Why Prehab Matters
What is Orthopaedic Prehab?
Orthopaedic Prehab is exercise therapy before surgery. It’s designed to prepare your body for the best possible recovery.
The Current Situation
- 835,000 patients were waiting for orthopaedic surgery as of March 2024.
- Many of these are waiting for hip and knee replacements.
- 45% have been waiting over 52 weeks.
- Patients often become weaker and less fit while waiting.
What Should Ideally Happen?
Patients should have access to exercise therapy while on the waiting list. This could be:
- Group exercise classes
- Online programs
- Community-led by exercise therapists
The Benefits of Prehab
- Fewer complications after surgery
- Faster recovery
- Better wound healing
- Shorter hospital stays
- Some patients may avoid surgery altogether
The Risks of Inactivity
- Increased risk of blood clots, chest infections, and wound infections
- Slower healing and longer hospital stays
5 Common Myths vs Reality
Myths
- Exercise harms the joint
- Osteoarthritis is “wear and tear”
- Joints can’t regenerate
- Surgery is the only solution
- Rest is helpful
Reality
- Exercise protects and regenerates joints
- Joints are alive; it’s “wear and repair”
- Muscles can get stronger to support joints
- Surgery is not always necessary or reversible
- Excessive rest is harmful
Exercise That Makes a Real Difference
Did you know?
Doing the right exercises before surgery can sometimes help you avoid surgery altogether!
- About 4 out of 10 people waiting for a hip replacement felt so much better after exercise therapy that they didn’t need surgery.
- About 6 out of 10 people waiting for a knee replacement avoided surgery thanks to regular, guided exercise.
The ARISE Plan
A Guide to Managing Hip and Knee Arthritis
The ARISE Plan is a neuromuscular education and exercise program that helps people waiting for hip or knee surgery or those looking for other treatment for arthritis.
Developed by Mr. George Ampat, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with 25 years of experience, the ARISE Plan aims to empower patients through structured exercise and education to reduce pain and improve joint function.
ARISE stands for:
- Awareness: Proprioception training to improve joint stability
- Resistance: Muscle strengthening exercises
- Individual: Centred on you
- Stability: Building Core Strength
- Essential: Functional movement training
Benefits of the ARISE Plan
- Up to 52% reduction in painkiller usage
- Up to 40% reduction in total hip replacement surgeries
- Up to 68% reduction in total knee replacement surgeries
- Improved fitness and readiness for surgery
- Decreased length of hospital stay and postoperative complications
- Better surgical outcomes and potential to delay or avoid surgery altogether