Pre-Habilitation: How to Prepare Your Body for Joint Replacement Surgery

Thinking of surgery as the start of your recovery is a common misconception. In reality, the recovery process begins the moment you decide to have an operation. 

Being in the best possible physical and mental condition before your procedure offers numerous benefits:

• Faster Recovery: Stronger muscles and better joint mobility before surgery often translate to quicker progress during post-operative rehabilitation.
• Reduced Complications: Being in good health can lower the risk of post-operative complications and infections.
• Improved Surgical Outcome: A body that is well-prepared can heal more efficiently, helping to achieve a better long-term result from your new joint.
• Enhanced Mental Resilience: Feeling in control of your journey can reduce anxiety and boost your confidence, which are vital for a positive recovery experience.
• Reduced Need for Inpatient Rehab: Studies show that patients who engage in prehab can significantly reduce their odds of needing inpatient rehabilitation after surgery.

See more in this article by West Kirby Physio¹.

A successful pre-habilitation programme involves a holistic approach, focusing on several key areas of your health. The effectiveness of prehab, particularly for hip and knee replacements, is well-documented in orthopaedic research.

1. Exercise and Physiotherapy

This is the cornerstone of prehab. A tailored exercise programme, developed with your physiotherapist or specialist, is crucial. The goal is to strengthen the muscles that support your joint, improve your range of motion, and build overall fitness without aggravating your existing pain.

• Strengthening exercises: Focus on the muscles around your affected joint (e.g., quadriceps and hamstrings for the knee, glutes and hip abductors for the hip).
• Cardiovascular fitness: Activities like swimming or cycling can improve endurance, which helps with post-operative fatigue and rehabilitation.
• Range of motion exercises: Gentle movements to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness before surgery.

2. Nutrition and Lifestyle

The fuel you put into your body has a direct impact on its ability to heal. A diet rich in key nutrients can strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing after surgery.

• Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on protein-rich foods, which are essential for tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens and fish. Learn more in King Edward VII’s article2 
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is vital for cellular function and recovery.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impede healing, increase the risk of complications, and affect bone health.

3. Mental and Emotional Preparation

Surgery can be a source of anxiety. Preparing yourself mentally is just as important as physical preparation.

• Set realistic expectations: Talk to your surgeon and care team to understand the procedure and what to expect during recovery.
• Build a support system: Lean on family and friends for emotional and practical support after your operation.
• Stay positive: Focusing on the long-term benefits of a pain-free life can be a powerful motivator.

“Fifty percent of outcome success is due to the surgeon, and the other 50% is due to the patient’s commitment to recovery” - Arthritis Foundation².

At Orthopaedic Innovation, we specialize in a range of joint preservation and joint replacement procedures, with recovery timelines that are carefully managed by our expert team. It is important to remember that these are general timelines; your personal recovery will be unique to you and your specific procedure.

Kley Rapid Hip Replacement

The Kley Rapid Hip approach is a leading minimally invasive technique designed for a swift recovery. It is a day-case procedure that is muscle-sparing and can be completed in less than half an hour. 

Key benefits include:

• Rapid initial recovery: Patients are often walking within hours of surgery.
• Low complication rates: The approach is associated with a 0% infection rate, 0% blood clot rate, and 0% hip dislocation or fracture rate.
• Accelerated return to activities: Patients can be driving within 5 days, and return to work in a matter of weeks typically.

The "forgotten hip" outcome: The goal is a hip that feels so natural you no longer register that you've had anything done.

Knee Replacement Surgery 

Our approach to knee replacement surgery is also centred around advanced planning and minimally invasive techniques to accelerate recovery. The surgery itself typically takes around 30 minutes. 

A general timeline for recovery includes:

• Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-6): The focus is on pain management and beginning movement. Patients start walking with the help of a walking aid and begin targeted physiotherapy.
• Mid-Term Recovery (Months 1-3): Patients gradually wean off walking aids and continue to build strength and flexibility. Most can return to driving and more independent daily living.
• Full Recovery (3-12 months): The goal is to return to all normal activities, including low-impact sports. Full strength and mobility are typically achieved during this time.

Our personalised approach, championed by our multi disciplinary team, is designed to make these timelines as swift and smooth as possible, putting you on the fastest path to a healthier, more active life. 

At Orthopaedic Innovation, we integrate pre-habilitation into our patient care pathway from the very first consultation. Our team, led by internationally recognised surgeons Professor Adrian Wilson and Dr Kristian Kley, understands the profound impact that patient readiness has on recovery. 

We will provide you with a personalised roadmap, including physiotherapy guidance and practical advice on lifestyle changes, to ensure you are fully prepared for a successful procedure and a swift return to a life of activity.

Whether you are having knee or hip replacement surgery, taking these preparatory steps will put you in the best possible position for a positive outcome.