Physical Therapy Before Knee or Hip Replacement: Why Prehab Can Improve Your Recovery
Considering a knee or hip replacement in Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, or the South Denver area? Physical therapy before surgery—often called “prehab”—may help you recover faster, regain strength sooner, and improve your overall outcome.
Many people focus all of their attention on the surgery itself. But what you do before surgery can have a significant impact on how you feel afterward.
At Epic Physical Therapy, we help patients throughout South Denver prepare for total knee replacements and total hip replacements by building strength, improving mobility, and creating a plan for recovery before surgery ever happens.
What Is Prehab?
Prehab, or preoperative physical therapy, is a personalized exercise and education program designed to prepare your body for surgery.
Think of it as training for your recovery.
Instead of waiting until after surgery to address weakness and stiffness, prehab focuses on improving:
- Leg strength
- Hip and knee mobility
- Balance and stability
- Walking mechanics
- Endurance
- Pain management strategies
- Postoperative exercise education
Whether you’re scheduled for a total knee replacement or total hip replacement, going into surgery stronger can help you start the recovery process with a better foundation.
Does Physical Therapy Before Joint Replacement Really Help?
Research says yes.
Studies have shown that patients who participate in physical therapy before surgery may experience several potential benefits.
Faster Functional Recovery
Patients who perform strengthening and mobility exercises before surgery may regain walking ability and daily function more quickly after surgery.
Improved Strength and Mobility
Prehab helps maintain muscle strength and range of motion, which can make postoperative rehabilitation easier.
Better Quality of Life
Research demonstrates that patients who complete preoperative exercise programs can experience improvements in pain, physical function, and overall quality of life.
Shorter Hospital Stays
Some studies have found that prehabilitation can contribute to shorter hospital stays and improved readiness for discharge.
Greater Confidence
Knowing what to expect and learning postoperative exercises ahead of time can reduce anxiety and improve confidence during recovery.
Why Strength Matters Before Knee or Hip Replacement
Many patients tell us:
“I’ll just get stronger after surgery.”
But surgery itself temporarily decreases strength and mobility.
If you’re already starting with weak muscles and limited motion, recovery can become more difficult.
Think about it this way:
Joint replacement is one day. Recovery is several months.
The stronger and more mobile you are before surgery, the more reserves your body has to draw from afterward.
What Does Prehab at Epic Physical Therapy Include?
Our physical therapists develop individualized programs based on your goals and current abilities.
Your plan may include:
Strength Training
We target muscles that support the knee and hip, including:
- Quadriceps
- Glutes
- Hamstrings
- Core muscles
Mobility Exercises
Improving flexibility and joint motion before surgery can make postoperative movement easier.
Balance Training
Good balance helps reduce fall risk and improves walking confidence.
Gait Training
Learning to walk efficiently before surgery can help support your return to normal activities afterward.
Education
Understanding what to expect after surgery and practicing your postoperative exercises beforehand can make recovery less intimidating.
Benefits of Physical Therapy After Joint Replacement
At Epic PT, we don’t just help you prepare for surgery—we guide you through recovery afterward as well.
Postoperative rehabilitation focuses on:
- Restoring range of motion
- Rebuilding strength
- Reducing swelling
- Improving walking mechanics
- Returning to golf, pickleball, hiking, and travel
- Getting back to the activities you enjoy
Physical Therapy for Knee Replacement and Hip Replacement in Highlands Ranch and Greenwood Village
Epic Physical Therapy provides comprehensive prehab and postoperative rehabilitation for patients throughout:
- Highlands Ranch
- Greenwood Village
- Centennial
- Lone Tree
- Castle Pines
- Littleton
- Englewood
- South Denver
Our physical therapists work closely with orthopedic surgeons and primary care physicians to help ensure a smooth transition from surgery to recovery.
Do You Accept Medicare and Kaiser Permanente?
Yes.
Epic Physical Therapy accepts most major insurance plans, including:
- Medicare
- Kaiser Permanente
- Kaiser Medicare plans
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Medicaid
- First Choice Health
- Optum
- Workers’ Compensation plans
Our team can help verify your benefits and answer questions about coverage before your first appointment.
Should You Start Physical Therapy Before Joint Replacement?
If you are considering or have already scheduled a knee or hip replacement, starting physical therapy before surgery may help you:
- ✓ Build strength before surgery
- ✓ Improve mobility and balance
- ✓ Learn what to expect after surgery
- ✓ Reduce anxiety surrounding recovery
- ✓ Maximize your postoperative outcomes
- ✓ Return to the activities you love sooner
Looking for Physical Therapy Before or After Knee or Hip Replacement in South Denver?
Epic Physical Therapy offers same-week evaluations and free 30-minute consultations for patients preparing for or recovering from joint replacement surgery.
Whether you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Kaiser Permanente member, or have another major medical insurance plan, our team is here to help you move better and recover with confidence.
Highlands Ranch Clinic
Greenwood Village Clinic
Schedule your free consultation today and start preparing for a stronger recovery.
