The Benefits of Prehab: Preparing Your Body Before Surgery
When you think about surgery, most people focus on what happens afterwards — the recovery process. But what if you could give yourself a head start before you even go under the knife? That’s where prehabilitation, or “prehab,” comes in.
Prehab is a physiotherapy-led approach designed to prepare your body for surgery, much like athletes train before a competition. By improving strength, flexibility, and overall conditioning in advance, you can often speed up recovery, reduce complications, and feel more confident going into your procedure.
What Is Prehab?
Prehab is short for “prehabilitation.” It’s a tailored programme of exercises, education, and lifestyle advice provided by a physiotherapist in the weeks leading up to surgery.
The goal is simple: put your body in the best possible condition so recovery is quicker and smoother. Think of it as laying strong foundations before building a house — the stronger the base, the better the outcome.
Why Prehab Matters
Surgery puts stress on your body. Muscles can weaken during recovery, joints can stiffen, and mobility may be limited for a period of time. Prehab prepares you to face those challenges by:
Strengthening muscles around the area being operated on
Improving flexibility so joints move more freely
Boosting cardiovascular fitness for better endurance during rehab
Teaching safe movement patterns that will be essential post-surgery
Reducing anxiety by making you feel informed and prepared
Studies show that patients who engage in prehab often return to normal activities sooner than those who don’t.
Common Surgeries That Benefit from Prehab
Prehab can be beneficial for many types of operations, especially orthopaedic and musculoskeletal procedures. Some of the most common include:
Knee replacements
Hip replacements
Shoulder surgery (e.g., rotator cuff repair)
Spinal surgery
ACL reconstruction
Even if your surgery is unrelated to joints or muscles, prehab can still improve your overall resilience, helping you recover faster.
What to Expect in a Prehab Programme
A Physiotherapist in Galway will design your prehab plan based on your surgery type, fitness level, and goals. It often includes:
Strengthening exercises – targeting key muscle groups that will support the surgical site.
Stretching and mobility work – to maintain or improve joint range of motion.
Aerobic conditioning – gentle cardio exercises to improve stamina.
Education and practice – learning how to use mobility aids, practice safe transfers, or adapt daily activities.
Personalised advice – tips on posture, lifestyle adjustments, and pacing yourself in the lead-up to surgery.
Most prehab programmes run for 4–6 weeks before surgery, but even a shorter course can make a meaningful difference.
The Benefits of Prehab
Prehab offers both physical and psychological advantages, including:
Faster recovery: Patients often regain function more quickly after surgery.
Less post-op pain: Stronger, more flexible tissues tend to recover better.
Reduced risk of complications: Better circulation and mobility lower the risk of blood clots or stiffness.
Greater independence: Prehab makes daily tasks easier while you’re healing.
Peace of mind: Knowing you’re as prepared as possible reduces anxiety before surgery.
Final Thoughts
Prehab isn’t just an extra step — it’s an investment in your future recovery. By strengthening your body and mind before surgery, you set yourself up for smoother healing, less discomfort, and a quicker return to the things you enjoy.
At Peak Physiotherapy Clinic, we create personalised prehab programmes for patients across Galway, ensuring you feel ready, confident, and supported every step of the way.
