Fitness tips from the physical therapist

A Preventive Health & Fitness Company
"Keep Active and Have Fun!"

Why do Pre-Surgical Exercise?

Advances in medicine have made major surgeries seem like they are almost routine now. Most people having elective surgery go to out-patient surgical centers or are never admitted to the hospital because they leave within 24 hours! Two of the most successful surgeries are the total knee and total hip replacement surgeries. Over 100,000 a year of these surgeries are performed nationwide. We have come a long way including what we believe should be done before and after surgery to help promote complete recovery.

It's true that if you are more fit and prepared for surgery you will have less complications and recover quicker. In general, you want to be in good cardiovascular shape. That doesn't mean you go out one week before surgery and kill yourself. Unless you are already fit, plan at least 8-12 weeks before surgery to start a graded exercise program. Minimally you want to be able to perform 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3x's/week. Check with your doctor or therapist on what type of specific strengthening and stretching exercises you will be doing after your surgery. Then practice these exercises before surgery until you have good form and know how to perform the exercises properly. This goes for all types of surgeries not just total hips and knees. After surgery, when you have swelling and pain, it can be hard to get your muscles to do what you want them to do. However, since you have learned the exercises beforehand you will know how it feels and looks to do the exercise properly. This is a great advantage!

It is also a good idea to practice walking with the assistive device you will be using after your surgery, if any. This may be crutches, walkers or canes. You should learn how to negotiate stairs or steps with the assistive device and how to get up and down from a chair. If your arm is going to be in a sling for a few weeks make arrangements on how you will perform your ADL's (activities of daily living - like cooking or dressing). Learning how to move in bed is another important factor that can be learned before surgery. This is especially important if you are going to have back surgery. You will learn a special way to get in and out of bed. Finally practice how you will be getting in and out of your tub or shower. You may need to get some safety devices such as grab bars, tub benches and shower hoses to make bathing easier.

Planning ahead when it comes to surgery can help you through your recovery phase. Remember you may be affected by the anesthesia for awhile and be mildly confused or forgetful. Also you will have less to learn all at once decreasing your stress level and you will increase your chance of recovering completely enabling you to return to your previous level of function.

by Carol Glasscock, MS,PT