The role of Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation within Orthopaedic Surgery Want to know more? Orthopaedic surgeries like hip and knee replacements have become increasingly common as populations age and expectations for mobility and quality of life rise. While surgical techniques continue to advance, outcomes are not determined in the operating theatre alone. Focus on prehabilitation and rehabilitation has become increasingly important. Orthopaedic surgery is a journey. Prehab and rehab are essential phases that can profoundly influence the success of that journey. With osteopathic care, patients benefit from a holistic, patient-centred approach that supports not just the joint, but the whole person. You can significantly enhance recovery, reduce complications, and improve long-term function. What is Prehabilitation? Prehabilitation refers to targeted interventions undertaken before surgery to prepare the body physically and psychologically. Rather than entering surgery in a deconditioned or painful state, patients are supported to optimise strength, mobility, and overall health. Prehabilitation typically includes: Strength training: Building muscle around the affected joint (i.e. quadriceps for knee replacement, gluteal for hip replacement) Range of motion exercises: Maintaining joint mobility to prevent stiffness Cardiovascular: Enhancing overall endurance to support recovery Education: Setting realistic expectations about surgery and recovery timelines Pain management strategies: Reducing preoperative pain to improve postoperative outcomes How Osteopathy can support Prehab Osteopathic care brings a unique, holistic approach to prehabilitation. Rather than focusing solely on the affected joint, osteopathy considers the interconnectedness of the body. Whole-body assessment: Identifying compensatory patterns that may impact surgical outcomes Manual therapy: Improving tissue quality, circulation, and joint mechanics Postural optimisation: Addressing biomechanical inefficiencies that could hinder recovery Breathing and lymphatic techniques: Supporting immune function and reducing inflammation For example, a patient awaiting knee replacement may have altered gait mechanics affecting the hip, pelvis, and spine. Addressing these issues can create a more favourable baseline for recovery and manage pain while waiting for surgery. Book Online Rehabilitation After Surgery Rehabilitation begins almost immediately after surgery and is vital for restoring the persons physical movement, independence, and confidence. Early mobilisation: Encouraging movement early post-surgery Progressive strengthening: Slowly rebuilding joint muscle strength Gait retraining: Restoring efficient walking patterns Functional training: Practicing daily activities i.e climbing or standing up Pain and swelling management: Using ice, compression, and manual therapy How your Osteopath can help you through Rehab Osteopathic treatment can play a valuable role throughout the rehabilitation phase. Some benefits include: Reducing postoperative pain and stiffness Enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage Improving scar tissue mobility Supporting adjacent joints and structures Addressing compensatory movement patterns Importantly, osteopathic care complements physiotherapy rather than replacing it. While physiotherapy often focuses on structured exercise progression, osteopathy adds a layer of manual hands on therapy and support. If you are unsure about when to see an Osteopath during rehabilitation, you can call and discuss that before making your appointment. Book Online
