What Is Prehab? How Pre-Surgery Physical Therapy Speeds Up Recovery
Don’t Wait Until After Surgery to Start Recovery
Most people think physical therapy starts after surgery—but at Athletic Evolution Woburn, we know the best recoveries start before the procedure ever happens.
Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” is a customized physical therapy program that prepares your body for surgery. Whether you’re getting an ACL reconstruction, shoulder repair, or joint replacement, prehab helps you go into surgery stronger—and come out recovering faster.
This blog breaks down:
- What prehab is
- Why it’s recommended by top surgeons
- What to expect during a prehab program
- Who benefits most from it
- How to get started in Woburn
If you’re preparing for orthopedic surgery, this is your guide to stacking the odds in your favor.
What Is Prehab?
Prehab is short for “pre-surgical rehabilitation.” It’s a focused physical therapy plan designed to:
- Strengthen surrounding muscles
- Improve range of motion
- Build endurance and coordination
- Educate you on post-op expectations
- Reduce post-surgical complications
Think of it as training your body to handle surgery and bounce back more efficiently. Prehab is typically done in the 4–8 weeks leading up to surgery.
Why Prehab Matters Before Orthopedic Surgery
Surgeons often emphasize the technical success of the operation. But outcomes are heavily influenced by your physical condition going into the procedure.
Prehab can:
- Speed up post-op recovery
- Reduce inflammation and pain before surgery
- Improve strength and mobility, which shortens the time needed to return to activity
- Enhance mental preparedness, helping you know what to expect post-op
- Minimize loss of function from muscle atrophy or disuse
Several studies have shown that patients who complete prehab before surgery have better outcomes and return to function faster than those who don’t.
Who Should Consider Prehab?
If you’re scheduled for surgery on any of the following areas, prehab can make a significant difference:
- ACL or other ligament reconstructions
- Rotator cuff or labral shoulder repairs
- Meniscus or cartilage procedures
- Hip arthroscopy
- Lumbar spine surgeries
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Achilles tendon or ankle surgeries
Active adults, athletes, and youth patients benefit especially from prehab because they tend to have higher performance demands—and higher expectations for return-to-play timelines.
What Does a Prehab Program Look Like?
At Athletic Evolution Woburn, every prehab program is customized. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
1. Evaluation & Baseline Testing
We begin with a detailed physical therapy evaluation to assess:
- Range of motion
- Joint mobility
- Strength and muscular control
- Balance and gait
- Pain levels
- Functional movements specific to your sport or lifestyle
We’ll also review your surgical plan and speak with your surgeon or provider (if needed) to align goals.
2. Prehab Treatment Plan
Once we understand your needs, we’ll build a program that includes:
- Strengthening: Targeted exercises to build muscle around the injured joint
- Mobility work: Improve flexibility in key areas to support post-op range of motion
- Neuromuscular control: Train your brain-body connection for better motor patterns
- Education: Learn how to use assistive devices (like crutches), brace protocols, and what to expect day 1 after surgery
- Pain reduction: Hands-on therapy and modalities like shockwave or manual therapy to reduce symptoms before surgery
We also include movement drills and progress tracking so you stay motivated and feel empowered—not sidelined—before surgery day.
3. Mental & Emotional Readiness
Surgery can feel overwhelming. Prehab gives you time to build mental confidence in your recovery path.
- Understand how your body will respond
- Learn about your rehab milestones
- Reduce fear and anxiety through movement and control
- Ask questions and clarify expectations
Feeling in control leads to better adherence and faster return to normal activity after surgery.
Case Study: ACL Prehab Success in Woburn
A 17-year-old lacrosse player from Burlington came to Athletic Evolution four weeks before her scheduled ACL reconstruction.
During prehab, we worked on:
- Full knee extension and flexion
- Quad and glute activation
- Single-leg stability and hop prep
- Crutch training
- Pain reduction and swelling management
By surgery day, she had full range of motion, minimal swelling, and improved quad strength—three factors strongly linked to faster recovery post-ACL surgery.
Her surgeon reported improved surgical access due to reduced inflammation, and her post-op rehab progressed ahead of schedule.
How Long Does Prehab Take?
Most prehab programs run for 2–6 weeks prior to surgery, with 1–3 sessions per week, depending on your condition and goals.
In some cases, we’ll continue post-op care in the same facility, which creates a seamless transition between phases and better communication between you, your therapist, and your surgeon.
Prehab vs. Post-Op Rehab: Why You Need Both
| Stage | Focus | Duration | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prehab | Strength, range of motion, education | 2–6 weeks before surgery | Speeds recovery, reduces complications |
| Post-Op Rehab | Healing, reactivation, return to function | 3–12 months depending on surgery | Full return to sport or daily life |
You can’t shortcut post-op rehab, but prehab gives you a head start.
FAQs About Prehab
Q: Is prehab covered by insurance?
A: In many cases, yes. Because it’s still considered medically necessary physical therapy, we verify your benefits ahead of time.
Q: Can I do prehab if I’m already in pain?
A: Yes. Your therapist will adjust for pain levels and avoid aggravating movements. Often, prehab reduces pain prior to surgery.
Q: What if I’m already active or working out?
A: Great—but general fitness isn’t the same as targeted prehab. We’ll make sure your plan is specific to your injury, upcoming procedure, and surgical guidelines.
Q: When should I start prehab?
A: As soon as your surgery is scheduled. The earlier you begin, the better your outcome.
Get Stronger Before Surgery—Start Prehab in Woburn Today
If you’re scheduled for orthopedic surgery in Woburn, Wilmington, Burlington, or the Greater Boston area, don’t wait until afterward to start healing. Prehab physical therapy at Athletic Evolution Woburn helps you walk into the OR stronger—and walk out faster.
