How Does Physiotherapy Contribute to pehabilitation Before Surgery?

 Physiotherapy plays a valuable role in prehabilitation, a proactive approach that focuses on preparing patients physically and mentally before undergoing surgery. Here's how physiotherapy contributes to prehabilitation:

1. Physical Conditioning:

Physiotherapists design tailored exercise programs to improve patients' overall strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Improved physical fitness can enhance patients' ability to cope with the stress of surgery and support a faster recovery.

2. Joint Mobility and Flexibility:

Prehabilitation includes exercises to maintain or improve joint mobility and flexibility. This helps prevent post-operative stiffness and complications related to immobility.

3. Respiratory Function:

Physiotherapists teach breathing exercises that optimize lung capacity and function. This is especially important for patients undergoing procedures that may impact lung function or require anesthesia.

4. Pain Management Strategies:

Physiotherapists educate patients about pain management techniques, including relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, and positioning strategies that can help reduce post-operative discomfort.

5. Education and Expectation Setting:

Prehabilitation involves providing patients with information about the surgical process, expected outcomes, and what to expect during the recovery period. This helps reduce anxiety and improve patients' mental preparedness.

6. Functional Assessment:

Physiotherapists assess patients' functional abilities, such as mobility, balance, and coordination. Identifying potential limitations allows for targeted interventions to address these issues before surgery.

7. Individualized Plans:

Physiotherapists create individualized prehabilitation plans based on the patient's health status, surgical procedure, and personal goals. These plans are designed to optimize the patient's physical and mental readiness for surgery.

8. Nutritional Guidance:

Nutrition plays a role in healing and recovery. Physiotherapists may collaborate with dietitians to provide guidance on a balanced diet that supports the body's healing processes.

9. Psychological Support:

Prehabilitation includes addressing the psychological aspects of surgery. Physiotherapists offer emotional support, stress management techniques, and coping strategies to help patients manage anxiety and stress.

10. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS):

ERAS protocols often include prehabilitation strategies to optimize patients' physiological and psychological states before surgery. This approach can lead to shorter hospital stays and improved outcomes.

11. Collaboration with the Surgical Team:

Physiotherapists collaborate with the surgical team to ensure that the prehabilitation plan aligns with the surgical plan and any specific medical considerations.

By incorporating prehabilitation into the surgical journey, physiotherapy helps patients enter surgery in the best possible condition, which can lead to quicker recoveries, reduced complications, and improved overall well-being. If you're scheduled for surgery, discussing prehabilitation with a physiotherapist can provide you with valuable guidance and support.

If you're unsure whether physiotherapy is suitable for your specific condition, consult a qualified physiotherapist Dr. Kishan Mishra, one of the best Physiotherapist in Borivali at Sanjeevani physiotherapy for an assessment and personalized treatment plan.