Prehab: How to Get in Shape Before Surgery

Being physically fit helps you maintain your overall health and vitality, but did you know that it can also determine how quickly you bounce back after surgery?

A few years ago, I underwent an operation to repair a torn meniscus and after 4 days I no longer needed pain medication or crutches. Teddy bears with cliché get-well messages embossed on their shirts helped to raise my spirits, but the real key to my speedy recovery was the state of my pre-surgery body. Since I am a certified personal trainer, I lead an active lifestyle, however, in the weeks before my operation I did quite a bit of strength and conditioning training. Prepping my body for the trauma of surgery greatly impacted the rate at which I was able to return to my normal routine.

A recent US study showed that patients with an active lifestyle have a distinct advantage going into surgery, since their bodies are better equipped to handle the anesthetic—a substance that is known to interfere with vital bodily mechanisms, such as breathing and circulation. Although everyone’s body responds differently to anesthetics, individuals that exercise regularly and are at an optimum weight tend to experience fewer and more manageable side effects than overweight patients. According to Sandra Tunajek, the director of Practice at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, this occurs because people that are fit prior to surgery are likely to possess “greater lung capacity, lower blood pressure, and stronger heart muscles.” All of which, says Tunajek, “lead to greater ability to process out pre-existing harmful toxins and pollutants, resulting in less interference with anesthesia as well as faster recovery.”

The status of your health prior to surgery is of the utmost importance for a speedy recovery. Here are 5 tips to help you get in shape before you head into the operating room.

1. You should stop smoking as it can increase the chances of getting an infection and slows your recovery. Smoking also raises your chances of suffering from post-operative conditions like pneumonia.  

2. If you’re overweight, consult with your surgeon about going on a weight loss program before the operation. Getting exercise and losing a few pounds can reduce the risk of infection and other minor complications.

3. Throw an extra “leg day” into your existing workout regimen. Strengthening your leg muscles, particularly those around your knee, can accelerate your recovery time and make performing rehabilitation exercises much easier. Be sure to ask your surgeon or physiotherapist for exercise recommendations to ensure that you’re working on the correct muscles.

4. When doing pre-surgery workouts, remember to do exercises that strengthen your upper body. Doing so will help you use walking aids, such as crutches, once you’re ready to be mobile again.

5. Increase your intake of protein to help your body repair itself. Foods rich in protein help the blood to circulate fats, hormones, enzymes and vitamins, which are all vital for developing new tissue. Your body will thank you for eating that extra piece of chicken breast for dinner.

Photo Cred: Pixabay / Jason Freeny, courtesy of Laughing Squid