Having Surgery? Bounce Back Faster With Pre- and Post-Rehab
Having Surgery? Bounce Back Faster With Pre- and Post-Rehab

Prairie Rehabilitation · Surgical Recovery

Having Surgery? Bounce Back Faster With Pre- and Post-Rehab

If you’re scheduled for an orthopedic surgery (such as a total joint replacement or an ACL repair), you probably already know you’ll need to undergo rehabilitation afterward with a physical therapist. But have you considered working with a PT before your surgery, too?

Pre-rehabilitation, sometimes called “prehab,” is a little less common than rehab, but it’s still an important part of the surgical process. Together, a structured pre- and post-surgical physical therapy program can help you maximize the benefits of your surgery.

We offer pre- and post-rehab here at Prairie Rehabilitation, and today, we want to explore both programs in detail. And if you’d like more personalized guidance, just contact our clinic to speak to our friendly staff!

Physical therapy appointment

What You Need to Know About Pre-Op Physical Therapy

Surgery can be incredibly tough on the human body. It’s a highly invasive procedure that brings with it a host of complications, such as blood clots, post-surgical pain, and more. 

Standard rehabilitation works to minimize these risks after the fact. However, prehab takes a proactive approach, allowing you to improve strength, fitness, and pain levels before you have your procedure.

Think of it this way: No athlete goes into a big game unprepared. They spend time training to ensure their strength, endurance, and performance are the best they can possibly be. Prehab is the same way–you’re preparing your body for the “big game” of surgery.

What Are Some Benefits of Prehab?

  • Improves strength and mobility, making surgery and recovery easier
  • Reduces pain and swelling before surgery
  • May help shorten hospital stays and overall recovery times
  • Decreases the risk of complications
  • Helps you understand what to expect after surgery, reducing anxiety

What Can I Expect During Prehab?

  1. An initial evaluation in which one of our physical therapists assesses your strength, range of motion, balance, and pain level
  2. Various pain management techniques, including manual therapy, ice/heat, or electrical stimulation, to help reduce discomfort
  3. A therapeutic exercise program consisting of specific exercises to target weak or stiff areas, improve circulation, and support surrounding joints
  4. Personalized endurance training consisting of low-impact cardiovascular activities to increase overall stamina
  5. A detailed overview of what you can expect after your surgery, including training on mobility aids and rehab exercises
Physical therapy and pain relief

What You Need to Know About Post-Op Rehabilitation

Most orthopedic surgeries aim to correct whatever dysfunction is causing pain (for example, replacing an arthritic joint with a prosthesis). The results can be life-changing, but they don’t occur overnight. It takes time to restore your body to its optimal strength, mobility, and function.

That’s what post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on. A structured physical therapy program helps you recover from the surgery itself and work to get back to the activities that matter most to you.

What Are Some Benefits of Rehab?

  • Reduces pain and inflammation 
  • Improves range of motion and overall mobility
  • Strengthens muscles and improves overall function
  • Helps you regain independence and return to your daily activities
  • Lowers the risk of long-term complications, such as chronic pain

What Can I Expect During Rehab?

  1. Techniques to help manage acute pain and swelling, such as ice, compression, manual therapy, and assisted stretches
  2. Guided mobility work to help restore movement in the affected joint or area without stressing healing tissues
  3. Scar tissue management using hands-on therapy or tools to reduce the risk of long-term pain or stiffness
  4. Targeted, progressive strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle at an appropriate pace
  5. Balance or gait training to help restore stability in surgeries that affect your movement patterns
  6. Functional training that helps you relearn everyday movements like standing, walking, or climbing stairs
Balance training during physical therapy

Your Recovery Starts Here

Going Into Surgery? Prairie Rehabilitation Is Here to Help!

If you have surgery scheduled, now’s the time to contact our clinic and learn more about how our pre- and post-op rehabilitation programs can help you make the most of your procedure.

Remember, your recovery starts before you ever head into the operating room. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.

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Exercise of the Month

Lunges

Watch the Exercise
Exercise Instructions

LUNGES

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Step one foot backward and lower your back knee toward the floor, keeping your front knee aligned over your ankle. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position. Alternate legs with each rep.

