Ivanhoe Prehab for Knee Surgery | Australian Sports Physiotherapy

Are you scheduled to undergo knee surgery soon? While the thought of surgery can be intimidating, there are steps you can take beforehand to improve your outcome and recovery. Have you considered the concept of rehabilitation?

Preparing for knee surgery goes beyond just showing up on the day of the operation. By focusing on prehabilitation, you can strengthen the muscles around your knee and mentally prepare yourself for the procedure and rehabilitation process.

In the realm of orthopedic surgery, prehabilitation has been gaining traction as a valuable tool for optimising surgical outcomes. By starting a prehab program before your knee surgery, you can shorten your recovery time, minimise post-operative pain, and improve your overall mobility.

 

What is prehabilitation for knee surgery?

Facing knee surgery might seem overwhelming, but prehabilitation, also known as prehab, can significantly enhance your results. Prehab involves a tailored approach to rehabilitation aimed at priming your body for the upcoming surgery.

Prehab consists of targeted exercises and lifestyle changes intended to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve cardiovascular health, and boost general mobility. Patients who enter surgery in a stronger and more resilient state can dramatically improve their postoperative outcomes.

 

What to expect in prehab for knee surgery

A prehab program typically includes a combination of:

  • Flexibility exercises: Improving range of motion in the knee joint. 
  • Balance exercises: Enhancing stability and reducing the risk of falls. 
  • Cardiovascular exercise: Improving overall fitness and endurance. 
  • Nutritional optimisation: Encourages a well-balanced diet high in vitamins, minerals, and protein to promote tissue healing and decrease inflammation. 
  • Weight management: Losing excess weight can reduce stress on your knees. 
  • Mental preparation: Addresses stress and anxiety by educating patients about the surgery, post up routine in the first few days, creating realistic expectations, and suggesting relaxation techniques and warnings signs to look out for.   
  • Smoking cessation: Smoking can impair healing, so quitting is highly recommended.

 

 

Common prehab exercises for knee surgery

Your specific exercise program will depend on your condition. Some common prehab activities include:

  • Quadriceps strength: Exercises like leg raises, squats, wall sits, chair stands and lunges.
  • Calf strength: Ankle pumps and calf raises.
  • Balance exercises: Standing on one leg, using a stability ball.
  • Flexibility exercises: Hamstring stretches, knee-to-chest, quad stretches, and calf stretches.

Ivanhoe Prehab for Knee Surgery | Australian Sports Physiotherapy

Benefits of prehab for knee surgery

  • Decrease hospital stay: Better physical condition often means a shorter recovery period.

 

  • Faster recovery: Stronger muscles and better flexibility post-surgery lead to quicker healing and a smoother rehabilitation process.

 

  • Reduced post-surgery pain: Improved muscle strength can help alleviate knee pain before and after surgery.

 

  • Enhanced mobility: Prehab exercises focus on increasing range of motion, making it easier to regain mobility after surgery.

 

  • Lower risk of complications: Better overall physical condition reduces the risk of postoperative complications like blood clots and infections.

 

  • Improved mental preparation: Engaging in prehab helps you mentally prepare for surgery and recovery.

 

  • Improved surgical outcomes: Stronger and more flexible muscles help improve surgical outcomes and reduce the incidence of postoperative problems.

 

 

When to start prehab for knee surgery

Ideally, you should start prehab for knee surgery 6–8 weeks before surgery. However, starting earlier is always beneficial. It’s essential to consult with your surgeon and physiotherapist to develop a personalised prehab plan.

 

Advantages of physiotherapy prehab for knee surgery

When you participate in prehab with an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist, you benefit from a personalised treatment regimen created to meet your individual needs, objectives and goals.

Your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist will evaluate your present physical state, pinpoint any weaknesses or imbalances, and formulate a focused exercise and prehab strategy to target those areas. The program may encompass exercises aimed at enhancing strength, flexibility, stability, and cardiovascular fitness.

Knee pain and inflammation are common challenges for individuals awaiting surgery. Prehab aims to reduce these symptoms by using various techniques, such as manual therapy, movement and things like heat or cold therapy. By helping to manage pain and inflammation before surgery, you can enhance your comfort levels and optimise the surgical process.

Prehab is not only about physical preparation but also about providing you with the knowledge and strategies needed to actively participate in your recovery journey.

During prehab sessions, your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist will inform you about postoperative expectations and self-management techniques. This education empowers you to take control of your recovery and make informed decisions about your health.

