Studies have found that as few as one to two sessions of preoperative physical therapy can reduce postoperative care needs after surgery. The road to recovery shouldn’t wait until after your surgery! The preoperative or “pre-habilitation” program at Columbia Gorge Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine is designed by our team of physical therapists to help you prior to surgery, so that you can have better outcomes after your surgery. The goals of the pre-habilitation program include the following:
- mentally prepare you for surgery
- minimize pain and inflammation going into the surgery
- maximize range of motion (ROM) and strength of the surrounding body parts
- improve overall endurance and fitness levels
- gain an understanding of the postoperative exercises performed immediately after surgery
- prepare you to use an assistive device or brace as needed
- improve postoperative recovery results
- answer any questions you may have about your surgery and the rehab. Knowledge is power.
- educate you on the importance of good sleep habits, hydration, nutrition, and the use of meditation and breathing exercises to help manage pain and limit the use of opioids
