Prehabilitation — Melbourne
Prehab: Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery
Prehab (prehabilitation) is a structured plan to improve your strength, fitness, and confidence before surgery. We combine physiotherapy, exercise science, and ERAS+ education so you recover faster, walk sooner, and return safely to daily life.
Why Prehab?
- Shorter hospital stay
- Lower pain & swelling
- Faster walking & stairs
- Fewer complications
- Greater confidence
Aligned with our ERAS+ pathway.
Who Benefits?
How Long?
Most patients complete 2–6 weeks of structured prehab. We baseline with a Biomechanical Profile Assessment (VALD ForceDecks + InBody) and track progress in the Healthy Joints app.
What Your Prehab Includes
Strength & Mobility
Targeted exercises for hips, knees, or shoulders to improve control, flexibility, and endurance.
Cardiovascular Conditioning
Low-impact walking, cycling, or hydrotherapy to boost circulation and lung function.
Nutrition & Weight Optimisation
Protein targets, hydration, and metabolic risk reduction to support wound healing.
Mindset & Education
Clear guidance on anaesthetic, pain control, and milestones to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Need examples?
- Prehab for Hip Replacement — core, gluteals, balance
- Prehab for Knee Replacement — quadriceps, hamstrings, gait
- Prehab for Shoulder Surgery — rotator cuff, scapular control
With Prehab
- Hospital stay: often shorter (≈1–2 days)
- Pain & meds: lower pain scores, faster weaning
- Mobility: earlier stairs and community walking
- Confidence: clearer expectations, less anxiety
- Complications: reduced risk, smoother discharge
Without Prehab
- Longer length of stay
- Higher early pain and medication use
- Slower return to walking and stairs
- Uncertain expectations and confidence
- Higher chance of stiffness or readmission
Your Prehab Timeline
- 4–6 weeks before: Initial assessment (VALD ForceDecks, InBody, movement screen), goals set.
- Start program: Supervised + home exercises; activity targets in the Healthy Joints app.
- 2-week review: Progressions, swelling/pain strategies, gait practice.
- 1 week before: Final readiness check, medication plan, equipment & home setup confirmed.
Readiness Checklist
- Prehab assessment booked
- Exercise plan started
- Daily walking routine
- Protein & hydration targets
- Pre-op education completed
- Hospital bag & home aids ready
FAQs
Can I do prehab if I have pain?
Yes. Exercises are modified to your tolerance using low-load strengthening and pacing strategies.
Do I need a referral?
No. A GP/surgeon letter can help with Medicare or private health rebates if applicable.
How will my progress be measured?
With Biomechanical Profile Assessment (VALD ForceDecks strength symmetry, InBody lean mass), range-of-motion and functional tests (sit-to-stand, timed walk), and in-app milestones.
Next Steps
Book a Prehab Assessment to start your program. We’ll tailor exercises, education, and support to your surgery and goals.
Further reading
Peer-reviewed reviews on this topic, free to read in full.
- Prehabilitation for Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis — JAMA Netw Open, 2023 (free full text, PMID 37052919)