Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation (Prehab) — Prepare Your Body for a Smoother Recovery

Many people only consider physiotherapy after surgery—but starting physiotherapy before

your operation, known as pre-surgical rehabilitation or “prehab,” can significantly improve

your outcomes. A well-structured prehab program enhances strength, mobility, and confidence,

which helps accelerate recovery, reduce complications, and optimize post-op performance.

At our MacLeod Trail physiotherapy clinic in Calgary, we work closely with patients and

their surgeons to create personalized prehab programs that support a smoother surgical

journey.

What Is Prehab?

Prehab is a physiotherapist-led intervention that typically begins 4–8 weeks prior to surgery. Its

core goals include:

• Improving muscle strength and endurance around the affected joint

• Enhancing joint mobility and flexibility

• Boosting balance and proprioception

• Supporting cardiovascular conditioning

• Teaching breathing strategies, bracing, and pain management

These pre-operative gains set the stage for a faster, more confident recovery. Prehab also

improves patient self-efficacy—a key predictor of post-surgical outcomes (Bandura, 1997).

Which Surgeries Benefit Most from Prehab?

1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Pre-operative strengthening significantly improves early mobility and reduces hospital stays

(Topp et al., 2009).

2. Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Prehab enhances joint range, balance, and functional independence (Wang et al., 2021).

3. ACL Reconstruction

Improved quadriceps strength before surgery correlates with better post-op recovery and reduced

atrophy (Eitzen et al., 2010).

4. Spine Surgery

Prehab increases trunk control and reduces risk of postoperative deconditioning (Deyo et al.,

2010).

5. Shoulder Surgery

Enhanced scapular mechanics and rotator cuff activation prior to immobilization helps reduce

post-op stiffness and pain.

Benefits of Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy

Faster return to activity and daily function

Reduced risk of complications (e.g., DVT, infections)

Greater pain control and improved coping strategies

More efficient post-op rehab (less “starting from scratch”)

Improved surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction (Carli & Scheede-Bergdahl, 2015)

What to Expect in Your Prehab Program

1. Thorough Movement & Functional Assessment

We assess:

Joint ROM and muscular strength

Balance, gait, and posture

Movement quality and compensation patterns

2. Customized Exercise Prescription

Tailored programs to target:

Weak muscle groups

Joint restrictions

Mobility deficits

Core and scapular control

3. Surgical Education & Planning

We prepare you for:

What to expect post-op

Use of assistive devices (canes, walkers, braces)

Precautions and timelines

Early exercises and movement guidelines

4. Breathing, Relaxation & Bracing

Especially valuable for abdominal, thoracic, or spine procedures. Breathwork improves

parasympathetic tone and pain modulation (Mather et al., 2015).

5. Home Program with Check-ins

To ensure adherence and progression, we provide a structured home plan with physiotherapist

guidance.

Why Start Prehab in Calgary?

Our clinic at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW proudly supports residents across Haysboro, Fairview,

Kingsland, Acadia, and the broader South Calgary region. We coordinate directly with your

surgical team to ensure a cohesive continuum of care before and after your operation.

Get Ahead of the Healing Curve

Prehab isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity. Take control of your surgical journey by starting

physiotherapy before your procedure.

References

 Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control.

 Topp R, et al. (2009). Prehabilitation before total knee arthroplasty increases strength and

function. J Strength Cond Res.

 Eitzen I, et al. (2010). Preoperative quadriceps strength is associated with knee function.

Am J Sports Med.

 Deyo RA, et al. (2010). Preoperative predictors of outcomes following lumbar surgery.

Spine.

 Carli F, Scheede-Bergdahl C. (2015). Prehabilitation to enhance perioperative care.

Anesthesiology Clinics.

 Mather M, et al. (2015). Breathing-based meditation and pain modulation. J Pain Res.

 Wang AW, et al. (2021). Effectiveness of prehabilitation for total hip arthroplasty: A

systematic review. Clin Rehabil.