PREHABILITATION

The Gill's Fitness trainers will control the resistance, range of motion and intensity of the prehab workout program. Minimizing discomfort commonly associated with movement, all while strengthening every muscle in the body.

In recent years, surgeons have improved operation techniques to speed up recovery and help patients to participate in early rehabilitation after surgery.

At the same time, studies are showing that an effective "prehabilitation" program prior to surgery increases the likelihood of higher levels of functioning, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay post-surgery.

All surgeries, including orthopedic surgeries like arthroscopy and arthoplasty, benefit from a prehab program that enhances the patient's functional ability to withstand the inactivity after surgery.

One might think exercise is that the last thing someone should prioritize if they are planning surgery, but getting stronger is as essential as choosing the best surgeon.

A prehabilitation program should consist of resistance training, cardiovascular training, and flexibility training. Along with balance and coordination training.

An effective Gill's Fitness strength training program before surgery will limit the amount of time spent in a hospital bed after surgery, and also increase the likelihood of a successful surgery.

Gill's Fitness clients are able to return to an active, normal, fun lifestyle quickly after surgery. Check out the 'OUR CLIENTS' page for some prehab success stories.

NOTEWORTHY

Osteoarthritis is a very common condition in older adults. It causes pain and gradual declines in the ability to perform everyday tasks. When pain becomes so severe that medications no longer provide relief, joint replacement surgery may be an option. By that time, however; an individual not participating in an effective exercise program will have reduced strength, which decreases functional ability, which increases the risk of falls.

50% of surgery outcome success is due to the surgeon, and the other 50% is due to the patient's commitment to recovery - starting with prehab.

IMPORTANT FACTS

A study found that knee and hip replacement surgery patients who participated in a prehab program reduced the likelihood of needing inpatient rehab by 73%. Patients also have less outpatient rehab sessions of physical therapy. So they get back t a normal lifestyle sooner.

In one study, a woman preceded her right knee replacement with usual care, and preceded he left knee replacement with a prehabilitation program. Prehabilitation increased function in the left knee 30% and increased knee strength by 50%. Prehab also decreased pain prior to the knee replacement. Prehab is is effective at facilitating rehab following knee replacement.

A FEW CONSIDERATIONS

The rewards for an early prehab program can be evident in the first 24 hours after surgery. Recovering patients can use the bathroom, walk down the hallway, and go up and down stars more quickly.

One study found that eccentric exercise as effective as knee surgery. This raises the point that with an effective eccentric based strength and flexibility program, surgery can be avoided entirely.

Prehab should begin as soon as a doctor recommends surgery. Even one week of participating in an effective strength and flexibility program will increase the likelihood of a successful surgery.