Not many patients would consider strength training to be an integral part of preparations for orthopaedic surgery, especially when their normal routine doesn’t typically include muscle-building exercises. Even those who have never set foot in a gym are advised by their orthopaedic surgeon to adopt a pre-surgery strength training regimen for optimal recovery. This guide explores the prehab trend in Tampa and why more people are giving it a try.
Reach out to Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay today to learn more about our pre-rehabilitation services and to book an appointment.
What Is Prehab?
Prehab is a personalized exercise and physical therapy program designed to improve your body’s readiness for orthopedic surgery. Rather than waiting until after your procedure to begin rehabilitation, prehab allows you to build strength and mobility beforehand.
Depending on your condition, a prehab program may include:
- Strength training
- Stretching and flexibility exercises
- Balance and stability training
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Cardiovascular conditioning
- Education on post-operative recovery
Every patient is different, which is why your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist will customize a program based on your injury, overall health, and planned procedure.
Why Is Prehab Becoming More Popular?
Research continues to show that patients who are stronger before surgery often recover more efficiently afterward. While prehab cannot eliminate the need for rehabilitation following surgery, it can help prepare your muscles and joints for the recovery process.
Potential benefits of prehab include:
- Improved muscle strength before surgery
- Better joint mobility
- Increased confidence about the recovery process
- Faster return to daily activities for many patients
- Reduced stiffness following surgery
- Improved overall physical conditioning
For active Tampa residents who enjoy golfing, pickleball, tennis, walking, or spending time outdoors, prehab can be an important step toward returning to the activities they love.
Which Surgeries Benefit Most from Prehab?
Prehab is commonly recommended before several orthopedic procedures, including:
- Total knee replacement
- Total hip replacement
- ACL reconstruction
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder replacement
- Certain foot and ankle surgeries
Patients experiencing chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain often have muscle weakness that develops over time. Addressing these weaknesses before surgery can help support the joint during recovery.
Read more > Youth Athletes and Ankle Surgery: Balancing Growth and Recovery
What Does Prehab Look Like at OMGTB?
At Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay, your care begins long before your surgery date. Our orthopedic team evaluates your current strength, mobility, and functional limitations before creating a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Many patients also work closely with physical therapists to learn exercises they can safely perform at home before surgery. This education helps patients feel more prepared and understand what to expect after their procedure.
The goal isn’t to “work through the pain.” Instead, it’s to safely maximize your physical condition while protecting the injured joint.
| Did You Know?
Prehab can strengthen the body for an easier time adjusting to assistive devices following orthopaedic surgery. |
Getting the Best Results With Prehab
Prehab should be approached with professional knowledge for the desired post-op results:
- Begin a prehab routine at least 4 weeks before the surgery date
- Adopt a prehab routine that focuses on muscles surrounding the surgical site
- Consult an orthopaedic doctor for a custom prehab treatment plan
Receive Expert Guidance On Prehab at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay
Contact Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay today at (813) 684-BONE (2663) to ask about our comprehensive prehab services and orthopaedic surgery options before scheduling a consultation.
