Yes, Spectrum Physiotherapy offers pre-surgical physiotherapy, often called prehab, in Newmarket. Prehab is physiotherapy you do in the weeks or months before an operation to build strength, keep your joints moving and prepare for recovery. Our clinic is in the Dixon Medical Centre at 531 Davis Drive, about 400 metres from Southlake Regional Health Centre, and you can start as soon as your surgery is booked.
Who Prehab Is For
Prehab can help anyone preparing for surgery that affects how they move, including:
- Knee and hip replacement
- ACL and other ligament reconstruction
- Shoulder surgery, such as rotator cuff repair
- Spinal surgery
- Other surgeries where your strength, fitness and mobility will affect how quickly you get back on your feet
What Prehab Includes
Your physiotherapist will assess your strength, mobility, balance and current pain, and ask about your surgery date and your surgeon’s instructions. Your program may include:
- Strengthening: especially the thigh (quadriceps), hip and core muscles that you’ll rely on after surgery
- Keeping the joint moving: range-of-motion exercises suited to your condition and comfort
- Practising with walking aids: learning to use a walker, cane or crutches safely before you need them
- Learning your post-op exercises early: so they feel familiar when you get home
- Planning for home: advice on stairs, bathroom safety, getting in and out of the car, and setting up your space for recovery
Most prehab plans combine clinic visits with a simple home exercise program.
What the Research Says
A review of randomized trials published in JBJS Reviews found that prehabilitation before joint replacement produced small-to-moderate benefits. For knee replacement, it improved function, quadriceps strength and hospital length of stay; for hip replacement, it improved pain, function and length of stay (Moyer et al., 2017). Results vary between studies and between people, but going into surgery stronger and better prepared can make the early stages of recovery feel more manageable.
From Prehab to Rehab
After your surgery, the same team can continue your care with post-surgical physiotherapy, following your surgeon’s protocol. Because your physiotherapist already knows your history, strength and goals, your rehab can pick up where prehab left off.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start prehab?
As soon as your surgery is booked. Even a few weeks of prehab can help you prepare, and starting earlier gives you more time to build strength.
How many prehab sessions will I need?
It depends on your surgery date, your current strength and mobility, and your goals. Your physiotherapist will suggest a plan after your assessment, usually combining a small number of clinic visits with exercises at home.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. In Ontario, you can book directly with a physiotherapist. Some extended health plans require a referral for reimbursement, so check your plan.
Is prehab covered by insurance?
Prehab is physiotherapy, so it is often covered under the physiotherapy portion of extended health benefits. Coverage varies by plan. We offer direct billing to many extended health insurance plans.
Book a Prehab Assessment
If you have surgery coming up, we’d be happy to help you prepare. Contact Spectrum Physiotherapy or call 905-853-2511 to book an assessment.
