What is Pre-hab (pre-operative preparation)
Pre-hab is all about getting your body in the best possible shape before surgery—so your recovery is faster, smoother, and more successful. Whether you’re preparing for a joint replacement, spinal surgery, or a sports procedure like ACL reconstruction, research shows that going into surgery stronger and more mobile gives you a big head start on recovery.
At our clinic, we’ll work with you to improve joint mobility, strengthen key muscle groups, and prepare your body (and mind!) for what’s ahead. We’ll also talk you through what to expect post-operatively so you feel informed and ready.
Pre-hab is especially valuable if you’ve been less active due to pain or injury—it helps reduce muscle loss and boosts your confidence before heading into surgery.
If you’ve got an operation on the horizon, don’t wait until afterwards to start physio—the work you do now can make all the difference.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What operations is pre-hab helpful for?
Physiotherapy can be helpful prior to joint replacements, arthroscopies, ACL repairs, muscle/tendon repairs, meniscal surgery and spinal surgery.
Other surgeries (eg. abdominal, pacemaker), that have a subsequent effect on your mobility and function can often find pre-hab helpful to get you ahead of the game and improve your post-operative recovery
What will physiotherapy consist of?
This will depend on what the physiotherapist finds on the assessment and the type of surgery you will have but will include exercises, hands on treatment, gait re-education and advice on what to expect both in hospital and for the first few weeks you’re home