September 30, 2013 – While rehabilitation will always be essential in allowing a patient to regain function and quality of life following a knee or hip replacement surgery, pre-operative physical therapy – or “prehabilitation” – can hasten the healing process, says Brock Monger, DPT, physical therapist and co-owner of Apex Physical Therapy in Madras.
According to Monger, prehabilitation is defined as the process of enhancing the fitness level and functional capacity of patients pre-surgery, allowing them to withstand the stresses of surgery while preparing them for post-operative realities such as limited movement and rehabilitation.
“The effects of prehabilitation are difficult to measure, but experience dictates that individuals with more mobility and cardiovascular fitness/wellness pre-surgery will do better in recovery,” Monger said. “And besides the physical side of prehabilitation, this time with the patient allows us to prepare them mentally, educating them about what to expect post-surgery when it comes to functional limitations and specifics regarding the rehabilitation process.”
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), approximately 700,000 total knee replacement and 300,000 total hip replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S. According to Monger, prehabilitation can benefit many of these patients in the following ways:
· Improve Strength: According to Monger, improved strength is important not just in preparation for rehabbing the hip or knee, but also for preparing the rest of the body for an increased workload – accommodating for a lack of full-body function – during the months of recovery.
· Improve Body Awareness / Mechanics: Following surgery, Monger says patients must re-learn movements to which they generally give little thought in their everyday lives, such as rising from chairs or moving from beds. Prehabilitation teaches patients better body awareness and mechanics in preparation for such hurdles.
· Improve Fitness Level: Improving overall stamina, according to Monger, can improve the rate of healing and recovery. It can also improve personal drive during rehabilitation, especially when the process is most grueling.
· Education & Preparation: Prehabilitation gives a physical therapist the chance to teach and allow the patient to master exercises and the use of assistive devices (e.g., crutches, walkers, etc.) that will be used post-surgery. According to Monger, it also provides the PT and patient the opportunity to discuss strategies for negotiating stairs, curbs and other obstacles when functionality is limited and assistive devices are used.
“A prehabilitation program designed by a physical therapist will typically include warm-ups, a cardiovascular component, the strengthening of key muscle groups, an emphasis on range of motion and flexibility, the practicing of functional skills and, of course, an educational element,” said Karin Monger, DPT, also a founder and co-owner of Apex Physical Therapy. “The ultimate goal is to hasten to recovery process, allowing patients to get back to experiencing the life they envision.”
About Apex Physical Therapy LLC
Apex Physical Therapy, founded by the husband-and-wife team of Brock and Karin Monger – both physical therapists and certified athletic trainers – opened its doors in 2007. Its mission is to care for Madras/Jefferson County families through preventative education and community focused rehabilitation services. The team at Apex Physical Therapy treats orthopedic, sports, auto and work-related injuries; provides post-surgical rehabilitation care; and offers education and rehabilitative programs related to spine disorders, athletic performance and general wellness. For more information about Apex Physical Therapy, visit: www.apexoregon.com<http://www.apexoregon.com>.
