If you need surgery for a knee ligament injury, successful recovery begins before your surgery. Countless studies show that the greater your strength and function prior to surgery, the better your surgical outcome and recovery can be.
This process, called prehabilitation (or prehab), is preparation from both a physical and psychological perspective aimed at helping you optimise your post-surgical outcomes.
A thorough prehab plan that is implemented in the lead up to your knee surgery is vital for achieving the best possible outcome.
The benefits can include:
- Faster recovery
- Decreased post-surgical pain
- Greater mobility
- Maintained strength
- Faster return to sport
How Do You Start Prehab?
The first step is to get in touch with an allied health professional. These professionals can design a personalised prehabilitation plan to help ensure the best possible outcomes.
Some key areas of prehab include:
- Specific exercise programs
- Soft tissue management
- Stress management
- Exercise Programs
The exercise component of prehabilitation is extremely important for maintaining muscle strength and tissue health before surgery.
The goals of the exercise component is to:
- Strengthen your muscles
- Improve range of motion
- Restore the ability to fully straighten (extend) your leg
- Improve your gait pattern
Exercises will typically focus on increasing strength, stability and muscle control throughout the lower limb, although your personalised plan may vary depending on your injury and goals.
Soft Tissue Management
The soft tissue management component may involve your practitioner using a variety of techniques such as:
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Dry Needling
- Sports Massage
- Lymphatic Drainage
The goals of these techniques are to:
- Reduce pain
- Increase blood flow to promote healing
- Reduce muscle tension
- Reduce swelling
These techniques can enhance your progress through the exercise component by assisting with muscle recovery and improving muscle and joint function, helping you achieve ongoing improvements in strength and stability.
Stress Management
The stress management component may include education from your practitioner to ensure you fully understand your injury, treatment plan and recovery process.
Being informed about the process can provide a greater sense of confidence and control over your wellbeing.
Stress management may also involve staying connected with the social aspects of your daily routine, hobbies and support networks, which can positively impact your mental health.
Going into surgery with greater confidence, understanding and preparation can help improve your overall experience and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Who Should You See?
A thorough and effective prehab plan should be individualised, time specific and closely monitored to ensure appropriate progress. It is a proactive step that patients should consider before any upcoming surgery.
This is a process the team at Boost Health Collective is experienced in delivering through a collaborative approach, helping you achieve the best possible surgical outcomes.
