Finding a Pre-Surgical Rehab Physiotherapist
Mike (not his real name) was all set for an upcoming ACL repair. He’d met with a surgeon and got his procedure on the schedule. There was just one thing missing: he needed to find a pre-surgical rehab physiotherapist.
As a lifelong athlete, Mike knew that surgery was the best way to address his torn ACL so he could continue to play his favorite sports safely. He also knew that rehabilitating after the procedure was going to be a lot of work, so when he learned about pre-surgical rehabilitation (or “pre-hab”), he was intrigued.
Pre-hab is a proactive approach to preparing your body for surgery. The primary goal is to improve your physical condition and make the recovery process faster and smoother. Pre-hab can also help reduce pain, increase mobility, and minimize complications during and after surgery.
This all sounded great to Mike, so he launched a search for his pre-surgical rehab physiotherapist, which ultimately led him to Momentum Health. We provided him with tailored exercises and strengthening routines in the weeks leading up to his surgery.
Today, we want to explore some of the benefits of pre-hab and what you should consider when looking for a pre-hab specialist. Of course, we hope you’ll consider our Calgary clinic in your search–just as Mike did.
Why You Should Consider Pre-Surgical Rehab
There are three main reasons why our physiotherapists recommend pre-hab to anyone undergoing orthopedic surgery.
First up? Pain management. Targeted exercises can help reduce pain before and after surgery, and we also offer additional drug-free pain management options, such as manual therapy techniques.
Pre-surgical exercise, in general, also helps your body cope better with the physical demands of the procedure. We tailor prescribed exercises to your specific needs, focusing on areas that will be affected by the surgery.
Another advantage is improved mobility. Prehab helps you maintain or even increase your range of motion. This is especially important for surgeries involving joints or muscles, such as hip or knee replacements. Enhanced mobility can lead to a faster return to daily activities post-surgery.
Finally, prehab can boost your mental readiness. We’ll let you know what to expect after the procedure and help you practice with any mobility aids you might need in the first few weeks of recovery. Knowing that you are physically prepared can also reduce anxiety and increase confidence going into surgery, which contributes to a better overall recovery experience.
How To Select a Pre-Surgical Rehab Physiotherapist
Choosing the right pre-surgical rehab physiotherapist can significantly impact your recovery. Here are a few guidelines to help you select the best one:
Look for Qualifications
A reputable pre-hab physiotherapist should have the necessary credentials and experience. In Canada, that means at least a master’s degree and a license from a local regulatory body. Additionally, look for credentialed physiotherapists with specific pre-hab experience.
Consider the Physiotherapist’s Approach
Effective pre-surgical rehab involves personalized care plans. A good physiotherapist understands that every patient is unique, and that’s especially important with pre-hab, where the type of surgery and underlying injury or condition dictates treatment.
Make sure to find someone–like the team at Momentum Health–who will take the time to assess your condition and recovery goals to provide a truly customized pre-hab program.
Find a Good Communicator
In pre-hab, it’s essential that you perform exercises correctly so you don’t risk worsening your injury or condition. Your physiotherapist should be able to explain the exercises and techniques clearly, using simple language. They should also be attentive to your concerns and support you throughout your preparation. This is something we pride ourselves on!
Looking for a Pre-Hab Physiotherapist? Look No Further!
Join us at Momentum Health and experience the cohesive knowledge and experience of our multidisciplinary team, which is dedicated to your well-being from start to finish. If you’ve got an upcoming orthopedic surgery–such as an ACL reconstruction, total joint replacement, or rotator cuff repair–schedule an appointment with us today! We’ll walk you through your pre-hab options.