What Is Surgical Prehabilitation?
Surgical prehabilitation, often referred to as "prehab," is the process of optimizing a patient’s physical, nutritional, and mental health before surgery. Just as athletes train prior to a competition, patients can prepare their bodies and minds for the physical stress of surgery, aiming to enter their surgical experience stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to heal.
Prehabilitation typically includes:
Exercise and physical conditioning to build strength, endurance, and mobility
Nutritional support to correct deficiencies, provide the nutrients critical for healing, balance blood sugar, and support immune function
Mental health and stress management tools to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and build emotional resilience
Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, and improved sleep habits, to enhance overall surgical readiness and recovery
In other words, prehabilitation helps patients become the best version of themselves before surgery so that the recovery process is smoother, shorter, and less complicated.
Prehabilitation compared to Rehabilitation
While both prehabilitation and rehabilitation are essential components of comprehensive surgical care, they differ in both timing and purpose. Prehabilitation occurs prior to surgery and focuses on optimizing a patient’s overall health and resilience in anticipation of a procedure. It addresses areas such as nutrition, physical fitness, metabolic health, stress reduction, and emotional well-being to strengthen the body and mind ahead of time.
In contrast, rehabilitation begins after surgery and is designed to restore function, mobility, and independence. This phase is more therapeutic and restorative in nature, often involving physical therapy, pain management, wound care, and the recovery of strength and range of motion.
Prehabilitation is proactive and preventive, setting the stage for a smoother recovery. Rehabilitation is reactive, helping patients regain what was lost. When prehabilitation is implemented effectively, it can significantly improve the rehabilitation process by reducing complications, shortening hospital stays, and accelerating the return to normal activity.
Why Prehabilitation Matters
Research demonstrates that patients who engage in structured prehabilitation experience fewer complications, shorter hospitalizations, and better physical function after surgery. This is especially important for:
Cancer patients undergoing major surgeries
Individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease
Patients undergoing elective or reconstructive surgeries, including breast reconstruction or joint replacement
Even a few days of preparation can have a meaningful impact on outcomes. Speak with your healthcare team about incorporating prehabilitation into your surgical plan.
