If you’re preparing for surgery—whether it’s a knee replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal procedure—there’s one essential step you shouldn’t skip: prehabilitation.

Often called prehab, this proactive approach involves working with a physical therapist before your surgery to build strength, improve mobility, and set yourself up for a smoother recovery.

Think of it as training for recovery—because the stronger and more prepared your body is going in, the faster and more successfully you’ll bounce back.

What Is Prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation is a customized physical therapy plan focused on:

  • Improving muscle strength around the surgical site

  • Maintaining range of motion

  • Enhancing balance and coordination

  • Building aerobic capacity and stamina

  • Educating you about post-surgical expectations

Studies have shown that patients who complete prehab recover faster, experience fewer complications, and are often able to return to daily activities sooner than those who do not.

Who Benefits from Prehab?

Prehabilitation is particularly beneficial for people undergoing:

  • Total joint replacements (knee, hip, shoulder)

  • Spine surgeries

  • ACL or meniscus repairs

  • Rotator cuff surgery

  • Abdominal or pelvic procedures

It’s also ideal for anyone who has been less active due to pain, and wants to build resilience before entering recovery mode.

Why Does It Work?

Surgery often leads to temporary muscle loss, reduced mobility, and fatigue. Prehab helps reduce that impact by:

✅ Strengthening muscles that will support recovery
✅ Increasing confidence and understanding of movement strategies
✅ Reducing swelling and stiffness beforehand
✅ Helping you stay independent for longer during recovery

It’s not just about healing better—it’s about starting ahead.

What to Expect in a Prehab Program

At PhysioHealth PT, we design your prehab plan around your needs and surgery type. Sessions may include:

  • Strengthening and mobility exercises

  • Breathing and circulation training

  • Education on assistive devices and home setup

  • Post-op movement strategies

  • Balance and gait training

This holistic approach helps ease both the physical and mental stress of surgery.

Plan Now for a Better Recovery

If you’re on the calendar for surgery, now’s the time to act. Our experienced physical therapists will help you prepare with a program tailored to your procedure, lifestyle, and recovery goals.

Call us at (781) 859-4189 or request an appointment online to get started with prehab today—and take control of your recovery journey.