Joint Replacement Prehab Towcester
The work you do before your surgery may be the most important factor in how well you recover afterwards.
What is prehab?
Prehab — short for prehabilitation — means building your strength and physical capacity before surgery. The evidence is clear: people who are stronger going into a joint replacement recover faster, experience less post-operative pain, need less rehabilitation time, and achieve better long-term outcomes.
Yet prehab is rarely offered routinely on the NHS. Most people go into surgery exactly as they are — often having become significantly weaker and more deconditioned during months or years of managing pain before the operation.
Why prehab matters so much
Think of it this way: surgery is a significant physical event. Your body needs resources to recover. The stronger and more resilient you are going in, the faster and better the recovery coming out.
• Stronger muscles around the joint mean better early function after surgery
• Better cardiovascular fitness means faster overall recovery
• Understanding what to expect — and being less fearful — produces better outcomes
• People who do prehab typically reduce their rehabilitation time significantly
• The benefits apply to knee replacement, hip replacement and other orthopaedic procedures
The Movement Possible prehab approach
Prehab at Movement Possible starts with a clinical assessment — understanding where you are now, what the surgery involves, and what the most important physical targets are before your operation date.
From there we build a progressive programme targeting the muscles most important for your specific surgery and recovery — typically the quadriceps, glutes, hip abductors and core for knee and hip replacements.
We also work on general conditioning, confidence with movement, and education about what to expect post-operatively — so you arrive at surgery well-prepared physically and mentally.
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Movement Possible also supports clients through post-surgical rehabilitation following joint replacement. Once your surgical team has cleared you for progressive loading, we can take over from where hospital physiotherapy leaves off — building the strength and function needed to get back to the activities you love.
Tristen's own father had both a knee and hip replacement and went through this process with him. At 78, he now deadlifts over 100kg. The potential for recovery is remarkable with the right support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start prehab?
As soon as you know surgery is scheduled — or even if you're being considered for surgery. The more time you have, the more progress you can make. Even four to six weeks of focused prehab can make a meaningful difference. Starting earlier is always better.
I'm in too much pain to exercise — how can I do prehab?
This is a common concern and a very understandable one. The starting point is always appropriate for your current level — which may mean very gentle loading initially. Often the process of beginning to move progressively reduces pain alongside building strength. The initial assessment will establish exactly what's appropriate for where you are right now.
Will my surgeon support this?
Most surgeons are very supportive of prehab — and many will actively encourage it. If you'd like to discuss this with your surgical team, Movement Possible can provide a summary of the programme for your records.
What about post-surgical rehabilitation — when can I start?
This depends on the surgery and your surgeon's guidance. Most people begin gentle movement within days of surgery and can start progressive strengthening within a few weeks. Movement Possible works alongside your surgical team's guidance and does not begin progressive loading until you have been appropriately cleared.
Do you work with both knee and hip replacements?
Yes — and other orthopaedic procedures including shoulder surgery and spinal procedures where appropriate. The approach is always based on a thorough assessment and close attention to your surgeon's guidance.
Ready to find out what's possible?
Book a free 20-minute discovery call. No commitment — just a conversation about where you are and whether I can help.
📞 07734 429423
Based in Cold Higham, Towcester, Northamptonshire. Serving Towcester, Northampton, Brackley, Daventry, Milton Keynes and surrounding villages.