The answer to whether you should exercise before surgery is generally yes, provided it is done safely and with medical guidance. This practice, known as prehabilitation or “prehab,” is designed to improve a patient’s physical and psychological status before an operation. Prehabilitation aims to increase the body’s functional capacity so it can better handle the demands of the surgical procedure and the subsequent recovery period. By proactively addressing fitness, patients can enter the operating room in the best possible condition, which directly influences their post-operative results.
Preparing the Body for Surgical Stress
Surgery represents a substantial metabolic and physical stressor that triggers inflammation and can lead to muscle breakdown. The body requires a significant physiological reserve to withstand this stress without experiencing a major decline in function. Prehabilitation works to build this reserve, ensuring the body has the capacity to absorb the impact of the procedure and the necessary healing process.
Improving cardiorespiratory fitness is a primary goal, as better oxygen delivery is fundamental for recovery and tissue healing. Aerobic conditioning enhances the efficiency of the heart and lungs, which is particularly helpful given that a fitter body is associated with fewer post-operative complications. A stronger fitness level ensures that even after the temporary setback of surgery, the patient starts from a higher baseline of health and strength.
Physical activity helps to maintain or even build muscle mass, counteracting the muscle loss that often occurs when a person is inactive after an operation. This preservation of strength is crucial for post-surgical mobility and the ability to perform activities like walking or climbing stairs. Overall physical conditioning reduces the risk of complications like blood clots and infections, leading to a smoother recovery trajectory.
Components of a Pre-Surgery Exercise Program
A comprehensive prehabilitation program typically integrates several types of physical activity to achieve optimal conditioning. Aerobic conditioning focuses on activities that enhance the cardiovascular system and improve endurance. Low-impact options like walking, swimming, or cycling are frequently recommended to build fitness without undue strain on joints. The goal is often to accumulate 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, which should cause some exertion but still feel manageable.
Strength training is incorporated to maintain muscle power, especially in the muscle groups that will be most affected by the surgery. This can involve using resistance bands, light free weights, or bodyweight exercises like sit-to-stands from a chair. Stronger muscles provide better support during recovery and help the body better handle the physical demands of post-operative movement.
Flexibility and mobility exercises are also included to prevent stiffness and maintain a healthy range of motion, which can make post-operative physical therapy smoother. Gentle stretching, yoga, or Tai Chi can improve joint flexibility and contribute to better balance, which reduces the risk of falls both before and after the procedure. These activities also enhance coordination and proprioception.
Specific breathing exercises are often emphasized, particularly before abdominal or chest surgeries, where respiratory function may be compromised. Techniques such as deep diaphragmatic breathing and inspiratory muscle training are designed to enhance lung function and reduce the risk of post-operative pulmonary complications like pneumonia. These respiratory exercises should ideally be practiced twice daily, beginning at least one to two weeks before the operation.
Navigating Safety and Timing Restrictions
Before beginning any exercise program, it is necessary to consult with the physician or surgeon to ensure the activities are safe and appropriate for the specific medical condition and planned procedure. The prehabilitation plan must be tailored to the individual’s current health status, addressing any existing physical limitations or pain. Attempting to start an aggressive new regimen in the days leading up to surgery is discouraged, as this increases the risk of injury.
Patients should be aware of specific warning signs that necessitate stopping or modifying their exercise routine immediately. These include feeling dizzy, experiencing chest pain, or noting a sudden, irregular heartbeat. Exercise should also be discontinued if the patient develops a fever or an infection.
The timing for the cessation of exercise varies depending on the surgery type. While prehabilitation typically continues until the final days, most strenuous activity should stop 24 to 72 hours before the procedure. On the day before surgery, the focus should shift entirely to rest, hydration, and relaxation, avoiding strenuous activity. Ultimately, the healthcare team will provide the final, specific timeline for when all physical activity must cease to ensure the body is in a calm, rested state for the operation.