Enhancing Pre-surgical Outcomes with Physiotherapy Prehabilitation
As we strive to improve surgical outcomes for patients undergoing knee and hip joint arthroplasty, the role of physiotherapy prehabilitation, or ‘prehabilitation,’ cannot be overstated. At HolistiCare Physical Therapy, we align our practices with recent research, such as the study by Clode et al. (2018), which explores the efficacy of prehabilitation in enhancing pre-surgical outcomes for these patients.
The Growing Need for Effective Prehabilitation
Joint arthroplasty, a common solution for osteoarthritis, is on the rise globally, making the optimization of surgical outcomes a top priority. While joint replacement surgeries effectively reduce disability and pain, patient experiences vary post-surgery. Prehabilitation offers a promising approach to improving pre-operative function and strength, thereby preparing patients for the rigors of surgery and accelerating recovery.
Physiotherapy Prehabilitation: A Closer Look
According to Clode et al. (2018), prehabilitation typically involves a series of physiotherapy-led exercises and educational sessions over eight weeks. This approach focuses on strengthening and stretching exercises, along with providing crucial information on surgery, recovery, and pain control. HolistiCare’s prehabilitation program mirrors this structure, emphasizing patient education and physical preparedness.
The Impact on Pain and Functional Outcomes
Clode et al. (2018) found that patients undergoing prehabilitation showed significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes before surgery. This is particularly vital, as better pre-operative capacity is linked to more favorable post-surgery recoveries. At HolistiCare, we observe similar improvements, witnessing firsthand how prehabilitation enhances our patients’ readiness for surgery.
Patient Expectations and Post-Surgical Satisfaction
Another crucial aspect of prehabilitation, as highlighted by Clode et al. (2018), is its influence on patient expectations and post-surgical satisfaction. By participating in prehabilitation, patients gain a more realistic understanding of the surgical process, potential risks, and recovery timeline, leading to higher satisfaction levels post-surgery.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy prehabilitation is a critical component in preparing patients for knee and hip joint arthroplasty. It not only improves pain and functional outcomes before surgery but also positively influences patient expectations and satisfaction levels post-surgery. At HolistiCare Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to incorporating these best practices to ensure our patients have the best possible outcomes from their joint replacement surgeries.
Reference:
Clode, N. J., Perry, M. A., & Wulff, L. (2018). Does physiotherapy prehabilitation improve pre-surgical outcomes and influence patient expectations prior to knee and hip joint arthroplasty?. International journal of orthopaedic and trauma nursing, 30, 14–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijotn.2018.05.004