As we approach the end of the year, many people are trying to use their benefits to get necessary surgeries done. It is estimated that in the United States that 7 million individuals have an orthopedic procedure each year. The most common surgeries that are performed are on the knees, shoulders, and hips.

Here at Premier Physical Therapy, we offer Prehabilitation. Prehabilitation can be defined as improving a patient's health, functional capacity, and well-being before surgery. A few of the things that Prehabilitation can help with are:

• Mentally preparing you for surgery
• Gaining knowledge of pre/postoperative exercises
• Reducing your pain and swelling
• Improving your range of motion and strength without causing further injury
• Improving your overall health and well-being
• Teaching you how to use an assistive device (if needed)

Not only does Prehabilitation do all of these things, but there is research to back up what we are saying. For example, this article by Snow, Granata, Ruhil, Vogel, McShane and Wasielewski (2014) states, “The use of preoperative physical therapy was associated with a 29% decrease in the use of any post-acute care services.” That also reduces overall costs, on average, by $1,215.

If you plan to have surgery in the future, we highly suggest Prehabilitation with Premier. This can ultimately save you time, pain, and money.  Ask your doctor today for a script to start Prehabilitation and tell them, “Send me to Premier.” We look forward to helping you throughout your surgery process, and if you have any questions, you can reach our team at 573-335-7868.

_{“Prehabilitation.” ACS, https://www.facs.org/for-patients/strong-for-surgery/prehabilitation/PT In Motion News – October 2, 2014 – “Preoperative Physical Therapy Results in ‘Significant’ Reduction in Postoperative Care Use for Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Replacement”}