The Power of Pre-Post Surgery Rehabilitation: Supporting Patients Before and After Surgery
By Dr. Frank J. Scerbo, PT, DPT ///
If you’re a physically active adult, an athlete, or someone who simply enjoys staying on the move, you know how frustrating injuries can be. Whether you’re preparing for surgery or recovering from one, pre-post-surgery rehabilitation plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth, successful return to your active lifestyle. according to the American Physical Therapy Society, there’s growing evidence that pre-post operative rehabilitation improves patient outcomes. Think of it as your personal game plan—helping you strengthen, heal, and get back to doing what you love as quickly and safely as possible.
Pre-Surgery Rehabilitation: Building a Strong Foundation
Undergoing surgery can feel daunting, but did you know that preparing your body beforehand can make a huge difference in your recovery? Pre-surgical rehabilitation (also known as “prehab”) is designed to enhance strength, mobility, and overall function before an operation.
Why Prehab Matters
1. Stronger Muscles, Faster Recovery – Strengthening the muscles around the injury before surgery can make rehabilitation afterward much smoother. For example, an athlete undergoing ACL reconstruction can benefit from strengthening their quadriceps and hamstrings to support knee stability post-surgery.
2. Better Range of Motion – Maintaining flexibility and mobility before surgery helps prevent stiffness and allows for a more comfortable recovery. This is particularly helpful for runners or cyclists recovering from joint surgeries.
3. Injury Education & Movement Training – Physical therapists educate patients on post-surgical limitations and teach proper movement mechanics to avoid complications. For a tennis player dealing with a rotator cuff tear, learning shoulder stabilization exercises before surgery can make a significant impact on post-operative success.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: The Road to Recovery
Surgery is only the first step in the healing process. What happens afterward is just as important. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength, function, and confidence in movement.
The Benefits of Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
1. Pain Management & Swelling Reduction – Early intervention with manual therapy, ice, and movement techniques helps reduce inflammation and discomfort, making the healing process more comfortable.
2. Gradual Strength Rebuilding – Following surgery, muscles weaken due to limited activity. A structured rehabilitation plan helps rebuild lost strength and prevent compensatory movements that could lead to further injuries.
3. Restoring Mobility & Balance – For physically active individuals, regaining full range of motion and balance is crucial. A professional basketball player recovering from ankle surgery, for example, needs specialized exercises to retrain proprioception (body awareness) and stability.
4. Safe Return to Activity – One of the biggest concerns for athletes and fitness enthusiasts is when they can return to their sport or routine. Physical therapists gradually reintroduce activity in a way that prevents reinjury and builds long-term resilience.
A Game Plan for Every Active Individual
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, at ScerboPT, our pre-post-surgery rehabilitation program is tailored to your unique needs. Your physical therapists would use programs such as Balance and Conditioning Program, Sports Rehabilitation, and Performance Training, along with other advanced techniques like Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, Manual Therapy, and Progressive Strength Programs to get you back to peak performance.
To learn more about pre-post-surgery rehabilitation and its importance in your recovery, contact Scerbo Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation at (201) 941-2240. You can also use our secure online appointment request form to request an appointment with one of our expert licensed physical therapists.