Brewer Physical Therapy

PREHAB PHYSICAL THERAPY. WHY YOU NEED TO PREHAB BEFORE REHAB.

Prehab Physical Therapy for Knee pain

Most people think that PT is only needed after surgery, but PREHAB Physical Therapy is hugely beneficial in more ways than one.

 

If you have surgery coming up, you probably have a long list of to-dos and things to prepare before your operation.  One important thing to add to that list is scheduling an appointment at Brewer Physical Therapy for Prehab Physical Therapy!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of hip and knee pain in people over the age of 50 with a triad of symptoms:

  • Pain worsens over time
  • Pain worsens during weight-bearing activities such as walking and stair climbing.
  • Hip muscle weakness
  • Morning stiffness lasting around 30 minutes
  • Joint crepitus or popping
  • Inflammation of the affected joint
Altogether, these impairments lead to difficulty with lower body dressing, putting on shoes, bathing, and getting into and out of a car.
Initially, many people seek help from their primary care or an orthopedic doctor for shots to help with the pain. Still, they often miss out on a proper physical activity program, which is one of the most beneficial steps in returning to their normal activities.  Eventually, if this condition continues to progress, your doctor may suggest ahip replacement or a knee replacement.  Overall, this can be a long recovery that can take up to a year after surgery before achieving the optimal outcome. 
Indeed, research has shown that participating in PT before a total hip replacement can:
  1. Reduce the use of post-op care services by 29%
  2. Decrease rehabilitation needs and cost
  3. Improve post-surgical outcomes
Surprisingly, strengthening of the hip and knee before surgery has shown to be a reliable predictor of walking ability following total hip surgery.  Besides improved recovery outcomes, this research shows the benefit of cost savings for the patient.

 

 

Researchers estimated that preoperative Physical Therapy saved patients an average of $1,000.

Do you have hip or knee pain or are you planning to have joint replacement surgery? Participating in PT before surgery will provide you with the most optimal outcome. The PT will conduct an evaluation to determine your individual needs and design a program best for you.
 
A physical therapist will:
  • Create a program to reduce pain and improve strength and function in the affected joints
  • Provide education
  • Perform manual therapy
  • Train gait and balance deficits
Presently, research does not support a singular conservative intervention for dealing with this type of hip and knee pain. Instead, you should perform a combination of these interventions for the most effective treatment.

 

Total Joint Replacement Hip Pain Knee Pain

 

PREHAB Physical Therapy minimizes post-surgical pain. 

Immediate pain reduction was found with un-weighted interventions versus weighted interventions.  At Brewer Physical Therapy, we utilize the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill to accomplish unweighting. The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill allows us to reduce your effective body weight and impact on your joints and therefore allows you to walk pain-free and with a normal gait during both pre-habilitation and rehabilitation.  Subsequently, a faster recovery can be achieved.

Are you preparing for surgery?  Contact Brewer Physical Therapy today to:
 
Finally, do you have more questions? Give us a call today!

Comment with questions or requests!

 

In good health,

Dr. Nick Russell, PT, OCS, CSCS

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Brewer Physical Therapy

 

 

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