Pre-operative rehabilitation or “prehabilitation” has been recommended more and more in recent years. Surgeons will commonly encourage this for those who are planning to undergo an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction. Recent evidence has shown that engaging in prehabilitation can promote better outcomes during the post-operative rehabilitation process and beyond.
Benefits of Prehab
The typical recovery process for an ACL repair can take roughly 9-12 months. Range of motion limitations, strength deficits, swelling and balance difficulties are all factors that can prolong the rehabilitation plan of care. Studies have shown that engaging in a prehabilitation program for 4-6 weeks prior to undergoing surgery can provide beneficial, long lasting effects. Improvements in range of motion, strength, overall function, and patient-reported outcomes were observed 6 weeks after completion of the prehab program and continued benefits were observed as long as 6 years after surgery.
Re-injury Following Reconstruction
While the surgical procedures surrounding ACL repair have significantly improved in recent history, the possibility of an ACL re-rupture remains. Studies have shown that the incidence of re-injury for those who have undergone ACL reconstruction is 6 times greater than those who did not suffer an ACL injury. In fact, the increased risk of re-injury is present for 5 years after reconstruction. Decreased quadriceps strength is one factor associated with increased risk of re-injury. So, by completing prehabilitation, one may be able to start their rehabilitation process with greater quadriceps strength and ultimately reduce the risk of re-injuring the newly reconstructed ACL.
The evidence has shown that engaging in a prehab program before undergoing ACL can improve objective and subjective outcomes. It can help to facilitate return to sport and reduce risk of re-injury. If you have suffered from an ACL tear, physical therapy can help get you on the path to recovery and allow you to return to your favorite sport or activity. Call Respire Physical Therapy at 703-671-1871 or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists. 
Tags: acl reconstruction, evidence based research, post-surgical rehabilitation, choosept, arlingtonva, alexandriava, fallschurchva, Physical Therapy, ptworks, Respire Physical Therapy, painfreeliving, physical therapist, prehabilitation, ACL
