, such as infections, blood clots, and breathing difficulties.
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- Better overall outcomes: By preparing your body for surgery, you may experience better overall outcomes and a higher quality of life after surgery.
When should you consider pre-habilitation?
Pre-habilitation may be recommended for a wide range of surgical procedures, including joint replacements, cardiac surgery, and cancer surgery.
If you have a planned surgery coming up, it’s a good idea to speak to our team about pre-habilitation. We can work with you to develop an individualised exercise program based on your needs and goals.
It’s important to note that pre-habilitation is not a replacement for medical care. It is essential to work with your doctor or surgeon to ensure that pre-habilitation is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.
Why choose Fortius Allied Health?
Fortius Allied Health is a team of experienced and highly qualified physiotherapists who specialise in pre-habilitation.
Our team works with a wide range of clients approaching joint replacement surgery, preparing them physically and mentally for the procedure. Through tailored exercise programs, our team optimises strength and mobility, enhancing post-surgery outcomes. This proactive approach ensures clients are well-prepared and recover with greater ease and confidence.
If you’re planning to undergo surgery in the near future, consider reaching out to our team to get you prepared.