Sets 3 Sets
Reps 10 Reps / Leg
Complete 3 sets of 10 reps on each leg, alternating legs with each repetition.
Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation following surgery

Your Recovery. Your Progress.

Don’t Wait to Start Healing

The right rehabilitation plan can help you move forward with confidence after surgery.

Surgery is often essential to restoring quality of life after a significant sports injury, but it’s only part of the process. Most orthopedic surgeries–from ACL repairs to total joint replacements–will benefit from dedicated post-operative physical therapy, and the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be.

The Benefits of Early Rehabilitation

Three Reasons to Start Physical Therapy Early After Surgery

01

It Protects Your Range of Motion

Surgery causes your body to lay down scar tissue, which can lead to long-term joint stiffness if left unaddressed. However, not using your joint can also cause long-term stiffness. Early physical therapy can help reduce the likelihood of scar tissue through safe, guided movement and targeted hands-on techniques, making it easier for you to restore normal movement patterns over time.

02

It Rebuilds Strength and Stability

It’s normal for muscles to weaken after surgery, especially when you’re unable to put full weight on a leg or use an arm normally. Progressive strengthening can help counteract this effect. Our physical therapists will introduce exercises tailored to your stage of healing, helping you safely rebuild strength, improve balance, and restore coordination for everyday activities and sports.

03

It Supports Better Long-Term Recovery

Early rehabilitation helps you relearn healthy movement patterns before poor habits develop, ensuring good long-term results. Depending on your needs, your post-op rehab plan might include exercises to improve gait, balance, and the day-to-day movements you need to function.

Every recovery is different. Your rehabilitation program should reflect your procedure, your goals, and your body’s healing pace, with exercises and progressions guided by your care team.

Take the Next Step

Start Your Recovery Journey Today

At Prairie Rehabilitation, our team develops personalized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your procedure, goals, and your body’s natural healing pace. Whether you’re preparing for orthopedic surgery or have recently had a procedure, we can help! Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and get started on a safe, effective recovery plan.

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Making the most of your health insurance and physical therapy benefits

Year-End Benefits Reminder

Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste

If you’ve met your insurance deductible for the year, now may be a great time to take advantage of your remaining therapy benefits. Whether you’ve been putting off treatment, managing an ongoing condition, or simply want to address an issue before it gets worse, physical therapy can help you stay active and feeling your best.

Contact Prairie Rehabilitation today to see how we can help you make the most of your benefits before the year ends!

Make the Most of Your Benefits
PATIENT SUCCESS
“

I had an exceptional experience at Prairie Rehab after my knee replacement surgery. The whole staff was very professional and knowledgeable.

— Kevin A.
”
Colorful pitaya smoothie bowls topped with fresh fruit, coconut, chia seeds, and pistachios

Fresh • Colorful • Nourishing

Pitaya Smoothie Bowls

Brighten your day with these refreshing Pitaya Smoothie Bowls, packed with tropical pineapple, creamy dragon fruit, and sweet fresh fruit. Crunchy pistachios, toasted coconut, and chia seeds add delicious texture, making this a colorful, satisfying way to enjoy a fresh breakfast or afternoon treat.

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Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 tablespoon light agave nectar
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cubed fresh pink pitaya (dragon fruit), divided
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ¼ cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • ¼ cup sliced banana
  • 2 tablespoons toasted unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons toasted unsalted pistachios
→

Directions

  1. Combine pineapple, agave, salt and ¾ cup pitaya in a blender; puree until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in chia.
  3. Transfer to two bowls; chill for 15 minutes.
  4. Top each bowl with strawberries, banana, coconut, pistachios and the remaining ¼ cup pitaya.
A Fresh Take on Feeling Good

A little color, a little crunch, and a whole lot of tropical flavor.

Contact Us For An Appointment

We’re here to help you learn what steps you can take to alleviate and prevent your pain once and for all!

Let’s Get You Better As Soon As Possible!

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Scheduling an Appointment with Prairie Rehab is Easy!

You do not need a doctor’s prescription to seek physical therapy in the states of Minnesota & South Dakota. You have direct access to physical therapy.

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