09/07/2025
If you’re needing surgery due to chronic illness or orthopedic injury, odds are you have endured at least a few weeks of limited activity, pain/anxiety, loss of strength, and cardiovascular de-conditioning.
Studies have shown the shocking effects of disuse on our bodies.
Did you know that after 2 days of immobilization of a single leg, muscle protein synthesis decreases by around 30%….by 10 days, the loss of tissue is around the size of an adult heart, and loss of strength is around 30%.
In fact, if you decrease the amount that you walk by 90%, not only will you stop producing muscle, the amount of myostatin (a hormone which down-regulates muscle growth and increases the production of scar tissue) increases 3 FOLD!…and your tendency to become pre-diabetic increases.
Furthermore, repeated episodes of disuse over your life span may lead to a collective loss of lean muscle mass as you age and an increased likelihood of complications with overall health.
Multiple studies are providing evidence that PREHABILITATION up to 8 weeks prior to a scheduled procedure can:
⭐️Improve post-operative outcomes
⭐️Decrease length of hospital stays
⭐️Lower the incidence of complications
Physical therapy prior to surgery can help with this by helping you improve strength, function, and conditioning to boost your
💪Pre-operative physiological reserve
Bonus: prehab may also help you decrease anxiety by providing you with information/expectations about your procedure and the rehab process.
——a few articles added in comments 😉——-
If you’re scheduled for surgery, don’t wait until it’s over to schedule your PT appointment. Please start now to ensure an optimal path toward full recovery.
Give me a call or email to schedule a free 15 minute phone consult.
☎️ at 832-971-5286
⌨️katie@wysewellandrehab.com