When you’re preparing for surgery, it’s natural to focus on what happens afterwards, how quickly you’ll recover, when you’ll get back to work, and how soon you’ll feel like yourself again. In addition to this, an important part of the journey starts before the operation.
At SHP Health, our physiotherapy team regularly works with patients in the weeks leading up to surgery. This proactive phase, called prehabilitation or “prehab”, is one of the most effective ways to support your recovery, reduce pain, and improve long-term outcomes. (Book your initial physiotherapy assessment).
In this blog, we explain what prehab involves, why it matters, and how it can help you feel better prepared for the road ahead.
What Is Prehab?
Prehab is a structured physiotherapy programme designed to prepare your body for the challenges of surgery. Instead of waiting until after the operation to rebuild strength and mobility, prehab helps you develop it beforehand.
A typical individualised programme may include:
- Strengthening and or mobility exercises targeted at the area being operated on as well as the joints & muscles around that area
- Cardiovascular conditioning to support overall health
- Education on post-operative movement and expectations
- Techniques to manage pain and swelling
The goal is simple… you go into surgery stronger, more informed, and better prepared, which usually leads to a smoother recovery.
Why Prehab Works
1. Better Physical Readiness
Surgery has an impact on strength, mobility, and balance. By building these before the operation, you give your body a head start and this may help you recover faster.
2. Faster Return to Function
Research consistently shows that some patients who complete prehab regain movement more quickly and often progress faster through their early rehabilitation stages. Being familiar with movements and exercises before your surgery can also help to you feel more confident doing them after the operation.
3. Reduced Pain and Swelling
Understanding how to manage your pain and swelling before, as well as after the operation, can help you to move and feel better faster.
4. Improved Surgical Outcomes
Stronger muscles and better joint control support improved post-operative function and may reduce the risk of complications.
What to Expect From a Prehab Programme
Your prehab journey usually starts with a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment. At SHP, this includes:
- Reviewing your surgical plan and medical history
- Specific strength testing using our dynamometers to get an accurate picture of exactly where you are prior to the surgery
- Assessing your range of movement, functional movements and where relevant, your flexibility, balance, and posture
- Identifying any factors that may affect recovery such as your work setup or schedule, as well as the impact of other health conditions such as those that affect your heart and lungs.
- Discussing your goals, concerns, and timeline
From this, your physiotherapist builds a personalised plan tailored to both your current function and your post-operative needs.
Your programme may include:
- Targeted strengthening of key muscle groups you’ll rely on after surgery
- Mobility work to optimise joint movement and reduce stiffness
- Gait training and practice with crutches or walking aids (if needed)
- Education on wound care, swelling management, and safe positioning
- Home-based exercises so you feel confident continuing independently
Every step is designed to make sure you are physically and mentally ready for surgery.
When Should You Start Prehab?
Ideally, prehab begins 6–8 weeks before surgery, giving your body enough time to build strength and adapt. However, even a shorter programme of 2 to 4 weeks can still provide meaningful benefit.
The earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be.
Who Can Benefit From Prehab?
Prehabilitation is recommended for anyone undergoing:
- Hip, knee, or shoulder replacement
- Ligament, tendon and muscle surgeries
- Spinal surgery
- Complex orthopaedic procedures
- Abdominal or general surgeries (with surgical team approval)
Whether you’re an athlete, a desk-based worker, or someone dealing with long-term pain, prehab can help improve surgical confidence and post-operative outcomes.
How SHP Health Can Support You
At SHP, our physiotherapy service is:
- Consultant-led, ensuring coordinated care and clear guidance
- Evidence-based, with personalised programmes backed by current best practice
- Flexible, offering in-clinic sessions at The Barn or effective home-based physiotherapy options
- Patient-centred, with a focus on education, reassurance, and long-term recovery
We work closely with you from the preparation stages right through to post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring continuity and high-quality care throughout your surgical journey. We also have excellent working relationships with local medical professionals and surgeons, to ensure that you get joined up care.
Final Thoughts
Prehab is a simple yet powerful way to influence your recovery. By preparing your body and understanding what to expect, you can reduce stress, improve your function, and give yourself the best possible chance of a smooth, successful outcome.
If you’re due to have surgery and would like support with prehab, our physiotherapy team is here to help.
Get in touch with our team to arrange your assessment and start your preparation today.
We’ll guide you safely from day one, in clinic or at home.
✍️ By Camilla Birley