What is prehabilitation and how does it help me?
Prehabilitation, often referred to as “prehab,” is a proactive approach to healthcare that involves preparing and strengthening a patient’s physical and psychological condition before they undergo a major medical procedure such as cancer treatment or surgery. The goal of prehabilitation is to enhance a patient’s overall health, fitness, and resilience, which can improve their ability to cope with the stress and demands of surgery and the postoperative recovery period. Here are some key aspects of prehabilitation for patients.
Prehabilitation empowers patients through
Physical Conditioning
Prehabilitation typically includes exercises and physical therapy to optimise a patient’s physical fitness and functional capacity. This can involve cardiovascular exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance training, depending on the patient’s specific needs and the upcoming surgery or cancer treatment..
Mental Preparation
Prehabilitation also focuses on mental well-being. Patients are provided with information about the upcoming procedure, potential challenges, and coping strategies. This can help reduce anxiety and improve the patient’s mental resilience.
Lifestyle Modifications
Prehabilitation typically includes exercises and physical therapy to optimise a patient’s physical fitness and functional capacity. This can involve cardiovascular exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance training, depending on the patient’s specific needs and the upcoming surgery or cancer treatment..
Education
Patients are educated about what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, including potential complications, recovery timelines, and postoperative care.
Nutritional Guidance
Proper nutrition is essential for the healing process. Prehabilitation may involve dietary recommendations to ensure that the patient’s body is well-nourished and in the best possible condition for recovery.
