At Houlbrook Physiotherapy, we understand that facing a hip or knee replacement can feel like a daunting milestone. You might be worried about the surgery itself, or perhaps you’re concerned about how long it will take to get back to the things you love—whether that’s gardening, walking the dog, or simply moving around your home without pain.

Our mission is to provide holistic, high-quality rehabilitation that restores your mobility and increases your strength. We believe that your recovery shouldn’t start the day you leave the hospital; it should start weeks before you even arrive. This is where “prehabilitation”—or pre-op exercise—becomes your most valuable tool.

What is Pre-Op Exercise?

Think of your surgery as a journey towards independence. Just as you wouldn’t embark on a long hike without the right boots and a bit of training, your body needs to be physically prepared for the “marathon” of surgery and recovery.

Pre-op exercises are bespoke movements designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your joints before the operation takes place. By focusing on your quadriceps, glutes, and core strength now, you are effectively “banking” muscle function that will make your post-operative physiotherapy much more effective.

The Benefits of Staying Active Before Surgery

As experts in providing care for the older adult community, we see first-hand how much of a difference a few weeks of preparation can make. The benefits of pre-op exercise include:

• A Faster Return to Independence: Stronger muscles allow you to mobilise sooner after surgery, which is the best way to regain your confidence and get back to your routine.
• Reduced Post-Op Pain: By improving joint lubrication and muscle support ahead of time, many patients find their initial recovery phase more manageable.
• Better Outcomes: Going into surgery with a good range of motion means you are starting your recovery from a much higher baseline.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you have done everything possible to prepare helps reduce the anxiety often associated with major surgery.

Our Bespoke Prehab Class at The Coach House Clinic

We know that it can be difficult to know which exercises are safe and effective when you are already in pain. That is why we have developed a specialised Hip and Knee Replacement Prehab Class at our Coach House Clinic.

This class is designed specifically for our local community, providing a supportive environment where you can prepare alongside others on a similar journey. Our approach is highly professional and expert, yet remains person-centred and deeply empathetic to your individual needs.

In our prehab classes, we focus on:

• Targeted Strengthening: Bespoke exercises to stabilise the hip and knee joints.
• Functional Mobility: Practising the movements you will need most in the early days of recovery.
• Expert Advice: Clear, jargon-free guidance from clinical experts on what to expect during your hospital stay and beyond.

A Holistic Approach to Your Care

At Houlbrook Physiotherapy, we don’t just see a “bad hip” or a “stiff knee”; we see a person who wants to regain their quality of life. Whether we are seeing you in our clinic or providing physiotherapy in the comfort of your own home, our goal is to help you achieve your milestones, no matter how big or small they may seem.

Investing time in your physical health now is the best gift you can give your “future self.” By joining our prehab class, you aren’t just exercising, you’re taking the first proactive step towards a more mobile, pain-free future.