"Fifty percent of outcome success is due to the surgeon, and the other 50% is due to the patient's commitment to recovery -- starting with prehab," says Vonda Wright, M.D., assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sports Medicine.
What is prehab?
Currently, the standard care is the patient undergoes their joint replacement surgery with very little to no physical preparation, and then spend the next three to six months in rehabilitation. On the other hand, pre-habilitation (aka prehab) is a therapy program starting four to six weeks prior to surgery to increase the body's functional capacity. When compared to the standard care routine, patients that undergo successful prehab typically experience shorter recovery times, less dependence on caregivers after surgery, and a more rapid return to presurgical function.
"Prehab makes a huge difference in our patients' outcomes," says orthopedic surgeon Hal Crane, M.D., founding medical director of the Rose Institute for Joint Replacement at the Rose Medical Center in Denver. "They get vertical sooner and recover faster."
Benefits of prehab
A study from Harvard Medical School found that both knee and hip replacement surgery patients who had participated in strength training, aerobic, and flexibility exercises for six weeks prior to their surgeries reduced their odds of needing inpatient rehabilitation by 73%. "Even in a fairly brief time period, the exercise paid off for the participants," says lead study author Daniel Rooks, Ph.D., former clinical research investigator and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Their level of function and pain stabilized prior to surgery, whereas those who did not exercise got worse. The benefits of exercise before surgery are very clear."
Several studies show that patients receiving approximately six weeks of prehab prior to their total knee replacement surgery achieved functional milestones at a much quicker rate compared to those who received the standard care. In other words, the prehab patients regain their lower extremity strength and function range of motion much quicker. The faster the patient is able to regain their strength and range of motion, the sooner that patient is able to regain their independence and return to their usual activities.
How to get started in prehab
"It's simple, call Joint Effort Physical Therapy today and ask to schedule your free prehab consultation. Come find out how we can help you Feel Better, Move Better, Live Better," a news release said.
"Most insurances are accepted here and do not require a physician referral. We also offer cash pay options as well. Call 501-781-2701 to schedule your prehab consultation today!" Visit http://www.jephysicaltherapy.com or on Facebook @JEPhysicalTherapy for more information.
Business on 01/06/2020