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If you are scheduled for upcoming joint surgery (hip, knee, shoulder, etc.) make sure to ask your surgeon about REHAB!
I have seen all too often someone gets surgery, does the 1 or 2 exercises the surgeon tells them, and that’s it. As these 1-2 exercises may be very helpful in the short term, they will very likely not give you the functional range of motion/strength needed to return to your daily activities.
Your surgeon should have a rehab protocol for your specific surgery and if they do please ask for a copy to bring to your Athletic Therapist (AT). At this point try and connect with an AT before your surgery and give them the rehab protocol. Often times this includes a few appointments before the surgery and then many more visits afterwards. The rehab protocol acts as a guide for yourself and your AT and sets out targets and goals that you both should be striving for!
Prehab occurs before your surgery and will very likely give you a better prognosis after surgery. During these sessions, we do proper muscle activation exercises and some safe, pain-free strength work, reduce swelling/inflammation (if any), achieve a greater range of motion (if applicable), gentle flexibility (if allowed), etc.
Post-operative rehab will involve much more frequent visits and will follow the surgical protocol provided by your surgeon. Some of the goals here are to reduce swelling and inflammation, achieve a safe amount of range of motion, perform muscle activation and strengthening exercises, flexibility, achieve proper gait (if applicable) and gradually & safely progress these in the weeks and months ahead.
Make sure you are well-prepared before you get your surgery! Ask questions and seek help to ensure you have the best outcome!
