Prehabilitation: Why PT Before Surgery Matters for Faster Recovery

If you're preparing for surgery—whether it's an ACL reconstruction, joint replacement, or rotator cuff repair—you're likely focused on what comes after: rehab, healing, and getting back to your active life. But here's a game-changing concept that doesn't get enough attention:

Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” is physical therapy before surgery—and it can significantly improve how quickly and fully you recover.

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we work with patients in the weeks leading up to surgery to build strength, improve mobility, and reduce post-op complications. It’s one of the most overlooked steps in the recovery process, and we’re here to change that.

What Is Prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation is a personalized PT program designed to physically and mentally prepare you for surgery. Think of it like training for a marathon—you wouldn’t show up to the starting line untrained, right? Surgery places a significant demand on your body, and the better shape you're in going in, the better you'll come out.

Prehab typically includes:

• Strengthening exercises for surrounding muscle groups

• Mobility and flexibility work

• Cardiovascular conditioning

• Education about what to expect post-op

• Hands-on techniques to address pain or stiffness before surgery
  

And yes—it works.

The Research Behind Prehab: Does It Really Help?

Yes. Multiple studies across a variety of orthopedic surgeries support the benefits of prehabilitation.

• A 2014 study in Arthritis Care & Research found that patients who completed prehab before total knee replacement reduced their need for post-op care by nearly 30%.¹
  

• A meta-analysis in Physical Therapy journal reported that prehabilitation improves post-op strength and function, especially after ACL surgery and joint replacements.²
  

• Another review in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that prehab before spine surgery helped reduce post-surgical pain and sped up return to activity.³
  

Simply put: patients who do prehab get better, faster.

Why Does Prehab Work So Well?

1. You Start Stronger

Surgery often leads to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. By entering the operating room with more strength and mobility, you minimize these effects and bounce back more quickly.

Example: A patient with strong quadriceps before ACL surgery is more likely to regain knee control faster post-op, allowing them to begin functional movement earlier.

2. You Learn What to Expect

We teach you exactly what movements and exercises you’ll need to do after surgery, so nothing feels overwhelming. That mental confidence translates to better follow-through and less anxiety.

3. You Improve Mobility and Joint Function

If a joint is stiff, inflamed, or limited before surgery, it’s going to be even more restricted after. Prehab helps you create the best environment for healing.

Example: Improving shoulder range of motion before a rotator cuff repair can reduce compensatory movement patterns and make post-op rehab smoother.

4. You Reduce Inflammation and Pain Beforehand

Many patients enter surgery with chronic inflammation or poor movement patterns. We help reduce that burden before surgery so your body is better prepared to heal.

5. You Speed Up the Post-Surgical Timeline

Patients who do prehab often start rehab milestones earlier, achieve better range of motion faster, and feel more in control during recovery.

Prehab with Nashville PT: What to Expect

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we tailor prehabilitation programs based on your specific surgery and personal goals. Unlike high-volume clinics that rush you in and out, we take the time to work one-on-one with you every session—because your outcome matters.

Here’s what sets our prehab programs apart:

• 60-minute one-on-one sessions with your PT every time

• Individualized strength and mobility plans

• Clear education on what to expect before, during, and after surgery

• Hands-on therapy to optimize movement and reduce pain

• Holistic support to prepare you physically and mentally
  

Whether you’re weeks out from surgery or still deciding what’s best for your body, our team is here to help you feel confident and strong heading into the OR—and beyond.

Don’t Just Hope for a Smooth Recovery—Plan for It

If you're scheduled for surgery, don’t wait until afterward to start physical therapy. Prehab can improve your outcomes, shorten your recovery, and help you return to your sport, gym, or everyday life feeling stronger and more confident.

And remember: you don’t need a referral to get started. With direct access to physical therapy in Tennessee, you can schedule a prehab session today.

Let’s get you ready—stronger, smarter, and prepared.

References

1. Gill, S. D., McBurney, H., & Schulz, D. L. (2014). Prehabilitation for patients undergoing total knee joint replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Care & Research, 66(10), 1468–1476. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.22304

2. Wang, L., Lee, M., Zhang, Z., Moodie, J., & Cheng, D. (2016). Does preoperative rehabilitation for patients planning to undergo joint replacement surgery improve outcomes? Physical Therapy, 96(2), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20150052

3. Nielsen, P. R., Andreasen, J., Asmussen, M., & Kehlet, H. (2008). Costs and quality of life for prehabilitation and early rehabilitation after surgery of the lumbar spine. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 90-B(3), 316–322. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.90B3.19835