SPECIALIST JOINT REPLACEMENT SESSIONS

Prior to surgery people often have an altered walking pattern as they compensate for the pain they are experiencing by using alternative muscles to reduce weightbearing through the affected joint. As a result of the pain commonly physical activity reduces and so does quality of life as you are less able to undertake physical activity you previously enjoyed.
There is often a waiting time prior to surgery and during this time secondary problems such as muscle weakness, reduced range of movement, reduced flexibility and reduced exercise tolerance can occur.
While surgery will ultimately improve symptoms and function there is no doubt that it is a serious undertaking and function will initially deteriorate and require a degree of post operative rehabilitation.
It makes sense to retain as much strength and function as possible before going under the knife.  Similar to training before the marathon!
Enter the idea of prehab, a way to maximise function and mitigate the potential damage associated with surgery.
There is evidence to suggest focussing on posture, quality of movement, improving muscle length, joint alignment and flexibility as well as gaining core stability, increasing muscle strength and improving balance can all help to optimise you pre joint replacement and enhance recovery.
Undertaking a well structured Pilates programme prior to surgery is very beneficial to re-educate the body how to move correctly, maintaining hip and knee movement, as well as general strength and balance. Incorporating upper body strength exercises is vital as the shoulders will have to support you and the use of walking aids post-surgery.