Ivanhoe Prehab for Knee Surgery | Australian Sports Physiotherapy

Final thoughts

Prehabilitation for knee surgery can make a significant difference in your recovery process. By strengthening the muscles around your knee and improving your overall fitness level beforehand, you can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and speed up your recovery time.

So, don’t wait until after surgery to start taking care of your knee – start prehab now and set yourself up for a faster return to daily activities.

 

Book an appointment with one of our experienced physiologists today for a comprehensive assessment and customised treatment plan.

 

Share:

About the Author

Picture of Michael Rafla

Michael Rafla

Michael Rafla is a Senior Physiotherapist with greater than 12 years of clinical experience across both musculoskeletal conditions and orthopaedic rehabilitation. Recently, he was sought out by Tennis Australia to provide exclusive Physiotherapy to former World Number 1 and Australian Open winner Viktoria Azarenka during a recent Australian Open campaign. He is renowned for making difficult diagnoses, designing strengthening programs as well as using all tools such as mobilisations, deep tissue massage and Dry Needling to achieve fast results for his clients.
Picture of Michael Rafla

Michael Rafla

Michael Rafla is a Senior Physiotherapist with greater than 12 years of clinical experience across both musculoskeletal conditions and orthopaedic rehabilitation. Recently, he was sought out by Tennis Australia to provide exclusive Physiotherapy to former World Number 1 and Australian Open winner Viktoria Azarenka during a recent Australian Open campaign. He is renowned for making difficult diagnoses, designing strengthening programs as well as using all tools such as mobilisations, deep tissue massage and Dry Needling to achieve fast results for his clients.

Seeking Physio Guidance?
Request a Call Back Today!

Wondering if physiotherapy is right for you? No worries – we’re here to assist. Just leave your Full Name and Contact Number below, and one of our physiotherapists will get in touch to chat about your concerns and offer professional insights to put your mind at ease.

Share:

Physio Mebourne | Flinders Street Station

Servicing Melbourne and the surrounds

When things go wrong, and you are in pain, you want to know that your care and support is in the right hands. Visit us at one of our 6 locations.

Latest Post

Coburg Physio for Joint Mobilisation | Australian Sports Physio
Physiotherapy
David Georgy

Joint Mobilisation Techniques In Physiotherapy: Enhancing Range of Motion and Reducing Pain

Have you ever felt restricted by tight joints or experienced discomfort that limits your daily activities? Overcoming mobility issues can feel overwhelming, but there’s hope on the horizon. Joint mobilisation techniques have emerged as vital tools in physiotherapy, offering targeted approaches to enhance range of motion and alleviate pain. These techniques, rooted in decades of

Read More »

Seeking Physio Guidance?
Request a Call Back Today!

Wondering if physiotherapy is right for you? No worries – we’re here to assist. Just leave your Full Name and Contact Number below, and one of our physiotherapists will get in touch to chat about your concerns and offer professional insights to put your mind at ease.

Other Topics

Related Posts

Bicep Tendon Tear Physiotherapy | Australian Sports Physiotherapy
Arm and Elbow Physio
David Georgy

Physio For A Biceps Tendon Tear

If you’re one of the many who have suffered a bicep tendon tear, then you know just how frustrating and debilitating the injury can be. Even the simplest tasks can become complicated when your dominant arm is out of commission.  You’re faced with months (or longer) of physio and rehab before you can resume your

Read More »
Shoulder Labral Tear Physiotherapy Treatment
Shoulder Physiotherapy
David Georgy

Shoulder Labral Tear Physiotherapy Treatment

Labral Tears are common injuries that occur in the shoulder joint. They are often caused by repetitive overhead movements or activities such as throwing, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports. Labral tears are very painful and can cause long term problems such as instability and arthritic changes over time. If you suffer from shoulder pain,

Read More »
Scaphoid Fracture Treatment Preston | Australian Sports Physiotherapy
Wrist and Hand Physio
Youliana Morcos

Physiotherapy For Scaphoid Fractures

Do you have a scaphoid fracture and are wondering how to recover properly? Physiotherapy may be the answer you’re looking for. Scaphoid fractures are common injuries that can cause pain and limited mobility in the wrist, but with the proper treatment, you can regain strength and function. Physiotherapy is a non-invasive and practical approach to

Read More »

Are you ready to go one step further to support your body in healing?

Book your appointment with
Australian Sports Physiotherapy today.