Before surgery · Optional
Prehab
Two weeks of physical therapy before surgery, so you start recovery stronger and already know the rules.
What prehab is
- Prehab is physical therapy for about 2 weeks before surgery. It is optional.
- It builds core and glute strength and lets you practice crutches and your post-op limits before you need them.
- Ask our office if you would like a prehab prescription.
Your physical therapist has the final say. These are general suggestions from the standard protocol. If your therapist gives you different exercises, limits or timing, follow your therapist's plan. Stop any exercise that causes sharp pain.
Goals
- Physical therapy for 2 weeks before surgery
- An evaluation and goals for after surgery
- Learn the range of motion limits you will follow after surgery
- Practice 20 lb weight bearing with a foot-flat pattern on crutches, including stairs
- Find out if you need extra equipment, such as a raised toilet seat or a reacher, only as needed
- An exercise program for core and glute strength
- Schedule your first post-op therapy visit for 3 to 5 days after surgery
Exercises
- Core strengthening
- Glute strengthening
- Single-leg calf raises
- Single-leg squats
- Side-lying hip abduction and adduction
- Four-point kneeling hip rocks
- Kneeling hip flexor stretches
Limits to practice for after surgery
- No sitting with the hip bent past 90 degrees, to avoid hip flexor irritation
- Hip brace when walking and sitting, usually for 4 weeks (6 after a Labral Revision or Reconstruction or a Glute Tendon Repair)
- 20 lb weight bearing with a foot-flat pattern on crutches, usually for 3 weeks (4 after a Glute Tendon Repair, 6 after a Labral Revision or Reconstruction)
- Range of motion: abduction to 45 degrees, no extension past 0, internal rotation to neutral, external rotation to 30 degrees